An Open Letter from the Faith Communities of Rochester, NY
Dear President Trump,
As faith leaders of Rochester, New York, we stand together to “Welcome the Stranger” and unite our voices as you consider the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions.
We implore you to raise the number of refugees that will be allowed into our country for next fiscal year to 75,000. Due to the global pandemic, refugees are even more vulnerable, as they live in overcrowded camps with minimal health care. We, as faith communities, are ready to welcome those in need by sharing our resources as we together respond to this global crisis. We especially request this increase in the number of refugees we allow into our country in light of the recent tragic events in Lebanon where over 1 million refugees were awaiting aid prior to these latest developments.
Rochester, NY has a robust structure for welcoming refugees that utilizes the excellent medical, educational and employment opportunities available in our city. This structure of services and agencies are fully supported by our faith communities as we give both of our time and money. We are ready to use these resources and services to bring hope to the lives of the refugees who will be resettled in our city.
Finally, we want to assure you that we are praying for you that you do not give in to fear due to the difficult recovery that is ahead of us. We’re praying that God will lead you to allow US citizens to generously open our doors to those in even greater need at this time.
Respectfully,
Updates
August 21, 2020
The feedback from our local community remains heavy and persistent as we navigate the silence from the federal level. Working on this feels like pushing against a wall that refused to budge months ago but I am not walking away from the people waiting for a place to call home.
August 21, 2020
Reaching this point has been a long and draining climb but seeing so many of you join this call gives me a reason to keep going. I am exhausted by the constant uphill battle yet your dedication proves that we are not fighting alone.
18 Comments
Care for the disenfranchised is at the the very core of the commitments of our faith community. We affirm the reality of a God who loves all people. We affirm the full dignity of every human being. How a people cares for the most vulnerable among them is truest representation of that people's values and character. I strongly support this petition to "welcome the stranger" by increasing the number of refugees allowed into our great country. THIS is how to keep America great.
There are so many refugees living in Rochester, working but still remaining at the poverty level. In my seven years as Ex. Director I have met so many refugees who immediately get low paying jobs to ensure that their own children stay in school. The adults take courses at night to learn English and study for the Citizenship Exam.
Mr. President, please raise the number of refugees allowed into our country to a level consistent with the current need, and the numbers we have traditionally been able to welcome.
We need to do better. These families have lost everything and just want a safe place to rebuild their lives. Rochester has always been a welcoming city and we have the capacity to help more people.
Please join this petition to support those who are among the most vulnerable in our world.
e
Please let more immigrants come to the US legally.
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An Open Letter from the Faith Communities of Rochester, NY
Dear President Trump,
As faith leaders of Rochester, New York, we stand together to “Welcome the Stranger” and unite our voices as you consider the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions.
We implore you to raise the number of refugees that will be allowed into our country for next fiscal year to 75,000. Due to the global pandemic, refugees are even more vulnerable, as they live in overcrowded camps with minimal health care. We, as faith communities, are ready to welcome those in need by sharing our resources as we together respond to this global crisis. We especially request this increase in the number of refugees we allow into our country in light of the recent tragic events in Lebanon where over 1 million refugees were awaiting aid prior to these latest developments.
Rochester, NY has a robust structure for welcoming refugees that utilizes the excellent medical, educational and employment opportunities available in our city. This structure of services and agencies are fully supported by our faith communities as we give both of our time and money. We are ready to use these resources and services to bring hope to the lives of the refugees who will be resettled in our city.
Finally, we want to assure you that we are praying for you that you do not give in to fear due to the difficult recovery that is ahead of us. We’re praying that God will lead you to allow US citizens to generously open our doors to those in even greater need at this time.
Respectfully,
Updates
August 21, 2020
The feedback from our local community remains heavy and persistent as we navigate the silence from the federal level. Working on this feels like pushing against a wall that refused to budge months ago but I am not walking away from the people waiting for a place to call home.
August 21, 2020
Reaching this point has been a long and draining climb but seeing so many of you join this call gives me a reason to keep going. I am exhausted by the constant uphill battle yet your dedication proves that we are not fighting alone.
18 Comments
Our country has long been a place where those treated unjustly in this world could find refuge. I have found that most refugees assimilate quickly, work hard, avoid remaining wards of the state, and are grateful for the gift of freedom they have been given after the hardships they have faced.
Care for the disenfranchised is at the the very core of the commitments of our faith community. We affirm the reality of a God who loves all people. We affirm the full dignity of every human being. How a people cares for the most vulnerable among them is truest representation of that people's values and character. I strongly support this petition to "welcome the stranger" by increasing the number of refugees allowed into our great country. THIS is how to keep America great.
There are so many refugees living in Rochester, working but still remaining at the poverty level. In my seven years as Ex. Director I have met so many refugees who immediately get low paying jobs to ensure that their own children stay in school. The adults take courses at night to learn English and study for the Citizenship Exam.
Mr. President, please raise the number of refugees allowed into our country to a level consistent with the current need, and the numbers we have traditionally been able to welcome.
We need to do better. These families have lost everything and just want a safe place to rebuild their lives. Rochester has always been a welcoming city and we have the capacity to help more people.
Please join this petition to support those who are among the most vulnerable in our world.
e
Please let more immigrants come to the US legally.
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Our country has long been a place where those treated unjustly in this world could find refuge. I have found that most refugees assimilate quickly, work hard, avoid remaining wards of the state, and are grateful for the gift of freedom they have been given after the hardships they have faced.