Statement from A.Patrick Augustin
Executive Director
January 31, 2017
The Pan-African Association is alarmed and concerned that President Trump signed an Executive Order last week halting the Refugee Program for 120 days, and banning Syrian Refugees from the program for an indefinite period of time.
Pan-African Association is a community based organization providing services that promote integration and self-reliance. During our 15 years of existence we have been privileged to serve newcomers from many African countries and others fleeing persecution and terror. Those who come to our shores carry the American Dream and work hard to become US Citizens and contributing members of our society.
The average wait for an African Refugee is 17 years. Seventeen long years of dreaming and hoping they will be given the chance to come to the US and build a new life.
We stand united with Refugees of all religions and nationalities; those who are already here and the thousands who are warehoused and languishing in Refugee camps desperately dreaming for a chance to come to the US and live a peaceful and productive life.
We call upon our friends and supporters to stand shoulder to shoulder with us and raise their voices against this Executive Order. The Refugee program demonstrates the best of our American values, and we must protect it.
Pan-African Association is a community based organization providing services that promote integration and self-reliance. During our 15 years of existence we have been privileged to serve newcomers from many African countries and others fleeing persecution and terror. Those who come to our shores carry the American Dream and work hard to become US Citizens and contributing members of our society.
The average wait for an African Refugee is 17 years. Seventeen long years of dreaming and hoping they will be given the chance to come to the US and build a new life.
We stand united with Refugees of all religions and nationalities; those who are already here and the thousands who are warehoused and languishing in Refugee camps desperately dreaming for a chance to come to the US and live a peaceful and productive life.
We call upon our friends and supporters to stand shoulder to shoulder with us and raise their voices against this Executive Order. The Refugee program demonstrates the best of our American values, and we must protect it.