WASHINGTON, D.C. — On World Refugee Day 2023, Welcome.US — an organization working to inspire and empower Americans to welcome newcomers to their communities — released the following statement from Welcome.US President and COO Anya McMurray:
“On this World Refugee Day, we recognize the millions of individuals and families around the world who have been displaced as a result of violence, genocide, climate change, human rights violations, and other events. Tragically, over the past year there have been new and worsening crises, and once again we are seeing the number of people forced to flee their homes rise, reaching an all-time high of 110 million people.
“Yet even in the face of these ongoing challenges, there is real, meaningful change happening right here in the United States to support those who are seeking refuge. Over the past 18 months, more than 2 million Americans have raised their hands to help welcome people in need of safety through the U.S. government’s humanitarian sponsorship programs. In fact, Americans in every corner of the country, in more than 10,000 zip codes, are providing direct and tangible support to newcomers — vastly expanding our capacity to welcome beyond the traditional refugee resettlement infrastructure. Today, and every day, we honor and celebrate all those that are working to rebuild their lives, and those opening their doors in welcome, helping to meet the urgency of the global displacement crisis through sponsorship, and giving more people the opportunity to live with dignity and freedom.”
Americans interested in learning more about sponsorship programs can visit welcome.us.
About Welcome.US
At Welcome.US, our mission is to unleash the desire and capacity of Americans to welcome newcomers and help them thrive. We operate on the evidence that direct participation with newcomers transforms both the welcomer and those being welcomed. By making it easier for Americans from all walks of life to participate in the work of welcoming — and telling their stories — we are building a movement that celebrates America’s welcoming spirit by providing an opportunity to serve for all who seek to welcome. Our diverse community of Welcomers reaches across real and perceived divides to meet the needs of newcomers more effectively. In partnership with local and national resettlement agencies, diaspora organizations and leaders, refugees, community sponsorship groups, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based institutions, veterans, universities, four former Presidents and four former First Ladies, Welcome.US is a single point of entry for Americans who want to get involved and support those who are starting new lives in the United States.
To learn more about Welcome.US, please visit welcome.us
