GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids-based Bethany Christian Services didn’t wait to make its voice heard amid news that President Donald Trump’s administration might slash refugee admissions to zero next fiscal year.
“It’s incredibly disappointing to hear of the possibility that our nation’s refugee resettlement program could be eliminated,” wrote Chris Palusky, BCS President and CEO, in a statement released to media Friday. “America’s refugee program has a long-standing tradition of serving vulnerable families who are escaping religious persecution and violence, and we urge the administration to continue its support of this vitally important program.”
Bethany Christian’s statement was prompted by an article in Politico that revealed discussions between security officials at a meeting last week.
According to unnamed sources in the article, an individual at the meeting, who is close to Trump’s immigration adviser, proposed setting the 2020 refugee cap at zero.
The U.S. Department of State refused to confirm the Politico report in response to an inquiry from 24 Hour News 8.
“Each year, the President makes an annual determination, after appropriate consultation with Congress, regarding the refugee admissions ceiling for the following Fiscal Year,” wrote a state department press officer in an email to 24 Hour News 8.
The spokesperson went on to say that the refugee cap determination is expected to be made prior to the start of Fiscal Year 2020, which is Oct. 1, 2019.
alusky said refugee admissions are already at historic lows: 30,000 admissions this year compared to a rough previous annual average of 95,000.
The agency said it’s resettled more than 7,400 refugees in Kent County since 2005 and expects to place 400 more in Grand Rapids this year.
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