As it has for over 100 years, the International Institute of Buffalo will continue to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees, regardless of who sits in the White House. We look forward to working with politicians, community leaders, and other stakeholders who understand the value of foreign-born people in our region. Independent research and data confirm that immigrants and refugees improve our country and give more than they take. That is why we will be on hand to support them as they become part of the fabric of America.
However, given the president-elect’s history in office and campaign rhetoric, we are concerned that the recent election results will not bode well for immigrants and refugees. Refugee resettlement will likely be curtailed severely or halted entirely. Foreign-born American citizens could get scooped up in the promised mass deportation dragnet, and families would be separated unnecessarily. Regardless of their legal status, immigrants and refugees will likely suffer from the prejudice and indignity perpetuated by the president-elect’s misinformation and myths.
For this reason, we ask the community to support our work. We urge everyone to know the value of immigrants and refugees and to dispel myths about them.
