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HRC Calls on Congress to Stand with LGBT Refugees
HRC joined with 18 partner organizations last week to send a message to U.S. senators, urging them to reject any legislation that could further hinder an already slow refugee resettlement system.
LGBT refugees from Syria and Iraq are among the most vulnerable in the world. They have been targeted by the Islamic State and are often executed in gruesome public displays. Even when they escape the Islamic State, they can face discrimination and violence from other refugees.
“These vulnerable refugees deserve our protection…denying them protection, or limiting protection to those who are Christian only, would be devastating to those who most need our compassion,” the letter explained. “And it would provide a public relations victory of sorts to ISIS and others who seek to justify their terrorism using cultural and religious propaganda.”
It essential that the U.S. do everything in its power to ensure that terrorist groups cannot use the U.S. refugee system – or any other U.S. visa process – to enter the U.S. and do harm.
“These vulnerable refugees deserve our protection, and we know they can be resettled safely using current security screening and vetting processes,” the letter concluded. “Denying them protection…would be devastating to those who most need our compassion.”
More information about the refugee vetting process can be found here and the coalition letter can be found here.
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