City Bar Opposes Congressional Proposals to Halt or Delay U.S. Resettlement of Iraqi and Syrian Refugees

The New York City Bar Association has sent a letter to U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid, the Senate’s Majority Leader and Minority Leader respectively, opposing recent congressional proposals to halt or delay U.S. resettlement of refugees from Iraq or Syria. The letter, signed by City Bar President Debra L. Raskin, states:

“By effectively shutting down the process of screening and admitting refugees from these countries, bills such as the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act (H.R. 4038), which was recently passed in the House of Representatives, would deny lifesaving humanitarian protection to families fleeing horrific violence in Syria and Iraq. Moreover, these proposals would cause the United States to abandon its commitment to non-discrimination principles and its longstanding role as a leader in international refugee protection, encouraging countries around the world to follow suit. By denying protection to those fleeing persecution by terrorist and violent extremist groups and by the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, these proposals would tarnish the image of the United States throughout the world and harm national security. We urge Congress to reject these proposals, and instead to support an increase in refugee admissions.”

The letter can be read here.