New York City—Voice for Refuge Action Fund today announced its official launch as the first 501(c)4 organization created to advance pro-refugee policies at the national, state, and local level and to hold elected leaders accountable to upholding America’s legacy of welcome. 

Upon its launch, the organization is releasing its first set of resources including a policy platform and 2020 Voter Guide for refugee communities, translated into six languages commonly spoken by refugees resettled in the United States: Arabic, Bhutanese, Burmese, Ethopian, Nepali and Somali.

“Our leaders have forgotten that America stands for welcome and for generosity. It is time for our nation’s policies to reflect our values. That’s why I’m so proud to be a part of Voice for Refuge and its work to press our leaders to rebuild America’s legacy of welcome,” said Mark Hetfield, inaugural board member of Voice for Refuge and President and CEO of HIAS.

“Refugees overwhelmingly contribute to the economies and communities that welcome them. But for far too long, these new Americans have not been fairly represented in our government or it’s policies. I’m excited to be a part of Voice for Refuge and the work it is doing to come alongside these new Americans and make their voices heard in the halls of power–from city hall to the U.S. Congress,” said Sam Phatey, inaugural board member of Voice for Refuge and Refugee Congress delegate.

“Since 2016, this administration has launched a misinformation campaign that has dismantled the refugee program and destroyed our country’s long and proud history of welcoming the persecuted. We need Voice for Refuge now so that we can hold our leaders’ feet to the fire and demand real change from our government,” said Yasmine Taeb, inaugural board member of Voice for Refuge, human rights attorney and former candidate for Virginia State Senate.

Voice for Refuge is educating the public about the benefits of refugee resettlement, advocating for pro-refugee policies in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures, and increasing civic engagement among refugees through non-partisan voter education. Voice for Refuge will also promote the representation of refugees in government by supporting former refugees and pro-refugee candidates running for office at the national, state, and local level.For more information or to get involved visit voiceforrefuge.org or contact info@voiceforrefuge.org.