Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a Press Conference with... USUN: Kenya
"One of America's most noble traditions is welcoming all those seeking safety and freedom. Today, I met with five refugee families who, with support from @UNMigration @IOMKenya, will soon relocate to the United States with hopes for a brighter future." Ambassador Linda Thomas-GreenfieldGood afternoon, everyone. Let me thank all of you for joining us today. I’ve had an extraordinarily productive and busy day here in Nairobi.
Back in the 1990s – in fact, 1989 – I served as the Department of State’s U.S. resettlement officer for Africa. At that time, the United States had a 2,000-person cap on refugees coming from Africa. Most years we actually wouldn’t even meet the 2,000 number and I remember very sadly that my first year when I committed that I was going to reach the 2,000 number, I got to 1,982. And I’ve never forgotten that those 18 people that I could have helped didn’t get out, and I didn’t reach those numbers.
But I saw how much it meant for these refugees to be able to come to the United States and how it really transformed their lives. I saw how Church World Service, together with our partners from the International Organization for Migration, from UNHCR, made all the difference in the world. They helped to vet refugees for the resettlement program. They ensured that the applicants had their medicals and all of their documents in order.
Just a few moments ago, I met with refugees who Church World Service helped and had the opportunity to talk to them about their future journeys to the United States. And I shared with them my experience and really congratulated them for their efforts. There was a seven-year-old among those who are being processed, with her parents, and I told her that she was going to make a difference; she was going to be our next Ilhan Omar, who also immigrated from the United – from Kenya as a refugee.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kenya: How Entrepreneur Entrenched Cycling in Juja Through Bike HiringIf you have traveled to various parts of the country either in urban or rural areas, you have most likely spotted a black mamba bicycle, which is the typical mode of transport for most households.
Read more »
PHOTOS | Chris Hemsworth shares 'one of the most memorable trips to Kenya' with his family | LifePHOTOS | Chris Hemsworth shares 'one of the most memorable trips to Kenya' with his family | News24Arts
Read more »
'If the ANC does not renew itself, it will simply perish' - Ramaphosa says | The CitizenRamaphosa said building unity in the ANC starts with NEC members who must be activists, disciplined and in touch with the people and extends to leaders at all levels. ANCNEC CyrilRamaphosa ANC
Read more »