For those of us moved by God’s call and compassion for refugees, these actions are very disheartening…
[pullquote style=”right” quote=”dark”]Arrive Ministries is hopeful that Minnesota will continue to be very receptive to refugees.[/pullquote]On September 26, 2019, the Administration announced it was lowering the ceiling for refugee admissions to 18,000, the lowest ever since the American refugee program began in 1980. Last year the ceiling was 30,000, but was at 110,000 just three years ago.
The President also released an Executive Order that would allow state, city, or county leaders to restrict refugee resettlement in their communities. Some predict this Executive Order will be challenged in the courts on the grounds that states didn’t have the legal authority to simply refuse refugees. Moreover, Immigration law provides that state and local governments must provide aid “without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex or political opinion.” Regardless of the outcome, Arrive Ministries is hopeful that Minnesota will continue to be very receptive to refugees.
For those of us moved by God’s call and compassion for refugees, these actions are very disheartening; resulting in shutting the door on a large number of persecuted refugees; many of whom are our brothers and sisters in Christ. [pullquote style=”right” quote=”dark”]…in stark contrast to our nation’s historical ethos of being a beacon of light and hope for those facing the world’s worst suffering and persecution.[/pullquote]We believe refugees are coming to America because God is bringing the nations to our doorstep, giving the Church the opportunity to show them the love of Jesus.
These policies limit our country’s protection of vulnerable families and individuals, and further dismantle our country’s longstanding resettlement program at the very time when there are more refugees than ever before (25.9 million worldwide). We believe that such reductions cause our nation to lose its moral leadership in the world and is in stark contrast to our nation’s historical ethos of being a beacon of light and hope for those facing the world’s worst suffering and persecution.
What can we do?
Pray
Rejoice always, pray continually (1 Thess. 5:16-17).
We rejoice in all things even when there is discouraging news, because we are the children of God, and God is not slack concerning his promises. [pullquote style=”right” quote=”dark”]Arrive Ministries is going to continue to serve the vulnerable regardless…[/pullquote]God is more concerned about refugees than we are. Arrive Ministries is going to continue to serve the vulnerable regardless; as we expand programs to refugees who are coming, asylum seekers, and refugee families already here. With these announcements ministry may look somewhat different in the future, but our mission to carry out God’s command to welcome and bring lifelong transformation to refugees in Minnesota remains firm.
Advocate
We urge all people of faith to speak up for refugees, asylum seekers, and the world’s most vulnerable. Please join us in voicing your support for our country’s commitment to refugees.
Ask your Senators and Representatives in Congress to support legislation that restores our country’s proud refugee resettlement program to historic norms.
Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 three times and ask for your two Senators and one Representative.
Sample Script: “I’m your constituent from [CITY/TOWN], and I urge you to protect the refugee resettlement program. I am outraged that our government intends to set a new historically low refugee admissions goal at 18,000 for FY20 and allow state and local officials to block resettlement in their communities. Refugee resettlement facilitates U.S. diplomatic, national security, and foreign policy interests. Congress must act. I urge you to issue public statements urging the administration to resettle 95,000 refugees in 2020 and condemn the dismantling of the resettlement program. Another way you can show your support is by co-sponsoring the GRACE Act (H.R.2146, S.1088), which would set the minimum annual refugee admissions goal at 95,000 and ensure greater accountability. My community welcomes refugees, and I urge you to reflect the best of our nation by supporting refugee resettlement.”
Donate
Through your generosity, Arrive Ministries can continue to help refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers be transformed economically, socially and spiritually, as we are transformed together by the Gospel. Your generosity furthers our tutoring and English language training efforts, church refugee gardens, resettlement and employment support, and friendship to refugees across the Twin Cities and in greater Minnesota.
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Thank you for your support and prayers,
Bob Oehrig
Executive Director of Arrive Ministries.
Read more on the historically low limit on refugees, the 2020 Presidential Determination and the new Executive Order.
