King Commemorates “World Refugee Day” and Reasserts Support for Refugees Worldwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining a Senate Resolution that reaffirms U.S. commitments to protect and assist millions of refugees and displaced persons globally. The World Refugee Day Resolution honors World Refugee Day and highlights ongoing global refugee and displacement crises.

"World Refugee Day," annually celebrated on June 20, is an international day designated by the United Nations to recognize refugees around the globe and celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

"Throughout our history, America has been a refuge for people fleeing war, persecution, and oppression in search of safety and opportunity," said Senator King. "World Refugee Day is a reminder that behind every displacement statistic is a human story-a family seeking security, a parent seeking a future for their children, or an individual searching for freedom and dignity. Supporting refugees is not only a humanitarian obligation, but a reflection of our nation's values here at home and around the world."

Over the past three decades, Maine has welcomed refugees who have not only provided significant economic contributions-from starting small businesses to filling the state's workforce shortage-but also enriched their local communities.

The resolution is also joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-NY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Senator King has long worked on policy solutions that provide pathways for legal immigration into the United States, seeking to provide individuals with support while keeping the United States secure. He previously led bipartisan negotiations to provide a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and provided more than $25 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to construct physical border barriers and technology. Additionally, King voted for bipartisan agreements designed to reform American immigration policy by offering millions of undocumented immigrants an earned pathway to legal status and citizenship. Support of such policies reflect Senator King's dedication to strengthening American national security while providing humanitarian support for those in need.

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