ACCESS joins the worldwide outpouring of grief for the victims of the recent attacks in Beirut, Paris, Baghdad, Syria and across the world, including the four members of our Dearborn community killed in Lebanon. We stand with the international community in unequivocally condemning the horrific acts, and stand firm in our commitment to resist the fear, despair and suspicion of our neighbors that those responsible wish to instill in us.
ACCESS is deeply disappointed in yesterday’s decision regarding planned humanitarian efforts to resettle Syrian refugee families in Michigan. The Governor’s remarks are hasty in the absence of a conclusion to any investigation into the attacks on Paris, especially considering the robust and lengthy screening procedures for Syrian refugees already in place by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. While we share the Governor’s concern for making the safety and security of Michigan communities an utmost priority, we ask that the Governor not discard the values of diversity and inclusion that make our state great. We urge the Governor to consider the implications of equating desperate refugee families with the terrorists they are fleeing from, and recommit to making Michigan a welcoming state for all.
About ACCESS
Grounded in a grassroots commitment to serving our community, ACCESS has a 44-year history of providing health, education, employment and social services. An Arab American nonprofit of excellence, ACCESS empowers communities in Southeast Michigan to improve their economic, social and cultural well-being and extends this mission nationally through advocacy, arts, culture and philanthropy.