HIAS 2019 Annual Report

signed by over 1,500 rabbis and cantors from 48 states—that called for
greater protection for the rights, safety, and dignity of asylum seekers.
In the fall, HIAS organized constituents and coalitions to respond to the
president’s new Executive Order barring the resettlement of refugees
to any state or locality that had not “opted in” to the U.S. Refugee
Admissions Program, a dramatic and dangerous shift in the policy of
how refugees are resettled to this country. Due to the advocacy and
grassroots work of HIAS and our allies, 43 out of 50 governors provided
consent to allow resettlement in their states. HIAS was the named
plaintiff in a lawsuit against the order, alleging that it violates both the
Constitution as well as federal law. The fight against this Executive Order
was a strong expression of the commitment to welcoming the stranger
by HIAS, our Jewish community partners, and other faith-based allies.
Education is an integral element of HIAS’ advocacy and community
engagement strategies, and our rabbi-in-residence and staff leaders
elevated issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers in the Jewish
community, delivering dozens of educational sessions at schools,
synagogues,
professional
organizations,
community centers, and
national conferences.
Briefing calls on
topics ranging from
HIAS held 148 Jewish community
programs, educational sessions,
trainings, and briefings with a total
of 3,432 participants
“The Actual National Emergency: Threats to Asylum” to “The State
of Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.” and “The Community Responds:
On Border and Asylum” drew nearly 600 participants. Our action
alerts—14 in 2019—helped people engage. Thousands of supporters
encouraged Members of Congress to support the No Ban Act; oppose
the Secure and Protect Act; and support higher refugee admissions.
This past year, due to our enhanced partnerships with synagogues and
coalitions around the country, facilitated by an expanded Welcome
Campaign network of 441 congregations, HIAS strengthened our
rapid response abilities as we were able to draw upon a well-organized
and coordinated constituent base.
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