Open Doors to Stand With the Community.
Refugee leaders across the US who had for months braced themselves for an attack on services to refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and undocumented workers did not have long to wait. Within hours after his swearing in as 47th US President, Donald J Trump issued Executive Order “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program”. The order suspends services and funding for incoming refugee resettlement effective January 27, 2025. Trump has accused the refugee population of being rife with criminals who over-utilize housing, social services, and take jobs from US citizens – all blatant misinformation.
Newly hired executive director Jason Mack said, “Open Doors’ doors will remain open. In fact, the President is challenging us to open them even wider, as we realize that not only existing refugees, but also other populations denied services, will need our capacity to search for housing, furniture, transportation, winter wear, English instruction, and first jobs. We will continue to serve refugees who are newly arrived, and those who are still struggling with job, language, and resettlement challenges. We will advocate for return of refugee programs and join other organizations to keep not just ODFR but America itself, the nation of immigrants, open to the energy, ideas, ideals, and opportunities of people who come, especially in times of war and catastrophe, from other lands.”
Whether the new President and Congress are able to instill these many draconian measures will depend in part on how hard those who believe in humanitarian ideals protest, work to make them a reality, and advocate for their expansion. When civil rights, voting rights, women’s health, workers unions, and other human rights have been opposed by rhetoric and laws at various times throughout US history, those who believe in them redouble their efforts to prioritize and fight to put them back on the law books.
“Madison is a big-hearted community, and Open Doors has found support in a myriad of sectors and with strong partner organizations. This frontal attack will force us to be even stronger and more united,”
– Jason Mack
To stay up-to-date with our efforts, we will have more information here, on our Facebook, and in our regular newsletter, which you can sign up for below.