House of Representatives Fails Test of True Moral Leadership

WASHINGTON — Avideh Moussavian, policy attorney at the National Immigration Law Center, issued this statement following today’s House approval of H.R. 4038:

“Today, in deciding the fate of vulnerable Syrian and Iraqi refugees, the House of Representatives took a vote that tested our nation’s moral leadership. Unfortunately, the House failed that test.

“At issue was an anti-refugee bill that would freeze U.S. refugee resettlement programs for Syrian and Iraqi refugees—many of them children—fleeing violence, oppression, and the very persecution our government claims to want to end. By voting to support H.R. 4038, the House has sent the shameful message that vulnerable refugees seeking safe haven are not welcome in the United States.

“In contrast to President Obama’s unequivocal statement of opposition to H.R. 4038 and commitment to veto the bill, fear-mongering prevailed in the House. The anti-immigrant rhetoric sank to a new low, with politicians targeting people based on their country of origin and religion.

“As members of Congress get ready to head home to partake in bountiful Thanksgiving dinners, we challenge them to remember the suffering of refugees who have been denied the grace of American hearts and values.”

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