Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The United States has a longstanding tradition of welcoming individuals from around the world who are seeking protection and refuge. But recent U.S. policy has grown increasingly hostile toward asylum seekers and refugees. Instead of turning vulnerable individuals away, the United States should maintain its global reputation as a leader in refugee resettlement and humanitarian protection. Doing so not only upholds American values but sustains and strengthens our communities. Data from the Council shows that refugees and asylees make tremendous contributions to our economy as earners, taxpayers, and consumers. Learn more about the contributions and challenges of asylum seekers and refugees below.
Trump Administration’s Dangerous Policy Forces Asylum Seekers to Remain in Mexico
The policy will require many individuals seeking protection in the United States to stay in Mexico for prolonged periods of time as they await an immigration court hearing. With U.S. immigration courts overwhelmingly backlogged, asylum seekers risk spending months or even years in very risky conditions. Read More
TIME Report: The Stories of Migrants Risking Everything for a Better Life
From where Violeta Monterroso stood, in a migrant encampment near one of Tijuana’s main border crossings, she could almost see San Diego, the shimmering American city just beyond the frontier fence. She could see American cars as they slid down a highway and disappeared toward a ghostly skyline, and she… Read More
New American Economy and Off Ramp Films Debut Mahira Patkovich: A Refugee Rises
UTICA, NY – Today the bipartisan immigration reform group New American Economy and the documentary filmmakers Off Ramp Films debuted a new short film, Mahira Patkovich: A Refugee Rises. At a time when the United States is taking in fewer and fewer refugees, this film explores how crucial… Read More
Trailer for Mahira Patkovich: A Refugee Rises
Meet Mahira Patkovich. Mahira’s family fled Bosnia and resettled in Utica, NY. She’s helping to revitalize downtown as a successful business owner, an MBA candidate and a mother to be. Watch her journey as she comes to call Utica home.
Mahira Patkovich: A Refugee Rises
Meet Mahira Patkovich. Mahira’s family fled Bosnia and resettled in Utica, NY, which experienced a major slump in the 80s and 90s. Today Mahira is helping to revitalize downtown as a successful business owner. She’s also working towards her MBA and expecting her first child to be born in Utica,… Read More
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No one should face the immigration system alone
