Statement

With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.

On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.

Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.

We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.

Here at Their Story Is Our Story, we know that the United States of America is stronger because of those who were forced to leave their homes and start anew with us. They bring vitality, determination, fortitude, and are essential to our economy, our culture, our communities, and our country. We are, and will continue to be, #betterwithrefugees.

Their Story is Our Story applauds the Biden administration for granting temporary legal status to our Venezuelan neighbors.

Their Story is Our Story stands with those suffering in Ukraine. As we watch with deep sadness the plight of the Ukrainian people, let us recommit to providing a community of welcome and support for all forcibly displaced people.

Their Story is Our Story stands with those suffering in Afghanistan. As we witness the clogged airport runways in Kabul we seek to clear the runways in our own communities and welcome our Afghan brothers and sisters as our new neighbors and friends.