What’s next for Spokane’s refugee agencies amid rising uncertainty?

News Story by Cassy Benefield | FāVS News

Since March 10, refugee resettlement agencies across the country are even more unsure of their future than when President Donald Trump stopped the flow of refugees in the U.S. on Jan. 20 and cut off their funding on Jan. 24. Two local offices affected by this increasing uncertainty reside in Spokane: International Rescue Committee (IRC) and World Relief Spokane (WRS).

“I would say is it has been a very stressful season for us at the local level,” said Matthew Soerens, WR’s vice president of Advocacy and Policy. “I think I can speak for Christi [Armstrong, WRS’ executive director], and her team on that, but also on the national level.”

On Feb. 25, District Court Judge Jamal Whitehead said Trump’s executive order to suspend the refugee resettlement program for 90-days was unconstitutional because only Congress has that authority. However, the next day the administration sent termination letters to all 10 refugee resettlement organizations, seven of which are faith-based.

Read the article at FāVS News.