Humanitarian organization World Relief is urging President Donald Trump to reverse his executive order suspending the United States Refugee Admission Program (USRAP), arguing that the measure will harm Christians fleeing countries where persecution is present. World Relief, which has partnered with the U.S. State Department since 1979, urged Trump to keep USRAP, which is known for its history of resettling refugees and displaced people since World War II, prior to his inauguration last week.
After taking office, however, the president suspended the program on his first day in office (Jan.20).
“The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees,” the executive order reads in part. “This order suspends the USRAP until such time as the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States.”
The order also stated that the decision on whether to resume the USRAP program will be determined within 90 days of evaluation, Church Leaders reported.
Following the release of the executive order, World Relief issued another statement asking Trump to reconsider his decision.
“We’re heartbroken by this decision,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “At a time when there are more refugees globally than ever in recorded history, including many persecuted on account of their faith, the United States should be doing more—not less—to offer help to those in need of refuge.”
“Nevertheless, we’re grateful that the president’s order today still leaves room for resettlement to resume later this year, and we pray he will indeed resume resettlement as soon as possible,” Greene added.
The organization also responded to Trump’s executive order seeking to remove birthright citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
“World Relief opposes this action, both because we believe that it would be short-sighted and because the president lacks the legal authority to unilaterally make this change,” stated World Relief in a press release.
“The 14th amendment clearly states that ‘All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States,’” the release continued. “While not all countries have similar birthright citizenship policies, the United States is far from unique: dozens of other countries have similar policies as well.”
In another press release, World Relief responded to Trump’s order suspending foreign aid.
“World Relief affirms the new administration’s authority and responsibility to review such funds…but we are deeply concerned that the suspension of funds could exacerbate crises in some of the most fragile contexts in the world.”
“World Relief works directly in several countries facing the most severe crises in the world, including in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Haiti,” the statement continued, “leveraging both governmental funds and private support from churches, individuals and foundations to respond to crises in partnership with local churches.”
“World Relief urges the administration to reconsider this decision or at least to conduct their reviews as quickly as possible,” the organization said, “to resume funding for the world’s most urgent crises in ways guided by US interests as well as our national commitment to the dignity of all human beings, made in God’s image.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Brandon Bell/Staff
Originally published January 29, 2025.
