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Future of U.S. Refugee, Asylum Policy Examined During Upcoming Symposium Marking 30th Anniversary of Refugee ActSpeakers to Address Current Challenges, Needed Reforms Washington, DC – Thirty years after the Refugee Act of 1980 became law, Human Rights First and Georgetown University Law Center will co-host a March 16 symposium marking this important anniversary that offers an occasion to highlight the United States achievements under the Refugee Act, honor the contributions refugees have made to the diverse fabric of American society, and evaluate the ways in which policymakers can work together to overcome the current challenges in the U.S. refugee resettlement and asylum systems. The day's speakers will include United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres, Obama Administration officials, members of Congress, policy experts, journalists, and refugees themselves. The Refugee Act of 1980 created an explicit asylum provision in U.S. immigration law and established a comprehensive framework for the resettlement of refugees to the United States. Symposium panelists will discuss new barriers that have made it more difficult for legitimate refugees to receive asylum in this country, and the documented disparities in asylum adjudications. They will also assess the effectiveness of the current U.S. refugee resettlement program with regard to identifying refugees in the greatest need of resettlement, adjudicating their cases fairly and efficiently, and providing them with adequate targeted post-arrival integration assistance. Speakers will address the need for the Obama Administration and Congress to move forward a series of key reforms in asylum and refugee policy. Following the symposium, participants will gather for a reception at Jones Day, where they will hear remarks from High Commissioner Guterres and Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Alejandro Mayorkas. The reception will include a performance by local Ethiopian musicians. The symposium and reception are open to press. The full agenda follows this release. To register, please contact Brenda Bowser Soder (bowsersoderb@humanrightsfirst.org, 202-370-3323). WHAT: 30th Anniversary of the Refugee Protection Act of 1980: A Human Rights First and Georgetown University Law Center Symposium WHERE: Georgetown University Law Center, Gewirz Student Center - 12th Floor 120 F Street NW, Washington, DC WHEN: Tuesday, March 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reception to follow at 5:30 p.m. SYMPOSIUM AGENDA: 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Registration and Continental Breakfast 9:00 – 9:15 AM: Welcome/Opening Remarks from Human Rights First President and Dean of Georgetown University Law Center and screening of new short film by Human Rights First on the history of the Refugee Act and the U.S. commitment to asylum and refugee protection. Presenters:
9:15 – 10:00 AM: Morning Keynote: Speaker:
10:00 – 10:20 AM: Remarks on the protection of refugees as an important reflection of American values by the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Refugee Caucus Speakers:
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Panel Discussion #1 – U.S. Asylum System: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities About the panel: The Refugee Act of 1980 was intended to bring the United States into compliance with the country's commitments under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its Protocol. The Act incorporated the Convention's definition of a "refugee" and created an explicit asylum provision in U.S. immigration law for the first time. In the intervening years though, new barriers have made it more difficult for legitimate refugees to receive asylum in this country, and significant disparities in asylum adjudications have been documented. The anniversary of the Refugee Act presents an opportunity to discuss these and other challenges and the potential for improvements. Panelists:
Moderator:
12:00 – 1:30 PM: Lunch (12:15 – 1:30 – Lunch Discussion): "Seeking Safety: Refugees and Asylees Speak" Panelists:
(NOTE: Following lunch Ms. Amos sign copies of her new book, Eclipse of the Sunnis: Power, Exile, and Upheaval in the Middle East, which will be available for sale.) 1:45 – 3:15 PM: Panel Discussion #2 – U.S. Refugee Resettlement System: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities About the panel: The Refugee Act of 1980 created a system for admitting refugees who are of special humanitarian concern to the United States, as well as programs to assist those refugees in their resettlement. Thirty years later, thousands of refugees have been resettled in this country. Many of them – and their children – are now U.S. citizens and thriving members of their communities in the United States. The anniversary of the Refugee Act presents an opportunity to reflect on achievements but also to discuss challenges and the potential for improvements. Panelists:
Moderator:
3:30 – 4:30 PM: Looking Forward: The Road Ahead About the panel: This final panel is a brief wrap-up discussion of the issues and recommendations raised throughout the day. It will note other challenges and positive steps moving forward. Panelists:
Moderator:
4:30 – 5:00 – The Importance of U.S. Commitment and Leadership Keynote:
RECEPTION INFORMATION: Following the symposium, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., there will be a reception at Jones Day (300 New Jersey Avenue, N.W. in Washington, DC). Honored speakers at the evening reception will include António Guterres (U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees) and Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Alejandro Mayorkas. The reception will also include a performance by local Ethiopian musicians. Brenda Bowser Soder - 30 - |
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