WASHINGTON, D.C.— On World Refugee Day, and following the news that a staggering 120 million people worldwide are displaced, or 1 in every 65 people, forced to flee their homes due to war and conflict, oppression and persecution, economic collapse and political instability, natural disasters, and the worsening impacts of climate change, Welcome.US released the following statement from CEO Nazanin Ash:
“On World Refugee Day, we mark the solemn but unsurprising news that global displacement continues to rise. There are now a staggering 120 million people worldwide who are displaced—1 in every 65 people, and 10 million more than just last year. Again, this is no surprise: Conflicts have increased and intensified. The climate crisis continues. Political oppression and instability are growing. The ever-growing challenge reinforces the urgency to find solutions.
“On this World Refugee Day, we focus not on the problem, but on what millions of Americans are doing about it. Here in the United States, people and communities across the country are raising their hands to offer support to those seeking refuge. Through their efforts, nearly 475,000 people have been offered a lifeline to safety in the United States over the last year, resettling in over 11,500 zip codes across all 50 states. This is more than six times more than what our government systems could do alone.
“As has been the case throughout our history, it is the innovation, compassion, and commitment of our diverse American communities that bring us closer to our country’s founding ideals: enabling freedom, safety, and self-determination for people who need it, and in turn strengthening our communities, our economy, and our country.
“Today and every day, we honor and celebrate those who are rebuilding their lives here in the United States, and thank the Americans welcoming them.”
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. We are not an advocacy organization or an operational agency providing direct services to newcomers. 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 the 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.
