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January 15, 2016
 
REFUGEE ALERT:
Senate Voting on Bill to Stop Syrian & Iraqi Resettlement
Call your Senators TODAY!
 
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Disciples, Please Join with the Refugee Council, USA, & Our Faith Partners to Protect Refugees & the US Refugee Program NOW!!

The U.S. Senate plans to vote Wednesday, January 20th on H.R. 4038, "The American Security against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act," which would grind to a halt the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

This bill was passed by the House of Representatives in November, so it is critical that it not pass the Senate. Such proposals and the anti-refugee sentiment that has accompanied them are morally against who we are as a nation. It is critical that Senators hear from their constituents NOW.

Call your Senators TODAY & EVERY DAY leading up to the vote: Urge them to vote NO to H.R. 4038 and any legislation that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. 1-866-940-2439

Sample Script:
"I'm a constituent from [State] and I support the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. I am opposed to any bill that would stop or pause the resettlement of refugees of any nationality or religion. I urge the Senator to vote NO to H.R. 4038, The American SAFE Act."

Below are some helpful points on the security checks involved in refugee resettlement, which is the focus of this legislation. The most important points to mention, however, are your story and why your community wants to welcome Syrian refugees.
  • The U.S. government handpicks the refugees who resettle here, and the U.S. resettlement process has the most rigorous screening process in the world.
  • Refugees are the most thoroughly vetted people to come to the United States, undergoing interagency screenings by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Department of Defense, National Counter Terrorism Center and multiple intelligence agencies, including biometric checks, forensic document testing, medical tests and in-person interviews.
  • Continuing refugee resettlement while maintaining national security is not an either/or situation.
The United States can continue to welcome refugees while also continuing to ensure national security. We can and must do both.

You can also tweet your Senators and your network using the sample post below and a photo of yourself or your community: ".@SENATOR, Our community is ready to welcome #Syrian #refugees. Vote NO to H.R. 4038. #RefugeesWelcome #AmericaWelcomes!"

DISCIPLES, PLEASE KEEP TAKING PICTURES OF CHURCH MEMBERS HOLDING "WE WELCOME REFUGEES!" OR "___(NAME OF CHURCH/TOWN/STATE)____ WELCOMES REFUGEES!"  Then, PLEASE EMAIL THOSE PICTURES TO [email protected], and post them to #RefugeesWelcome.

Follow the Refugee Council USA:  @RCUSA_DC on Twitter and "like" Refugee Council USA on Facebook for up-to-date alerts.

And of course, continue to follow our Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries: @StanleyRea on Twitter and "like" RefugeeandImmigrationMinistriesChristianChurchDOC on Facebook. Find us on line at: discipleshomemissions.org, or email [email protected], or call to 202-957-7826 to reach Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Disciples RIM Director.

Please find here a faith letter signed by more than 750 leaders, supporting the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees and opposing legislation like HR 4038 at: www.interfaithimmigration.org/Religious-Leader-Letter-Syrian-refugees_Senate_01.14.16.pdf.  Also, see here an 
updated sign on letter organized by RCUSA with 199 national organization and 295 local organizations.
Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea
Director of Refugee & Immigration Ministries
Disciples Home Missions

Five Thomas Circle, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005-4153
(202) 957-7826 (Cell)

Refugee & Immigration Ministries is a ministry of Disciples Home Missions in Partnership with the Christian Church Capital Area and the Disciples Center for Public Witness

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