World Refugee Day, recognized annually on June 20, is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of people forced to flee their home countries due to war, violence, or persecution. It’s also a moment to reflect on the role we all play—individuals, communities, and governments—in creating a more welcoming and inclusive society.
As conflict and displacement continue across the globe, refugee families face prolonged wait times and reduced access to safety. Many who have been approved for resettlement are still waiting in unsafe and uncertain conditions.
This World Refugee Day, the International Institute of Akron (IIA) encourages you to join us in taking action to support refugees and protect the life-saving U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Together, we can ensure that Ohio—and our nation—continues to be a place where those fleeing violence are met with compassion and opportunity.
Here Are 3 Ways You Can Take Action:
1. Contact Your Members of Congress
Urge your U.S. Senators and Representative to recognize World Refugee Day and strengthen the refugee resettlement program through legislation, funding, and public support.
Sample Email:
Dear [Senator/Representative],
My name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/Town, OH]. I’m writing in recognition of World Refugee Day to ask that you:
Stand up for refugees and newcomers in upcoming congressional funding and legislative deliberations. Reject the budget reconciliation package that diverts massive funds to ICE detention and deportation and prevents refugees and others from accessing food assistance and medical support they would otherwise be eligible for. Instead support funding for key spending accounts (such as the Migration and Refugee Assistance account and Refugee and Entrant Assistance accounts) and include clear authorizing and appropriations language dictating how that funding should be used for processing and welcome services that best serve refugees, newcomers, and the communities that welcome them.
Urge for the restoration of the refugee resettlement program – including by rebooking travel for thousands of refugees who have had their flights canceled. Refugee resettlement brings huge social and economic benefits to our communities and makes our country stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
Publicly express your support for refugees and the bipartisan U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE). Recognize and speak to the impact of the stop work orders and reimbursement freeze on refugee resettlement services and programs in your community. Listen to and collect stories of your constituents who have been impacted.
Refugees are part of the fabric of our communities here in Ohio. I urge you to defend policies that allow our country to continue offering safe harbor to those in need.
2. Call Your Elected Officials
Let your representatives hear from you directly. Use this simple phone script:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/Town], Ohio. I’m calling in recognition of World Refugee Day to urge [Senator/Representative Name] to support refugees and defend our country’s commitment to welcome.
I’m asking you to:
Reject any budget proposals that divert critical resources to ICE detention and deportation, and that limit access to food and medical assistance for refugees and other newcomers.
Instead, support funding for the Migration and Refugee Assistance and Refugee and Entrant Assistance accounts—and make sure that funding goes directly to welcome services that help refugees and communities thrive.
Advocate for the full restoration of the U.S. refugee resettlement program, including rebooking canceled travel for refugees already approved to come here.
Publicly express support for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts. Please speak out about the harmful impacts of stop work orders and funding freezes on local resettlement services.
Refugees are a vital part of our community in Ohio. Please stand with us in defending the right to safety, dignity, and opportunity.
Thank you.
3. Use Your Voice on Social Media
Join IIA and others nationwide in using your platform to advocate for refugee rights. Tag your representatives and use the hashtag #WorldRefugeeDay.
Sample Posts:
Every person deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild. This #WorldRefugeeDay, I stand with refugees—and call on Congress to do the same.
Refugees strengthen our communities. Let’s invest in welcome, reject anti-asylum policies, and uphold the right to protection. #WorldRefugeeDay
Akron has long welcomed families seeking safety. This #WorldRefugeeDay, let’s recommit to keeping that legacy alive.
From everyone at IIA, thank you for standing with displaced people around the world. Together, we can build a more welcoming future.