New Administration Should Quickly Engage to Understand Already-Strong U.S. Vetting Process
The IRC Will Continue to Provide Resettlement Support to Refugees Admitted to the United States and Humanitarian Aid to Those Who Remain Displaced in War Zones
Press Release – NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, D.C., January 27, 2017 – The International Rescue Committee (IRC) called today’s suspension of the U.S. resettlement program a “harmful and hasty” decision that would impact thousands of innocent people – mostly women and children – awaiting resettlement to the United States. This decision stalls refugees and displaced people worldwide hoping to resettle and rebuild their lives in a new country.
“America has the strongest, most successful resettlement program in the world,” said IRC President and CEO David Miliband. “Certified by successive administrations, the U.S. resettlement program makes it harder to get to the United States as a refugee than any other route. This is one of many reasons to deplore the hasty decision made today.”
The IRC encouraged the Administration to quickly engage with the real expertise in agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase their knowledge of the current resettlement vetting process, and to better understand who refugees are. Decisions regarding any new procedures should then be made based on those experts’ advice and information gathered.
“In truth, refugees are fleeing terror – they are not terrorists,” said Miliband. “And at a time when there are more refugees than ever, America must remain true to its core values. America must remain a beacon of hope.”
Before resettling to the United States, refugees undergo an in-depth process that includes up to 36 months of vetting – including biometric screening – by 12 to 15 government agencies. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. intelligence partners have a long history of safeguarding the integrity of the resettlement program, including regular reviews of protocols.
The IRC said that it will continue to provide of refugees of all faiths and nationalities with resettlement support in the United States and critical humanitarian relief in countries where the ban will take hold.
“This is no time for America to turn its back on people ready to become patriotic Americans,” said Miliband. “We call on the Administration to rethink this move and to emulate the support and generosity shown by Americans in the 29 U.S. communities in which we work.”
