By Gerd Renno, Refugee Ministry
This Sunday, June 20, is World Refugee Day when we recognize people who had to flee their homelands to escape persecution and violence. Our TVLC Refugee Welcome Team works with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest to give refugees, who are accepted and legally admitted by the United States State Department, a fresh start in Tucson.
So why do we help refugees settle in Tucson? First, our Christian faith asks us to help the outcast and those in need. Second, studies show that refugees become self-sufficient quickly and contribute more to the economy and pay more in taxes than they cost the government in aid and benefits received from all levels of government. Last, we see the transformation and their joy and smiles as they succeed in creating a good life for themselves and their children in the United States.
The GRACE Act comes before Congress in July. Its goal is to protect and secure the United States resettlement program and ensure a minimum level of refugees are accepted annually. By doing this, plans can be made to properly handle and resettle refugees. Part of the GRACE act also covers a special concerns provision that would help Afghans who worked with American forces and are at great risk by the planned September withdrawal from Afghanistan.
We are asking for your help to contact your congressional representatives and ask them to support the GRACE act. It can be easily done online by using this link or you can contact Jim and Joyce Swinehart, Barbara Warrilow, Diane Deutsch, Gerd and Kathy Renno, or Sue Jensen. Some of our team will also be available after the 9:30am service to answer any questions.
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