Opinion: Trump is reducing refugee resettlement by any means necesary

To the editor: That the Trump administration has apparently subverted court decisions preventing a moratorium on refugee resettlement is serious enough. But there’s more. (“How the Trump administration has quietly stalled refugee resettlements,” editorial, May 8)

Last week, Voice of America documented more than 300 positions cut at U.S. refugee resettlement agencies, a sadly practical reaction to the administration’s plans to reduce refugee admissions, evidently by whatever means possible.

VOA admits that number isn’t comprehensive. It’s likely even more positions have been cut, not to mention hours reduced and vacancies not filled.

The cuts are devastating for the agencies, whose ability to serve people in need may be compromised. But the effects of the cold stop on new applications and reduced agency capacity are exponentially more serious for refugees, who face more delays, greater risks and fewer options after already enduring years of persecution, deprivation and loss.

Martin Zogg, Glendale

The writer is executive director of the International Rescue Committee’s Los Angeles office.

..

To the editor: The Times Editorial Board makes a compelling case for why America should not shut its doors to refugees. It writes that “the U.S. has, in the modern era, been relatively welcoming.”

That is certainly the America that I learned about in school and have known my adult life. However, we must accept that the America we grew up with is not the America of President Trump.

Under this administration, we are not an open and just nation. Until we vote the current government out of office, this is how the rest of the world will view our country.

Samuel Feldman, South Plainfield, N.J.

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