Advocacy
The U.S. has a long history of refugee protection and resettlement, making our nation stronger through diversity. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has provided protection to millions of people since the program’s formal establishment in 1980 with the passage of the Refugee Act. Before 2016, the U.S. resettled the most refugees annually of any country.
While SCN began as an organization to support Syrian refugees in the U.S., we envision a United States that is welcoming to all immigrants and refugees. We define this as unapologetically advocating for the safety, autonomy, and agency of all — extending to the most marginalized in our communities.
As many of SCN’s leadership and staff are immigrants and refugees, we believe in using our voices and power to speak up in support of refugee and immigrant communities from all backgrounds. Our advocacy efforts locally and nationally include championing refugee resettlement, dismantling barriers to resettlement, and stabilizing and procuring support for refugees.
Take action now!
Every one of us is able to do more to support refugees and immigrants in our community and demand more protections, inclusive policies, funding, and welcome. We hope that you will join us in the fight by taking the following actions.
Follow us on social media for up-to-date actions
Write a letter to the editor or op-ed
Local Advocacy
Chicago was ranked as the most welcoming city in the U.S. in 2021 by New American Economy’s Cities Index. We are proud to push for welcoming and inclusive policies in the city and the state of Illinois in collaboration with many other partners.
SCN is a founding member and fiscal sponsor for the Refugee Action Network, a member of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and convenes with other refugee-serving organizations under the helm of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago which serves as the state’s intermediary for refugee resettlement. At the local level, SCN pushes for inclusive policies and practices with local government, the school system, and other local entities.
We also work with nonprofits, affinity groups, and faith-based organizations to educate their constituents about refugees and the work that we do. If you are interested in having a representative present to your group or be involved in a speaking engagement, please reach out to Communications Director, Lauren West.
National Advocacy
In conjunction with partner organizations and national coalitions, SCN urges lawmakers to speak out in support of refugee resettlement, broadened immigration policies, and greater access to citizenship for all immigrants. We also advocate for securing proper funding of the programs needed to better serve refugee and immigrant communities.
SCN is a member of Welcoming America and has partnerships with organizations across the country to help amplify this important work.