WASHINGTON, DC — FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s announcement that it would be slashing the refugee admissions ceiling to 18,000 people a year, and allowing state and local elected officials to deny the resettlement of refugees within their states:

“The Trump Administration’s continual efforts to gut the refugee and asylum systems harkens back to the worst moments in our nation’s history. America has been made stronger, more prosperous, and more vibrant because of the contributions of people seeking refuge and asylum who have fled their homes in search of safety and freedom. Turning our backs on these vulnerable people not only leaves them in extreme danger but weakens our Nation’s moral standing on the world stage.

“Further, the idea that we would allow states or localities to block people who have been vetted and approved to live in the United States, from resettling in certain communities is wrong. Segregating immigrant populations will only serve to further divide our country along lines of race and ethnicity. Local leaders should reject these attempts to further divide Americans based on what they look like, or where they came from.”