As noted previously, the American Society of International Law is sponsoring "100 Days - A Live Online Briefing Series." The fifth session - on "U.S. Obligations towards Refugees" - is scheduled for today, Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Here's the idea:The United States has a long history of welcoming individuals who have fled their home countries due to a well-founded fear of persecution. Approximately two-thirds of all refugee resettlement referrals are undertaken by the U.S. and every U.S. President since Reagan has reaffirmed the important role refugee resettlement represents in supporting U.S. values. Since his election, President Trump has indicated an intent to reevaluate the United States' commitment to refugee resettlement, citing national security concerns and a distrust of the current vetting process. Two executive orders (January 27 and March 6, 2017) which proposed a suspension of all refugee admissions were blocked by U.S. federal courts.
This live online briefing, the fifth in the Society's series on "International Law and the Trump Administration," will feature former senior U.S. officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations who were responsible for formulating policy and advising the Executive Branch on the United States' domestic and international obligations towards refugees. They will discuss the international legal principles that apply to the resettlement of refugees; the role that the Executive Branch plays in implementing the United States' international obligations; and will examine the interplay between international law, domestic legislation, and Executive Branch policies U.S. officials consider in addressing refugee issues.
