(RNS) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers has sent a letter to Trump administration officials calling on them not to reduce the refugee cap to zero, as they have reportedly discussed, arguing that doing so could threaten the country’s “legacy as a protector of human rights” and call into question a promise to assist persecuted religious minorities abroad.
The senators, including Democrat Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Republicans Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Marco Rubio of Florida and Susan Collins of Maine, said such a move would contradict the country’s historic dedication to refugees, whom they describe as “part of a diverse American culture and flourishing economy.”
“At a time when we are facing the ‘highest levels of displacement on record,’ according to the United Nations Refugee Agency, we urge you to increase the refugee resettlement cap and to admit as many refugees as possible within that cap,” the letter reads in part. “America has a responsibility to promote compassion and democracy around the world through assistance to vulnerable and displaced people.”
