Standing With Refugees – HIAS Responds to Day One of the Trump Administration

SILVER SPRING, Md – As President Trump takes office, HIAS reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the rights and safety of people seeking refuge, in the U.S. and around the world. Today, many people seeking welcome and protection were put in significant danger, and the policies and rhetoric used stoked fear in immigrant communities across the nation.  

On day one of his administration, President Trump chose to sign many executive orders which will cause grave harm to refugees, immigrants, and others seeking protection in the United States from around the world.  

As one of the 10 refugee resettlement agencies in the U.S., HIAS is dismayed at the Trump administration’s decision to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. While the suspension indicates the opportunity for case-by-case exceptions, it will place refugees waiting overseas for admission in immediate potential danger. “America is at its best when we welcome refugees,” said HIAS President Mark Hetfield.  “We are appalled by the callousness that this administration is taking toward victims of violence and persecution. Refugee resettlement is a safe and legal pathway, it is a longstanding, bipartisan tradition, it strengthens our national security, and it brings enormous economic and cultural benefits to our communities.” HIAS is ready to work with the Trump administration to restart the program as quickly as possible and to continue to provide an orderly and secure pathway for refugees who have fled religious and other forms of persecution. 

The decision for this suspension was part of a flurry of announcements that stripped away protections from those who need it most.   

Among the announcements signed tonight, President Trump declared a national emergency at the border to both deploy troops and allow for the construction of the border wall. He ordered a reinstatement of the harmful Migration Protection Protocol (MPP) program which, in his last administration, kept many desperate people from being able to access asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.  He announced the end of humanitarian parole programs established safe and carefully controlled pathways for certain forcibly displaced persons, and terminated the CBP One process, denying thousands of people their long-awaited appointments to be able to access the legal asylum process in an orderly manner.

“President Trump used his first day in office to wreak havoc on immigrant communities and on people seeking safety,” Hetfield continued. “But today is day one for HIAS as well. We remain undeterred in our commitment to standing for welcome, and against the politics of fear, dehumanization and demonization.” 

For more than 120 years, HIAS has advocated to the United States government – regardless of political party – to uphold the legacy of a country that is a beacon of hope for refugees seeking safety and that values the contributions of immigrants. In partnership with the Jewish community and other communities of faith, we will stand in solidarity with those seeking welcome and take action – on this first day and every day – to make sure marginalized people seeking protection are not alone. 

To speak with Hetfield or a member of HIAS’ team, please contact media@hias.org.