Switzerland - The needs of refugees and migrants worldwide have never been greater and the US resettlement program is one of the most important in the world.

The longstanding policy has offered a double win: first by rescuing some of the most vulnerable people in the world and second by enabling them to enrich their new societies. The contribution of refugees and migrants to their new homes worldwide has been overwhelmingly positive.

Resettlement places provided by every country are vital; The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency and and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, hope that the US will continue its strong leadership role and long tradition of protecting those who are fleeing conflict and persecution.

IOM and UNHCR remain committed to working with the US Administration towards the goal we share to ensure safe and secure resettlement and immigration programmes. 

We strongly believe that refugees should receive equal treatment for protection and assistance, and opportunities for resettlement, regardless of their religion, nationality or race.

We will continue to engage actively and constructively with the U.S. Government, as we have done for decades, to protect those who need it most, and to offer our support on asylum and migration matters.

For further information please contact:

IOM: 

Leonard Doyle Tel: + 41 79 285 71 23, Email: ldoyle@iom.int  

Joel Millman, Tel: + 41 79 103 87 20, Email: jmillman@iom.int 

UNHCR:

In Washington, Chris Boian, Tel: +1 202 489 6884, Email: boian@unhcr.org  

In Geneva, Vannina Maestracci, Tel: +41 79 108 3532, Email: maestrac@unhcr.org