World Relief Responds to President Trump’s State of the Union Address, Encourages Workforce Alternatives & Immigration Reform

World Relief Responds to President Trump’s State of the Union Address, Encourages Workforce Alternatives & Immigration Reform 

BALTIMORE, Md. –  Last night, President Trump gave his third State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress. As in previous addresses, the president highlighted the efforts he and his administration have taken to secure the Southern border and the need for merit-based immigration reform. World Relief believes that security is essential; it’s just as important as ensuring safe, legal ways for individuals and families fleeing violence, persecution and other tragic circumstances to enter the country and subsequently become a citizen. 

“Safety is a high priority,” commented Scott Arbeiter, president of World Relief. “But we are often guilty of allowing our fear of the unknown cloud our judgment and prevent us from embracing the many men and women who have a credible case for fleeing their country of origin due to persecution and making their home in the U.S. President Trump is right that immigration processes must follow legal procedures and keep citizens safe, but that is not inconsistent with also ensuring the United States continues its tradition of welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution. We urge our leaders to prioritize creating efficient, legal pathways for asylum.”

The president also talked at length about the success of the market and economy during his presidency, citing very low unemployment rates and widespread participation in the workforce. World Relief is grateful for the President urging Congress to prioritize solutions that will make the economy and society even stronger. These solutions must include immigration reform. Time and again, World Relief has witnessed the incredible benefits that come from the nation’s newest members. Refugees and immigrants contribute far more in tax revenue than they receive in resettling or other public benefits – and they’re more likely to start their own business than native-born Americans.

World Relief CEO Tim Breene said, “While we celebrate the continuing economic progress of our country and the record lows in unemployment, we believe passing immigration reform and keeping immigrant families together is of vital economic and moral interest to our country. World Relief will continue to work with Congress and the administration to pass immigration reform and ensure that there continues to be a robust refugee and asylum process for those fleeing persecution.”

To learn more about World Relief, visit worldrelief.org.