From its first day in office, the Trump Administration has taken aggressive and illegal actions to severely limit – and in many cases, entirely revoke – legal immigration pathways for people fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries. Last week, President Trump moved to extinguish the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program entirely by canceling contracts with the nation’s resettlement agencies. The Administration took this action one day after a federal judge ordered the government to restore the refugee program and funding to resettlement organizations like the International Institute of New England (IINE).
The U.S. resettlement program has helped more than 3.5 million refugees settle and thrive in communities throughout the United States since 1980, and has routinely been praised by members of both major political parties. It’s no surprise that a growing majority of voters strongly support the program.
The Trump Administration’s cruel and destructive actions are currently facing legal challenges. IINE is lobbying members of Congress and their staff in partnership with groups around the country. We will join every effort we can to fight for justice.
The International Institute of New England is not going anywhere. We will never turn our backs on newcomers in need, and we will never close the door to a brighter future. With the support of our community, we will continue to provide life-saving services to people from around the world. We are prepared to adjust our focus and services based on what’s possible in the moment, while always advocating for positive change.
Historically, our work has been a public-private partnership. Support from the federal government has enabled us to achieve incredible outcomes for people in need and the communities they join. Now that the federal government is shamefully failing to meet its obligations, our newest neighbors will need local communities to step up and meet the most urgent needs. We are incredibly fortunate to work in a region where our friends and supporters make this possible.
IINE has been welcoming and supporting newcomers for more than a century—long before the creation of the refugee program and during many periods of severe restrictions on immigration. As we navigate today’s formidable challenges, pushing past our frustration and grief at hearing the good people we serve demonized, we are filled with energy and hope as we plan for our next 100 years of service.
