Voice for Refuge Action Fund (VFR) invites state legislators to commit to supporting the following priorities that support refugee, immigrant, and asylum seeker communities in their state.

Reaffirming the importance for the United States to promote the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons, to strengthen the U.S. resettlement program, and to uphold the legal right to seek asylum under U.S. law.

WHEREAS the United States should honor refugees around the globe and celebrate the strengths and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership to a particular social group; and

WHEREAS there are more than 100 million displaced people who have been forced from their homes worldwide, more than any time in recorded history, including over 31 million refugees and 4.4 million asylum seekers; and

WHEREAS welcoming the oppressed and persecuted is a core tenet of our country, home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants who have added to the economic strengths and cultural richness of our communities; and 

WHEREAS the United States refugee resettlement program, which was established over 40 years ago, is a lifesaving pillar of global humanitarian efforts, advances United States foreign policy goals, strengthens U.S. national security, and supports regional stability; and

WHEREAS resettlement to the United States is available only for the most vulnerable refugees who undergo rigorous security vetting and medical screening process; and

WHEREAS refugees integrate and quickly become self-sufficient by paying taxes, supporting local commerce, joining the workforce, and providing jobs; now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that as an elected representative in my State, I commit to promote the safety, health, and well-being of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, to strengthen the U.S. resettlement program, and to uphold the legal right to seek asylum under U.S. law; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that I commit to publicly support a State resolution or proclamation honoring World Refugee Day on June 20th; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that I commit to publicly call for an increase in refugee arrivals in my State and urge the Federal government to invest in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that I commit to support State investments in refugee resettlement and the expansion of integration, workforce development, housing, mental health, and other key services for new arrivals; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that I commit to consult with refugee and immigrant leaders and advocates around the state on pro-refugee state policy and other impactful decisions.

TO THIS I DO COMMIT