URGENT ACTION REQUIRED.
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED.
ACTION ALERT: Contact your Governors and Representatives
Our team at SURVIVORS was heartbroken to hear of the tragic events that occurred on Friday, November 13. Our hearts go out to all of the victims of these terrorist attacks and their families. Our clients know firsthand the affects and aftermath of such traumatic events. This is why we are disheartened by the recent efforts to further restrict the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States.
Over half of the U.S. Governors have said they will not welcome Syrian refugees into their states. In addition, the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed H.R. 4038, a bill that would impede the most vulnerable refugees in finding a safe haven and a place to restart their new lives.
Your voice is urgently needed. As supporters of Survivors of Torture, International, we know you care about this issue and how it is affecting refugees worldwide. It is un-American to target people simply based on nationality. Also, studies have shown that forty-four percent of refugees are torture survivors. Refugees deserve the opportunity to live without fear for their lives and receive the care they need.
Here is how you can make a difference right now:
Contact your Governor:
  • Thank California Governor Jerry Brown for his position in support of continuing to welcome vetted Syrian refugees to California. Click here to read SURVIVORS’ letter to Governor Brown. You are encouraged to use it as a template to send your own.
  • Express your disappointment to your Governor if you reside in one of the states that opposes resettling Syrian refugees (see list below).
Contact your Representative about H.R. 4038 (American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015):
  • Thank California Representatives Susan Davis (202-225-2040) and Juan Vargas (202-225-8045) for supporting and welcoming refugees.
  • Express your disappointmentto Representatives Duncan Hunter (202-225-5672), Darrell Issa (202-225-3906), and Scott Peters (202-225-0508) for not supporting and welcoming refugees.
  • Call on Rep. Scott Peters to rescind his vote (858-455-5550)
  • For those of you outside of California, call your Representatives to let them know that refugees are welcome. If you do not know who your representatives are, go to www.house.gov and type in your zip code in the top right corner. 
When you call your Representative/Governor tell the receptionist that as a constituent, you want to help WELCOME vetted Syrian refugees and that you are against rejecting refugees based solely on nationality.
Ex. “I’m a constituent from [City] and I support the resettlement of vetted Syrian refugees. I urge the Representative/Governor to represent me and other constituents who seek to welcome vetted Syrian refugees.”  
Here are some additional points you can mention:
  • The U.S. is the world’s top refugee resettlement country and we want to continue this proud tradition of welcoming those who are in need of dire help.
  • 44% of refugees are torture survivors and they deserve proper medical and mental health care (rehabilitation is required under international law for torture survivors).
  • Refugees are the most thoroughly screened people to enter the United States. In order to be resettled to a third-country (like the U.S.) refugees first have to be registered with the United National High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Then the UNHCR conducts thorough background checks and determines who are the most vulnerable and do not pose a security threat. Once the UNHCR recommends a refugee to be resettled in the U.S., refugees must undergo multiple and robust screening processes by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, the National Counterterrorism Center and other national intelligence agencies, a process that can last from 18 to 24 months. 
Don’t forget, you can also reach out to your Representative/Senator/Governor through social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.  
Ex. “@[Representative], our community is ready to welcome #Syrian #refugees. #RefugeesWelcome!
States with Governors who oppose welcoming refugees:
  • Alabama (334) 242-7100
  • Arizona (520) 628-6580 / (602) 542-4331
  • Arkansas(501) 682-2345
  • Florida (850) 488-7146
  • Georgia (404) 656-1776
  • Idaho (208) 334-2100
  • Illinois (217) 782-0244 / (312) 814-2121
  • Indiana (317) 569-0709
  • Iowa (515) 281-5211
  • Kansas (785) 296-3232
  • Louisiana (225) 342-7015
  • Maine (207) 287-3531 / 1-855-721-5203
  • Maryland (410) 974-3901
  • Massachusetts (617) 725-4005 / (413) 784-1200 / (202) 624-7713
  • Michigan (517) 373-3400
  • Mississippi (601) 359-3150 
  • Nebraska (402) 471-2244
  • Nevada  (775) 684-5670 / (702) 486-2500
  • New Hampshire (603) 271-2121
  • New Jersey (609) 292-6000
  • New Mexico  (505) 476-2200
  • North Carolina (919) 814-2000
  • North Dakota (701) 328-2200
  • Ohio (614) 466-3555
  • Oklahoma (405) 521-2342
  • South Carolina (803) 734-2100
  • South Dakota (605) 773-3212
  • Tennessee (615) 741-2001
  • Texas 800-843-5789 / (512) 463-1782
  • Wisconsin (608) 266-1212
  • Wyoming (307) 777-7437
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.