Media Statement Re: New Refugee Cap From Michael Hopkins, CEO, Jewish Family Service of San Diego

September 28, 2017

Since Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) was founded nearly 100 years ago, we have witnessed how newcomers strengthen our social fabric and make San Diego – and our country – more prosperous and competitive in a changing world.

We are extremely disappointed with the 45,000 cap the White House placed yesterday on the number of refugees that will be admitted into the country for the fiscal 2017-18 year. This will be the lowest commitment to refugees in the 37-year history of the U.S. refugee resettlement program. There are roughly 65 million displaced men, women and children around the world who remain in immediate danger – fleeing war, persecution and more – and this figure barely scratches the surface of those who need our help.

This past fiscal year, JFS helped 336 refugees from 12 countries resettle in San Diego, helping them to build new lives and become contributing members of our community.

In carrying out the tradition of “Welcoming the Stranger,” we affirm our Jewish values and honor America’s history as a nation established by refugees and built by generations of immigrants. We continue to believe that stopping or hindering refugee resettlement, for any period of time, undermines our nation’s founding principles and turns away those seeking safety, freedom, hope and opportunity.

We encourage the public to contact their representatives in Congress and urge them to pass legislation to welcome refugees at a level proportionate to the crisis and in line with our capacity, history and values.

Contact:
Sandy Young / Ashley Weaver
J. Walcher Communications, (619) 295-7140