From crisis to contribution: Why America needs refugees | GUEST COMMENTARY

In the time it takes to count to two, a person is displaced, according to the UN Refugee Agency. In fact, a record 120 million people have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict, persecution, climate disaster and more. Amid such an unprecedented global displacement crisis, a more robust response is urgently needed from the U.S. government and its international partners — one that recognizes the common humanity and immense potential of those displaced through no fault of their own. 

Tragically, narratives around immigration in this country increasingly depict people in need of safety as security threats, drains on resources or opportunists. To the contrary, embracing and empowering these talented, resilient individuals and families as they rebuild their lives is a smart investment in our country’s future.

For example, there’s a common misconception that refugees and immigrants aren’t contributors. Far from depleting our resources, study after study proves they actually become net positive contributors to state and federal tax coffers. In fact, a recent HHS report examined a 15-year period and calculated what refugees and asylees received in services versus how much they paid in taxes. These newcomers paid $123 billion more than they received — unsurprising to those of us already familiar with their grit and adaptability.

Beyond tax dollars, refugees play a pivotal role in growing our country’s labor capacity, which is particularly important at a time of historically low unemployment when employers are struggling to hire for 8 million unfilled jobs in our workforce. They’re also creating jobs and economic opportunity in the communities they come to call home, with more than 200,000 refugee entrepreneurs nationwide. 

Locally, new Americans account for approximately 8% of Baltimore City’s population, but own around 70,000 homes and 22,000 businesses, boasting spending power of $9 billion dollars. As they make the most of an area that’s ranked as one of the best in the U.S. for immigrants, it’s clear these newcomers are more than willing to lay down roots here, contribute to Baltimore’s economy and culturally enrich our neighborhoods.

But statistics only tell part of the story. Each figure represents a human being with hopes and dreams of a better life for themselves and their loved ones. At Global Refuge, the organization I have the privilege of leading, we see their common humanity on display every day: in the eyes of a Guatemalan refugee child who found a sense of home with her foster family; in the unconditional love of Venezuelan parents who risked everything to get their children the medical care they need; in the advocacy of a women’s rights activist whose only crime was being a woman in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan; and in countless other testaments to the indomitable spirit of this current generation of newcomers. 

These deeply human stories are why we should be grateful for the Biden administration’s concerted efforts to rebuild and expand the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. During his time in office, refugee admissions have increased from an all-time low of 11,411 in 2021 to more than 55,000 last year. So far this fiscal year, the Biden administration is on track to resettle approximately 95,000 people.

While these efforts are highly commendable, we should also be deeply concerned by the White House backsliding on its obligations to those seeking refuge at the southern border, given its recent executive order further restricting asylum access. It is completely reasonable to want robust systems in place to know who is coming to our country, but we also have a duty to protect those fleeing violence and persecution, as codified in both U.S. law and international agreements. As a country, we can’t rely solely on the refugee program or asylum access at the border; as the world’s humanitarian leader, we need to do both.

That’s why Global Refuge — one of the 10 national agencies that work with the federal government to help resettle new Americans — will continue to call on the Biden administration to expand humanitarian pathways for displaced people and to empower them to thrive here. Having served more than 750,000 people in our 85-year history, including the last 25 years headquartered in Baltimore, we know that short-term investments in these newcomers pays dividends many times over in the long-term.

 America, a nation built by immigrants, has a long history of offering safe harbor to those fleeing persecution. We urge the White House to invest in a robust resettlement program, one that empowers refugees with the tools they need to thrive.  

But the responsibility doesn’t end there. We, the people, have the power to shape a more welcoming nation. Imagine the doctor who fled war now saving lives in your community, the entrepreneur who brings vibrant new flavors to your local market. These are the stories waiting to be written. Let’s open our hearts, our homes, and our workplaces to refugees.  

Volunteer with resettlement agencies, sponsor a family or foster an unaccompanied migrant child. Every act of kindness paves the way for a brighter future, one where refugees don’t just find safety, but a chance to contribute their talents and dreams to the rich tapestry of Baltimore and beyond.

Let’s show the world that America remains a beacon of hope, a land where resilience finds fertile ground, and where dreams, once threatened, can take root and flourish.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah (X: @krishvignarajah) is president and CEO of Baltimore-based Global Refuge.