Senator Lankford Statement on Reducing Refugee Cap

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued a statement on plans from the Administration to lower the refugee cap for FY 2020 from 30,000 to 18,000:

“I’m disappointed to see that the Administration has once again decided to decrease the number of refugees we allow into our country. Over the last few months, the Department of Homeland Security implemented multiple policies that have resulted in a decrease in migrants at the US Southern Border. While I appreciate the Administration’s focus on curbing illegal immigration and caring for asylum seekers, that doesn’t mean we should continue to reduce the admittance of refugees who are fleeing from persecution in their home countries to support these policies. Just this week, the president spoke at the United Nations to implore the rest of the world to end religious persecution. Doing so means we should continue to share our values throughout the world, and we can also be an example of being a safe haven for those legitimately fleeing persecution. The Administration should consult Congress and finalize an FY 2020 cap that is consistent with our nation’s values and foreign policy goals.”

Lankford and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) led a letter in August to the administration to express concern about reports of a proposed elimination of refugee resettlements for FY2020.

Lankford is a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

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