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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 18, 2021 03:00 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Dan K. Williams |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Support for Afghan Refugees |
| America’s longest war has come to a decisive end and the Taliban has retaken control of Afghanistan. While our courageous soldiers, hardworking diplomats, and other American citizens can return home, tens of thousands of Afghans who risked their lives helping the United States have been left behind. These American allies may face persecution at the hands of the Taliban and many, particularly female Afghans, fear that their rights will be stripped away. Pennsylvania has a long and storied history of accepting refugees, from Anabaptists fleeing religious persecution in the 1700s to refugees from Vietnam in the 1970s. Today, Lancaster County is known as the nations’ “refugee capital” due to resettlement efforts for those escaping conflict-ridden countries. We must continue to be a haven for refugees, especially those who dedicated themselves to a country that was not their own. For this reason, I plan to introduce a resolution urging the Biden and Wolf Administrations to work together in resettlement efforts in Pennsylvania for Afghan refugees. The Statue of Liberty reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” We must uphold the virtues of this national symbol and stay true to our roots as Pennsylvanians in resettling Afghan refugees. It is the moral – and the American – thing to do. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. |
Introduced as HR137