HIAS Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Statement of HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield:

HIAS is sad to learn of the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who was a tireless advocate for refugees and asylum-seekers, working with us and our refugee protection partners for a robust refugee admissions ceiling every year, and for a more humane and orderly immigration system.

Senator Feinstein consistently showed a special concern for protecting immigrant children. She authored the Unaccompanied Alien Child Protection Act, which was incorporated into the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act that passed in 2008 and guarantees basic humanitarian protections to immigrant children who arrive at the U.S. border on their own. She was a strong supporter of the rights of Dreamers brought to this country when they were young.

Senator Feinstein also shared HIAS’ position that members of Congress must work together to pass bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform to meet the challenges of global displacement. Her leadership will be missed.