I don’t have much time to write about this today, but wanted readers to have this announcement so you may begin to prepare your testimony. This is the only opportunity you have to tell the US State Department what you think about refugee admissions.
Last year I created a whole category to cover my attendance at the hearing and to report on some of your testimony. Please go here to see all the posts related to that hearing/meeting. Here is my summary post for the hearing itself. Testimony sent by citizens far out-numbered testimony from those in the refugee industry—those paid to be there that day and largely looking for the numbers admitted in the next fiscal year to be increased.
Here is the Federal Register Notice for this year’s meeting on May 15th!
[Public Notice 8241]
Notice of Public Meeting on FY 2014 U.S. Refugee Admissions Program
There will be a meeting on the President’s FY 2014 U.S. Refugee Admissions Program on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Department of State’s Harry S. Truman Building’s George C. Marshall Conference Room, 2201 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20520.
The meeting’s purpose is to hear the views of attendees on the appropriate size and scope of the FY 2014 U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Persons wishing to attend this meeting must notify the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at telephone (202) 453-9257 by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, to reserve a seat.
Persons wishing to present written comments should submit them by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 via email to spruellda@state.gov or fax (202) 453-9393.
The use of any video or audio recording device, photographing device, or any other electronic or mechanical device designed for similar purposes is prohibited at this event.
If you have questions about the public meeting, please contact Delicia Spruell, PRM/Admissions Program Officer at (202) 453-9257.
Information about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program may be found at http://www.state.gov/g/prm/ g/prm/. Dated: March 12, 2013. David Robinson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Department of State.
Please send this to anyone you know who would be interested in voicing their opinion. And, remember, if you send testimony, please copy it to your US Senators and Member of Congress, plus other elected officials in your state.
Always ask a question in your communication with your elected officials so they are forced to answer your letter/e-mail.