Eskinder Negash, president and CEO of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, on June 8 wrote to federal lawmakers urging them to “see the faces and names of your constituents, your staffers and volunteers and think hard about how each of them came to be here.”

In his letter, Negash said that “Today we see new policies and rhetoric that challenge our understanding of the basic values of our country.”

He notes that he is a recipient of an American by Choice Award from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2009 and a former refugee from Africa resettled in Georgia.

“From the moment I arrived over three decades ago, I have dedicated my life to the welcome and protection of others who found themselves in similar situations, as a refugee or an immigrant. Like many immigrants and refugees, I have worked hard, raised a family, volunteer in my community and have had many blessings. But still, the idea of being a refugee, stateless, displaced and separated from family and loved ones is a consistent scar to remind all of us that our journey and suffering is real,” Negash told lawmakers.

“Despite the daily headlines that promote fear of immigrants, I know the history of the United States is also a history of refugees and immigrants. I urge you, as a member of Congress to see the faces and names of your constituents, your staffers and volunteers and think hard about how each of them came to be here. The family that loves them and the challenges they have overcome through the years. Today’s immigrants and refugees want nothing more. A chance for peace and freedom,” the letter said.

For additional information on the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, click here.