AJC Opposes Reduced Caps on Number of Refugees Admitted to U.S.

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC expressed disappointment with the Trump Administration's decision to reduce dramatically the maximum number of refugees allowed into the U.S. to 45,000 for Fiscal Year 2018.

"We respectfully urge President Trump to reconsider this decision and recommit to exercising global leadership in refugee resettlement," said Jason Isaacson, AJC Associate Executive Director for Policy.

The figure for the fiscal year, which began Sunday, is the lowest set since creation of the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program in 1980. The cap in FY 2017 was 110,000, although after taking office the Trump Administration allowed a total of only about 52,000 to enter for the year. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that some 22.5 million refugees worldwide are seeking safety in other countries.

"As the world faces an international refugee crisis of dimensions not seen in many decades, this sharp reduction in the overall number of U.S. refugee slots sends a signal of indifference to our global partners and is contrary to the values our nation holds dear," said Isaacson. "Given the exhaustive vetting procedures that each refugee must undergo prior to resettlement in the United States, the Administration's action has the appearance of being based more on bias than on the absolutely legitimate security threats we face."

Through the 111 years of its existence, AJC has consistently advocated for a fair, non-discriminatory, and generous U.S. refugee and immigration policy, in consonance with American ideals and beliefs.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee