WHEREAS, millions of refugees – of many faiths or countries of origin – are making life and death decisions to flee their homes in need of shelter or protection; and
WHEREAS, welcoming the oppressed and persecuted is a foundation of our state and nation; North Carolina has been a pillar of hospitality, home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants who have added to the economic strength and cultural richness of our communities; and
WHEREAS, resettlement to the United States is available only for those refugees who demonstrate the greatest and most immediate need for protection – such as children traveling alone, female-headed households, victims of torture, the physically disabled and members of the LGBTQ+ community – and takes place only after eligible refugees undergo a rigorous selection, security vetting and medical screening process; and
WHEREAS, between 2005 and 2014, refugees contributed an estimated $269.1 billion to the national economy, far surpassing the $206.1 billion spent by the United States to assist refugees; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina was one of the first states to welcome refugees into the United States after the signing of the United States Refugee Act of 1980 by President Jimmy Carter; and
WHEREAS, organizations responsible for resettling refugees, as well as many other community and faith-based groups, offer support for refugees who resettle in our state; and
WHEREAS, refugees integrate and quickly become self-sufficient, paying taxes, supporting local commerce, joining the workforce, and providing jobs; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some refugees have served as frontline healthcare and other essential workers to help keep North Carolina running in these difficult times; and
WHEREAS, World Refugee Day is celebrated annually on June 20 to raise awareness of the millions of refugees worldwide who have no other option but to flee their homes to save themselves and their families from persecution, war, or violence due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to commemorate World Refugee Day by participating in local events and by expanding their knowledge of refugees, as well as the global issues that bring them to our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 20 – 26, 2021, as “REFUGEES WELCOME WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.