Resolution Number: 2012-B028
Title: Reform Refugee Policy
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church urge the United States Congress to reform the Refugee Act of 1980 in order to modernize the nation’s refugee resettlement program; and be it further

Resolved, That such modernization efforts include but not be limited to, meeting the urgent needs of a diverse refugee population through specialized and extended case management, culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services, recertification assistance for refugees with a professional background, restoration of federal benefits from 8 months to at least one year, housing and transportation assistance, and other innovative policies that create an adaptive, sustainable, and effectual integration pathway for refugees that helps them reestablish their lives in welcoming communities and live to the full potential of their talents and abilities in freedom and safety; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church, in response to our baptismal covenant’s call to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being, as part of the Anglican Communion work to identify emerging refugee crises on the ground and to lift up populations who lack access to durable solutions, including resettlement and amplify their voices to local and global decision makers.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 2012 (New York: General Convention, 2012), pp. 320-321.

Legislative History

Author: The Rt. Rev. Prince Singh
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: National and International Concerns

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on National and International Concerns presented its Report #34 on Resolution B028 (Refugee Policy Reform) and moved adoption.

Original Text of Resolution

(B028)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church urge the United States Congress to reform the Refugee Act of 1980 in order to modernize the nation’s refugee resettlement program; and be it further

Resolved, That such modernization efforts include but not be limited to, meeting the urgent needs of a diverse refugee population through specialized and extended case management, culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services, recertification assistance for refugees with a professional background, restoration of federal benefits from 8 months to at least one year, housing and transportation assistance, and other innovative policies that create an adaptive, sustainable, and effectual integration pathway for refugees that helps them reestablish their lives in welcoming communities and live to the full potential of their talents and abilities in freedom and safety; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church, in response to our baptismal covenant’s call to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being, as part of the Anglican Communion work to identify emerging refugee crises on the ground and to lift up populations who lack access to durable solutions, including resettlement and amplify their voices to local and global decision makers.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #243)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on National and International Concerns presented its Report #33 on HD Message #243 on Resolution B028 (Refugee Policy Reform) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message # 278)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 12.

Abstract:   The 77th General Convention urges the U.S. Congress to reform the Refugee Act of 1980 to modernize the nation’s resettlement program.