At a time when more individuals around the globe are uprooted by the war and crisis than ever before, welcoming refugees is not just a lifesaving #humanitarian imperative. Do you know why refugee resettlement is necessary? Because refugee resettlement not only enriches the economy of the country but also enhances the national security of the country. The U.S. admissions ceiling has been established in line with the global humanitarian need and the U.S. strategic interests.
There is no end in sight to the refugee crisis, as conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and northeast Nigeria continue to deteriorate. Hundreds of communities across the country welcome refugees with open arms. There are thousands of volunteers from faith and community groups that help refugees adapt to the American way of life. And these numbers of Volunteers exceed the number of refugees actually arriving.
#Refugees are consumers, taxpayers, entrepreneurs, and much more. They contribute to economic growth and create jobs. A shocking fact is that entrepreneurship among refugees is nearly 50 percent higher than among people born in the U.S.
Refugees have worked in the major industries that kept the communities of America afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amazingly, one of every five refugees who resettled in the U.S. by the IRC in 2020 immediately took positions in the healthcare or the food industry. The U.S. alien resettlement program is designed specially to help the refugees achieve self-sufficiency quickly. Eighty-five percent of the clients in an International Rescue Committee employment program were economically self-sufficient within six months in 2019. Refugees return, on average, $21,000 more in taxes than they get in government interests.
The United States has a duty to be more open to asylum. We have a responsibility to accept that fleeing persecution and provide refugees a proper home.