Last year, Hawaii welcomed 5 refugees. This year, Hawaii is on track to welcome only 1–over 80% fewer refugees. All of these refugees were resettled before the Trump Administration took office; following the Administration’s suspension, arrivals have stopped entirely–decreasing by 100%.
Declines in refugee arrivals over the next four years will permanently damage Hawaii’s resettlement program. During the last Trump Administration, almost 40% of local resettlement offices closed. Hawaii’s only resettlement office is at risk of pausing programs, laying off staff, or closing altogether.
Hawaii’s Office of Community Services administers the State’s Refugee Program. However, you can donate to the Pacific Gateway Center to support refugees in your state.