Save the Children responds to Trump Administration's decision to reduce the number of refugees who can be resettled in the United States

FAIRFIELD, Conn., Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Save the Children deplores the decision by the administration to reduce the number of people resettled in the United States next year from the 110,000 promised by the previous administration in 2017 to 45,000 in 2018. This is an historic and unprecedented low that runs counter to decades of policy by administrations of both parties.

"To deny safe refuge to tens of thousands, including more than 20,000 vulnerable children, is to deny who we are as a country. Refugee children and families have faced unimaginable violence, conflict and persecution. They deserve to be safe and have a path toward a better future. 

"At a time when the number of people forcibly displaced is at near historic levels, the United States needs to lead by example and encourage other countries to accept more refugees.

"For nearly 100 years, Save the Children has worked tirelessly to help millions of refugee children and families?providing lifesaving assistance, improving access to education and quality health care, and protecting children from exploitation. We are committed to continuing this work abroad, but know that resettlement is a critical component of children being happy, healthy and safe in the longer term. We must not play politics with children's futures."

Editor's note: Save the Children recently released a refugee children's report card, which graded the US government on four issues central to the health and wellbeing of refugee children. The US government earned an A- for education, B for food security, B- for child protection and a D for safe homes through resettlement. To read the full report visit: http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/REFUGEE_CHILDRENS_PROGRESS_REPORT_09012017.PDF

Our estimate of 20,000 children denied safety as a result of this decision is based on the fact that, historically, approximately one third of refugees resettled were children.

Media Contact: Negin Janati, [email protected], 203-212-0044

SOURCE Save the Children