Official Daily Action for Monday, May 2, 2022:
Afghans are subject to considerably stricter rules than Ukrainian refugees. For example, USCIS is waiving fees for Ukrainians applying for humanitarian parole. This is the humane thing to do, but we should welcome all refugees fleeing violence with the same humanitarian consideration.
Why then are we still charging Afghans $575 per person? Considering our 20-year war and the fact that no allies are willing to absorb large numbers of Afghan refugees, the US has a special obligation here.
And why are so many Black refugees fleeing violence denied similar humanitarian consideration? Since President Biden took office, the US has removed over 20,000 refugees, most of whom are Black, to Haiti.
The stark difference in our treatment of refugees is undeniable. This double standard is racist, exclusionary, and must stop!
Contact your Representative:
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Pramila Jayapal: 202-225-3106 or http://jayapal.house.gov/contact
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Adam Smith: 202-225-8901 or http://adamsmith.house.gov/contact
Contact your Senators:
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Maria Cantwell: 202-224-3441 or https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form
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Patty Murray: 202-224-2621 or https://www.murray.senate.gov/write-to-patty/
Script
Hi, my name is {NAME}, and I live in {CITY, ZIP}. All refugees deserve an immigration system that respects the right to seek asylum and honors the promise of refuge. A system that creates a pathway to permanent status and citizenship. A system that centers the humanity and dignity of all people. I support making it easier for our Ukrainian allies to seek asylum here in the US, but not only Ukranians. The people of Haiti deserve to know peace. And Afghans, like all people seeking peace and refuge in the United States, deserve to be welcomed and protected.
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