Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris,
On January 20th, you stood in front of the country — and the world — and took an oath to preserve democracy and defend the nation’s people. We’ve watched as you’ve rejoined the Paris Agreement, revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, ended the Muslim ban, halted deportations for 100 days, and banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This start gives us hope, but we know that true change does not result from an executive order but from its constant pursuit.
We want to ensure that the actions you’ve taken this week have merely set the foundation of a term that will be dedicated to broadening the reach of democracy, freedom, and justice for all. After a decade of working closely with Syrian communities and striving for their equality, we have an intimate understanding of the work that lies ahead. Open America’s doors to the refugees who have fled tyranny and embrace our values of freedom and dignity. We know they have unlimited potential to contribute to our great nation once given the opportunity to thrive. It cannot be done alone, so we invite you to join us as we strive for a world with more humanity.
As such, we will be holding you accountable to turn your promises into long-lasting policy:
- End Donald Trump’s brutal immigration policies and allow families who have been separated at borders and caged in undisclosed locations to reunite again.
- Return land and resources to the indigenous communities from whom it has been stolen. Listen to their experiences and include their side of history in the nation’s history.
- Build a foundation of unity around justice, equality, and the celebration of diversity.
We ask that you use the power of the highest office to lead us bravely into a future so bright that only the idealists could have thought possible. Today, the American Dream only exists for the privileged few. It is time to expand its reach across the borders and divides that have been our nation’s reality for far too long. Let the United States be the lands of dreams again.
Sincerely,
Lina Sergie Attar and The Karam Team