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The Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions â and What We Can Do to Help
As quoted in Matthew 5:35, Jesus said, âI was a stranger, and ye took me in.â Our faith and our love for all humankind demand that we do our part to take in the stranger (see Exodus 23:9). The United Nations estimates that at this moment in history, more than 80 million people have been forced from their homes by threats to their lives. We must do our part to provide refuge for these families around the world (see Responsibilities). To appreciate the gravity of the current situation and have the strongest impact on the process, we must understand the background of refugee resettlement in our country. Each fall, the…
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An Open Letter to Montana Senators on Federal Refugee Funding from the Montana Chapter of MWEG
Dear Senators, On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, we strongly encourage you to reinstate the federal pass-through funding for the refugee resettlement program in HB2. Federal pass-through funding for the refugee resettlement program is beneficial to the state. This funding does not incur costs for the state of Montana. It contributes to healthy communities through job creation and funding in the areas of health and human services, education, and housing. When refugee communities benefit, the state benefits as well. Montana has a history of welcoming displaced people since the ’70s, when the state welcomed Hmong families who had helped the United States during the…
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Official Statement from Mormon Women for Ethical Government on Refugee Resettlement in Texas
We are deeply troubled by Governor Abbottâs decision to reject refugee resettlement in the state of Texas. The new court decision striking down President Trumpâs executive order means the governorâs refusal will not stand, but his letter made it clear he does not believe new refugees are welcome. We decry this decision of exclusion and strongly encourage him to reconsider it. We applaud those leaders, like Utah Governor Herbert, who not only opted in to the refugee resettlement program, but also requested additional refugees, saying they are âeager to see the number of admittances rise again.â Herbert painted an accurate picture of mutual benefit and an embedded culture of compassion…
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Advocating for Refugees in Arizona
By Christie Black, MWEG Arizona Member and Senior Director of Engagement November 21, 2019 Many members of the MWEG Arizona chapter are committed mentors of refugee families in cities throughout the state. We have spent countless hours preparing for, resettling, teaching, serving alongside, and loving our new friends who are fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. We have watched with dismay as the numbers of refugees the U.S. will accept drops each year, and our hearts fill with sadness for those who are left in limbo, waiting for the opportunity to resettle in a new home. October was an abysmal month in particular, as no refugees were admitted…
