Albany County Legislative Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham and Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham issued the following statements in regards to the Presidential stop-work order received by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) in Albany late last week amid the flurry of executive orders President Donald Trump signed to start his new term in office.

The USCRI Albany field office has welcomed newcomers to Albany since 2005. Refugees primarily come from Afghanistan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, and Syria. The office helps ensure refugee families receive help during their first 90 days in the United States with housing placement, cultural orientation, school enrollment, coordination of initial health appointments, referrals to ESL classes, and employment preparation and placement.

According to a report from WTEN-10, “The order effectively blocks refugees who have already been vetted and approved for travel…all reception and placement staff from every USCRI office across the country has been laid off. [USCRI is] asking for gift card donations. USCRI said the gift cards will go toward 48 families in need.”

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “I am shocked, appalled, and saddened by this sudden, deliberate, and targeted stop-work order. USCRI-Albany helps families restart their lives here in America, here in Albany County. Cutting services for families who are here to learn, contribute, and integrate into our society is not the way a responsible federal administration should act—especially one that claims to be committed to creating a better life for Americans.

If we truly believe in fostering opportunity and self-sufficiency, we must ensure that these families have the support they need to succeed, rather than cutting them off from the resources that will help them thrive and become productive members of our community.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “This order unfairly targets families and children who need our help—plain and simple. I have visited the USCRI offices, spoken with families and children receiving services, and witnessed firsthand the compassionate and effective work of USCRI-Albany. Their dedicated team provides critical legal, social, and health services to support refugees as they rebuild their lives in our county.

These families have already endured so much in their pursuit of safety and stability in the land of opportunity. Now, they are being thrown back into chaos. The uncertainty created by this new administration is fueling fear, doubt, and anxiety that are difficult to comprehend. But here in Albany County, we will not let the federal government’s inhumanity deter us from our duty to help those in need.”