1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The Trump administration's decision to grant refugee status to white South Africans while suspending the broader refugee program raises serious concerns about discrimination. Prioritizing certain refugees based on race contradicts the very principles and purpose of the refugee program, which is to provide safe haven to those fleeing persecution regardless of their background. Deporting individuals en masse solely because of their national origin is an unacceptable violation of human rights. Such actions targeting specific ethnicities are deeply troubling and reminiscent of our nation's own troubled history with racism and xenophobia. We urge an immediate end to these race-based policies and a return to a fair, equitable refugee vetting process that judges each case on its own merits without regard to skin color or heritage. Our nation's ideals demand no less.