Ashley Barham

This extremist bill would repeal New Hampshire’s refugee resettlement program and prohibit the use of state funds to assist refugees. This bill pointlessly targets immigrants who have been extensively vetted and welcomed by our federal government and our state after escaping horrific persecution and violence. We want and need these new Americans here. They are friends, neighbors, co-workers and classmates who are contributing to our communities, filling dangerous gaps in our labor force, and strengthening New Hampshire’s economy. Far from saving the state any money, this bill could actually cause us to lose federal grants that support workforce development and health programs—all in the name of fear and xenophobia. As our state faces a rapidly aging population and shortages in health care and other industries, refugee resettlement is an investment in our demographic and economic security. Supporting refugees is also consistent with New Hampshire’s values of compassion, fairness, and opportunity for hard-working families seeking safety.