New York City—Voice for Refuge Action Fund today released scorecards ranking the U.S. governors of all 50 states according to their support for pro-refugee policies. Governors with the highest scores are given the title “Pro-Refugee Champion” while those with the lowest scores are dubbed “Anti-Refugee Extremists.” This comes as the Biden administration has taken significant steps to restore the refugee resettlement program that was decimated under the previous administration, committing to increasing refugee admissions in line with historic norms. 

“These scorecards give voters the information they need to hold their governors accountable for upholding our values and supporting their new refugee neighbors,” said Voice for Refuge Executive Director Erol Kekic. “In the coming months, thousands of refugees who have been waiting for years to be resettled to safety will finally arrive in states across the U.S. and begin giving back to their new communities. American communities are ready to welcome them and give them a great start–it is critical that governors show the same support for our new neighbors. We urge Americans to check their governor’s score and demand that their elected leaders stand for welcome.” 

Scores were calculated by evaluating each governor’s record on pro-refugee and anti-refugee legislation and support for refugee resettlement, along with their public statements, social media posts and comments made about refugees. Voice for Refuge ranked each governor as either a Pro-Refugee Champion, Refugee Supporter Uncommitted or an Anti-Refugee Extremist. A comprehensive list of scores can be downloaded here and constituents can search for their governors by state. 

Some of the highest-ranking governors include Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Ralph Northam (D-VA), Jay Inslee (D-WA), Phil Scott (R-VT), Phil Murphy (D-NJ), and Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI). The lowest scoring governors include Tate Reeves (R-MS), Henry McMaster (R-SC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Kay Ivey (R-AL), Ron DeSantis (R-FL), and Greg Abbott (R-TX). 

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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