H.R. 9495: Our Work is Under Threat – Will You Help Defend Us

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, legislation that would grant the incoming president unprecedented power to target and undermine non-profits like ours.

This bill would give the next administration sweeping new authority to suppress civil society by designating non-profits as "terrorist supporting organizations" and stripping them of their tax-exempt status - with no guarantee of meaningful due process, explanation, or evidence. This has long been a common tactic of authoritarian demagogues overseas - it must not be enacted here.

This week, we joined a diverse coalition of more than 300 non-profit organizations in a letter to Congress calling on them to oppose this radical legislation. U.S. laws already prohibit providing support to terrorist organizations - laws that we support and comply with. The purpose of this new bill is simply to suppress political dissent.

Organizations like ours serve a critical role in U.S. society and in the international community as a vital watchdog for rights, and as a counterweight to anti-refugee rhetoric from political leaders.

At Refugees International, we know our bold advocacy for the rights of displaced people around the world - from civilians in Gaza to people fleeing persecution at the U.S. southern border - will make us a target of the incoming administration.

We hope you will stand with us in urging your members of Congress to reject this harmful bill as it makes its way to the Senate - and if it is introduced in the next session of the U.S. Congress.

At times like this, our independence - and decision not to accept any government - is critical. It also means we depend on support from individuals like you to sustain our work.

Please call your members of Congress today to push back against this radical bill - and please consider a donation to Refugees International as we prepare for these fights in the years to come.