Ken Buck Calls for the United States to Uphold Our Commitment to Refugees Around the World

For Immediate Release
Friday, October 18, 2019
Contact: 202-225-4676

Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, Congressman Ken Buck and several of his colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging the Trump Administration to uphold our nation’s longstanding commitment to assist refugees. 

The United States has long been a global leader in assisting displaced individuals, and the need for such leadership remains. Over the last decade, the number of refugees around the world who are fleeing violence or persecution in their home countries has grown dramatically. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are approximately 20 million refugees worldwide and approximately 37,000 people are forced to flee their homes everyday due to conflict or violence. It’s critical for the United States to uphold our commitment to help those who have been uprooted from their homes while solutions are pursued. Congressman Buck released the following statement: 

“As a Christian, I believe we should assist those who are forced to flee their homes, and as Americans, I believe we should do everything we can to assist these refugees around the world.” 

Read the text of the letter below: 

October 18, 2019

The Honorable Mike Pompeo
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520

 

Dear Secretary Pompeo:

Since our nation’s founding, the United States has served as a beacon of hope to those suffering from oppression and conflict across the globe. The Statue of Liberty perfectly encapsulates our outstretched hand, accepting the world’s huddled masses who yearn to be free. As the world continues to face an overwhelming refugee crisis, we respectfully urge you to uphold our nation’s commitment to assist individuals who have been displaced by violence and strife.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are approximately 20 million refugees worldwide with more than 50 percent being children. Among those, roughly eight million refugees are from Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, another 37,000 people are forced to flee their homes every day due to conflict and persecution in their home countries. 

Continued U.S. leadership is critical in addressing ongoing humanitarian crises caused by civil war and persecution and in assisting displaced persons. One area where America can lead is by creating and protecting de-escalation zones near war-torn countries and providing humanitarian assistance to people in need. We must also continue to accept and care for refugees here in America.

In our communities throughout the country, there is a long history of opening doors to assist refugees. Local leaders, faith groups, and businesses have come together to create an environment where refugees are welcomed and receive the services necessary to learn English, find employment, and become part of the fabric of their new communities. 

As such, we urge you to maintain the United States’ longstanding commitment to assist refugees with a special focus on assisting individuals hailing from nations facing the worst conditions possible. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. 

 

Sincerely,

Ken Buck
Member of Congress

John Curtis
Member of Congress

Scott Tipton
Member of Congress

Doug Lamborn
Member of Congress

Brian Fitzpatrick
Member of Congress

Steve Stivers
Member of Congress

Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Member of Congress

Jaime Herrera Beutler
Member of Congress

Bill Huizenga
Member of Congress

John Katko
Member of Congress

Fred Upton
Member of Congress

Dan Newhouse
Member of Congress

Rob Woodall
Member of Congress

Chris Stewart
Member of Congress

Christopher H. Smith
Member of Congress 

Mario Diaz-Balart
Member of Congress

Susan W. Brooks
Member of Congress

 

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