Trump's refugee plan sparks concern amongst Westchester groups

<p>President Donald Trump announced a plan that will lower the cap on the number of refugees allowed into the U.S.</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 19, 2018, 12:25 AM

Updated 2,056 days ago

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President Donald Trump's plan to lower the cap on the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. is not sitting well with some Westchester organizations.
The Trump administration announced this week a plan that lowers the number of refugees allowed into the country from 45,000 to 30,000 in fiscal year 2019, which starts in less than two weeks.
Kathie O'Callaghan, who works with Hearts and Homes for Refugees, says everyone involved in the organization is concerned. The group helps resettle refugees in Westchester.
"Our organization and the people involved are very concerned that we are closing our doors and turning our back on refugees," says O'Callaghan.
Members of Hearts and Homes for Refugees are now writing letters to members of Congress urging the cap to be raised to $75,000. However, even if it's raised it doesn't guarantee that many will be allowed in as this year the number is well below the cap.
"We have not even resettled 22,000 and the cap was 45,000," says O'Callaghan.
Trump's latest plan comes following a year of Temporary Protected Status cuts. The Trump administration ended TPS for six countries, putting more than 300,000 people at risk of deportation.
If the plan is approved as is, it would also include caps on specific regions like the Middle East and South Asia. The president will make a final decision on the plan after consulting with Congress.


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