Bishops disappointed with 2003 refugee policy

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November 2002

Bishops disappointed with 2003 refugee policy
Hold Congress accountable says Catholic lobby group

Bishops disappointed with 2003 refugee policy

President Bush's authorization of only 70,000 refugee admissions in fiscal year 2003 continues a "gradual abdication of U.S. world leadership in refugee protection," and is a source of deep concern for the nation's Catholic bishops, according to the chairman of the their Committee on Migration.

"We are troubled foremost by the refugee limit set by the president because it represents a retreat from our nation's long-standing commitment to the protection of refugees," said Auxiliary Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami. "This continues an alarming downward trend over the past decade in the number of refugees admitted to the United States and signals a gradual abdication of U.S. world leadership in refugee protection."

The president is required by statute each year to authorize a set number of refugees eligible for resettlement in the United States. The so-called "presidential determination" on refugees for fiscal year 2003, signed by President Bush last week, allows for the admission of 70,000 refugees into the United States, with 20,000 of that number to be used only in the event of a crisis or "unforeseen circumstances."

"We find the 70,000 refugee admissions total authorized by the president unacceptable, particularly in light of the fact that more than 14 million refugees continue to languish in camps and poor urban areas around the world," Wenski said. "Even more disturbing is that only 50,000 of the number authorized have been allocated, indicating a lack of commitment on the part of the Administration to meet the authorized limit of 70,000."

The U.S. refugee program has come under increased scrutiny since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, despite that fact that none of the September 11 terrorists were refugees and that refugees regularly undergo more screening than any other arrival in the United States. Primarily because of increased security procedures, the United States resettled about 27,000 of the 70,000 authorized admissions for fiscal year 2002.

Wenski acknowledged the importance of ensuring national security but added that security and a healthy and robust refugee program are not incompatible.

"As pastors, we understand the responsibility government leaders have toward ensuring the national security of the public," Wenski said. "However, steps can and should be taken to expedite the admissions process in a manner that preserves our security while honoring traditional refugee admissions levels."

Bishop Wenski called upon government officials to work with Church agencies to reach the 70,000 admissions target for fiscal year 2003 and not settle on 50,000, as laid out in the annual determination. "The U.S. State Department and other federal agencies should redouble their efforts at identifying vulnerable refugee groups—especially women and children—in need of protection. We call upon government officials to work with us to admit 70,000 refugees in fiscal year 2003 and to put in place the infrastructure overseas to expand refugee admissions in the future."

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