Don’t shut door on refugees

I applaud the actions of HIAS and the ADL in speaking out against President Trump’s reduction in the number of refugees to be admitted to the United States next year (“Jewish groups criticize decision to cut number of refugees for 2019,” Sept. 19 edition). The maximum number established for the current year (45,000) was already lower than that set by previous administrations of either party; the further reduction to 30,000 is simply unconscionable. 

At a time when, due to conflicts and ethnic persecution in countries such as Syria, Myanmar, South Sudan and Yemen, the world is experiencing the worst refugee crisis since World War II, we should not be shutting the door on desperate people seeking to build a new life for themselves. Refugees are subject to a lengthy and multifaceted vetting process prior to resettlement in the United States, so their presence poses no threat to us. Moreover, studies have shown that refugees have generated billions of dollars for the national economy. 

Here in St. Louis, as a result of our community’s generous spirit and the efforts of aid groups like the International Institute, we have provided a home for those fleeing ethnic cleansing in Bosnia. These people have become a part of the fabric of our city, and have been a boon to our neighborhoods and economy. The International Rescue Committee is advocating for the admission of at least 75,000 refugees to the United States next year. We should call on our members of Congress to press for this number. The reductions announced by the Trump administration are a betrayal of our country’s values.

Greg Campbell, Creve Coeur

Leading the way on health crisis

Forty-three senators and 106 members of the House agree with Yara Levin that it is time for America to show leadership in the battle against tuberculosis. (Sept. 19 letter: “U.S. should lead in solving global health crisis”). This bipartisan group of members of Congress sent a letter to the administration calling for bold leadership at the coming UN high level meeting on tuberculosis. Both the Senate and the House budgets call for an increase of funding to battle this number one infectious killer. Citizens can do their part by encouraging their members of Congress to choose the higher funding level proposed by the House and continuing to ask for this bold leadership in the fight against the tuberculosis pandemic. Calls and letters make a difference.

Willie Dickerson, Snohomish, Wash.