Americares Statement
Americares is deeply concerned about the recent executive order on immigration and refugees. In particular, we are alarmed by the specific action taken to block Syrian refugees from entering the United States. Syrians have suffered six years of brutal and violent civil war, resulting in millions of people fleeing for their lives. Preventing entry to the United States further threatens the health and well-being of innocent refugees.
Families trapped inside Syria have little medical care, as hospitals and doctors are targeted in the fighting. Children have survived bombings and other atrocities only to contract deadly diseases routine vaccinations could have prevented. As borders close, there is increased pressure on Syria’s neighbors in the Middle East to meet the basic needs of displaced men, women and children, including health services.
Americares remains committed to helping refugees. Our mission is to save lives and improve health for people affected by poverty or disaster, and there is no crisis more urgent right now than the Syria conflict. We have been supporting health care in war-torn Syria, as well as health care for families fleeing to neighboring countries, since 2012.
Refugees need housing, food, medical care, schools for their children and, above all, compassion.
For more on our response to the executive order, read the Medium blog by Americares President & CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis