ARLINGTON, VA – The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) expresses its solidarity with our global community in their efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This kind of pervasive and far-reaching global event reminds us all that we share one planet and our lives are inextricably linked together in an unbroken chain of humanity. Our thoughts are with everyone in this one, vast global family that extends across borders and knows no nationality.

America is no stranger to crisis. We have suffered through world wars, the threat of nuclear annihilation, economic catastrophes and public health pandemics that have tested our national character. There is a homily that says, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” Perhaps no other homily describes America best.

Our most precious commodity is our health. At USCRI, we have taken the necessary steps to protect the health of our employees by facilitating teleworking and providing them with continuous, up-to-date information on how to protect themselves and their families.

In our field offices, we are working with our clients in the refugee and immigrant communities to continue providing them with the critical services and financial assistance they need to help them weather this crisis. We are working with our partner agencies to cast a wide net over opportunities to use the skills and experience we have gained in over 100 years of serving victims of natural calamities, survivors of torture and war all over our country.

Our compassion for those affected by this virus begins in our back yard and extends across continents. USCRI with your support pledges to commit its resources to mitigating the impacts of this global pandemic on the most vulnerable communities among us. We are all in this together!