By Hannah Lee, Director of Community Engagement
Today, a public hearing was held at the Capitol in response to Governor Hutchinson’s official consent of refugee resettlement in our state. I had the honor of listening as our Governor not only stood firmly by his decision to consent to refugee resettlement, he advocated for our refugee friends and neighbors.
““Each of you [legislators] are leaders in your community. You’ve got a choice to make: You can create fear or you can help resolve fear. I challenge you to help resolve fear.””
— GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON. REGARDING REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
Many of the questions and fears surrounding resettlement in Arkansas centered around keeping the U.S. great. The underlying question was: “Are refugees good for our country?”
The answer is unequivocally, resoundingly yes.
Refugees are wonderful for our nation and our local communities for a plethora of reasons. I would like to share 3 important ones with you now.
1. Refugees strengthen our economy.
Refugees bring growth, ambition, and drive. A recent study by the Department of Health and Human Services found that between the years 2006-2014, refugees contributed a net fiscal benefit of $63 billion to the nation, and $22 billion of that amount was poured into local communities across the US. Refugees also have a high level of entrepreneurship: 13% of refugees are entrepreneurs, compared to just 9% of the native born population! We have found this to be true in our own NWA community: of the families we have settled, 3 households have already begun small businesses— and that’s only in the last three years. Imagine the impact these new neighbors will have the longer they have time to settle in and are equipped with all they need to thrive!
2. Refugees strengthen our communities.
Refugees bring new stories, new foods, new languages and dances and songs and fashions, new perspectives… refugees bring all of these things and more, and this gives our community so much strength and character! We are more well-rounded, have better insight, have wider perspectives, and vibrancy of life because they are here. We are better together.
3. Refugees uphold our American values.
A couple of weeks ago, a colleague of mine was talking about the concept of the American Dream. He said: “Most native-born US citizens don’t believe in the American Dream anymore. But every refugee I’ve met not only believes in it, they love it and chase after it because they are so proud to be American.” America is founded on many basic principles: Liberty, freedom, justice, the right to life and the right to pursue happiness. Refugees not only believe in these values: they uphold them through their patriotism, civic engagement, and community leadership. Refugees don’t take away from American values and pride: they add to it, strengthen it, and exemplify it.
So today, I want to ask you to join Canopy in two ways:
- Thank Governor Hutchinson for his official consent and his incredible advocacy for our refugee friends. Then thank our local government leaders for their consent: Mayor Jordan, Mayor Sprouse, Mayor McGill, and Judge Wood!
- Meet with your local legislator and advocate for resettlement in our state. Canopy’s best advocates are our community members. Request a meeting over coffee with your legislator and convey your support for Canopy’s work in AR! For a map of our legislators, including contact info, click here.
We are better together, and our voices can help resolve fear, restore truth, and spread kindness. Refugees strengthen our community and our nation: help us spread the word.
#WeWelcomeRefugees #ArkansansforRefugees
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