Immersion Investment Inclusion. Why Refugees? Anna E. Crosslin, President & CEO March 23, 2016

Transcription

1 Immersion Investment Inclusion Why Refugees? Anna E. Crosslin, President & CEO March 23, 2016

2 Definitions Immigrant A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another. Migrant One who moves from one region to another by chance, instinct, or plan. Refugee - Persons (outside their home country) (fleeing) persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. IDP (Internally Displaced Person) has fled his or her home but still remains in country of origin.

3 So, Why Refugees? Refugee resettlement is a high value proposition for America Humanitarian Response Economic Benefit Foreign Policy Tool

4 Humanitarian Response Some of the most vulnerable refugees are assisted; offers hope.

5 World Wide Refugee Crisis By June million refugees & internally displaced worldwide: 20 million refugees 40 million IDP Largest populations are Syrian, Iraqi & Afghan: Syrians largest group at 12 million: 4 million refugees in camps or residing in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt 7.6 million IDP

6 High percent start small businesses, creating jobs. Economic Benefit Bring skills and education and build the workforce. Source of new population to fill otherwise abandoned neighborhoods and grow demand for goods and services.

7 Foreign Policy Tool Refugees are our allies not enemies in the war against radical extremism. They have fled the same terrorists that America is fighting. Resettling refugees supports our national defense by combatting propaganda by ISIS and other radical terrorists that Americans hate Muslims.

8 Refugees are highly-vetted prior to admission One-half of one percent of the world s refugee population is selected for resettlement; so odds are low and scrutiny is high. Usually about 70,000 of 40 million refugees are admitted to the US each year. Before being admitted to the US, refugees must successfully complete a lengthy 13-step security check lasting up to two years. Data reveals that refugees do not fit the profile of a terrorist. And what is that?... 8

9 Profile of a Domestic Terrorist* 73% not involved in plotting domestic terrorist attacks 86% male Vast majority between % of those arrested are converts to Islam More than 50% of arrests involved an informant or law enforcement sting Bulk are US Citizens or Permanent Residents *George Washington University study, based on 71 Americans charged w ISIS-related activities as of Nov. 12,

10 Arm Yourself with Facts International Institute: Information about the Syrian Refugee Crisis: ISIS in America: GW Examines Americans Recruited by Islamic State in First Comprehensive Report Homegrown Jihadists More Dangerous Than Refugees, U.S. Voters Tell Quinnipiac University National Poll Key facts about these new domestic terrorists

11 America is stronger when we embrace new cultures & traditions Our immigrant roots are broad and deep. Our rich immigrant traditions have helped build a strong and vibrant nation. Over time, we have embraced the German word kindergarten, Chinese word gung-ho, and African word jumbo into every day English. Refugees share the most important of our cultural values. They love family and appreciate freedom of religion and education. They really value the right to vote because they have fled oppressive regimes. Refugees want to be Americans! 11

12 Create a More Welcoming Community Learn more! Find out more about refugees, immigrants, and America s immigration system. Speak up! Offer the facts; correct misinformation. Get involved! Volunteer. Opportunities abound at the International Institute at or the St. Louis Mosaic Project at

13 Syrian & Other Muslim Arrivals 10,000 coming to the US. 300 Syrians to be sponsored by IISTL; total expected annual refugee arrivals will jump to 950. Significant new population for St. Louis. Assistance needed: Donations: Cash & In-kind, Jobs, and Volunteerism.

14 Bagels & Coffee 2016 Events June 17 Syrian Resettlement Update September 15 Immigration Platforms of Presidential Candidates 8 9 am International Institute 3401 Arsenal St.

15 3401 Arsenal St. St. Louis, MO (314)