New York City–– Donald Trump and JD Vance are both candidates who have leveraged incendiary rhetoric and false anecdotes about immigrants and refugees to serve their own political careers at the expense of individuals and families in crisis. JD Vance is an anti-immigrant extremist who promises mass deportations, increased family separation, and abandoning at-risk allies and families.
In Vance’s 2022 Senate campaign in which he gained his current role as the Junior Senator from Ohio, Vance argued for completing the border wall and advanced the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, spreading lies about immigration being an “invasion”. As a Senator, Vance co-sponsored S.Res.362, a resolution to allow governors to illegally deport migrants and asylum seekers, he co-sponsored S.2824 known as the “Secure the Border Act of 2023”, and has scored an “A” by known immigration hardline organization, NumbersUSA for his votes on anti-asylum and anti-humanitarian assistance bills.
We are disheartened that the Republican Presidential and Vice Presidential campaign is launching against the backdrop of an event where crowds held “Mass Deportation Now” signs and cheered for the expulsion of asylum seekers, essential workers, and immigrants en masse. Under President Trump’s last term, Refugee admission goals were cut, a Muslim ban was instituted under executive order and Trump has promised to expand it if re-elected in November, and family separation was official policy.
Voice For Refuge Action Fund stands against the lies, hate, and harm being caused by this top-of-the ballot ticket from the Republican party. We call on Republicans down the ballot, who care about our country’s value of offering refuge and asylum to those seeking safety from persecution, to reject the rhetoric of their party’s nominees.
About Voice for Refuge: Voice for Refuge is 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. 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.
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