New York City–– Voice for Refuge Action Fund today encourages all Californians to turn out to vote and vote NO in the gubernatorial recall election taking place on Tuesday, September 14. It is critical for the protection of refugees, immigrants and BI-POC communities in California that Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom not be removed in California’s gubernatorial recall elections.
Larry Elder’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and attacks on policies that protect all Californians are deeply concerning. California is home to many diverse communities and is dependent upon immigrant essential workers. California is also set to be one of the states welcoming a large percentage of Afghan refugees in the wake of the massive evacuation and refugee crisis. It is critical that the state continue to be governed by leaders who respect the rights and dignity of immigrant and refugee communities.
In an interview with the San Diego Union Tribune, Elder condemned Newsom over policies that immigration and refugee advocacy organizations celebrated as wins, including allowing undocumented immigrants to receive stimulus payments, granting access to state-funded health-care services and increasing access to driver’s licenses.
Earlier this year Voice for Refuge Action Fund completed its first scorecard ranking of all 50 governors across the United States, scoring each Governor based on their work to protect and welcome refugees. Through this metric based process, Gavin Newsom scored a 15/15, earning him the title of Pro-Refugee Champion from Voice for Refuge, joined only by Ralph Northam (D-VA) in receiving a perfect score. Newsom’s record as a pro-refugee champion is exactly who California needs right now as the state prepares to welcome Afghan refugees. Governor Newsom has already taken action to support newly arriving Afghan families, requesting $16.7 million to support Afghan arrivals.
For information about how to vote in Tuesday’s election visit https://www.vote.org/state/california/.
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.
