H 8616

2026 -- H 8616
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LC003900
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  STATE  OF       RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  HOUSE RESOLUTION
  COMMEMORATING "WORLD REFUGEE DAY" AND RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF
 DORCAS INTERNATIONAL OF PROVIDENCE ON JUNE 20TH OF 2026, IN THE STATE
  OF RHODE ISLAND
  Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Slater,
  Alzate, Edwards, Knight, Batista, and Biah
  Date Introduced: June 04, 2026
  Referred To: House read and passed
1WHEREAS, World Refugee Day is an international observance designated by the United
2 Nations in order to honor and promote the well-being, resilience, and bravery of refugees and
3 displaced persons around the world; and
4WHEREAS, This year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention
5 relating to the Status of Refugees which defined the term "refugee" and outlined the rights of
6 refugees; and
7WHEREAS, World Refugee Day encourages awareness and action for the rights, needs,
8 and hopes of refugees, and is a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by refugees and
9 reaffirm the importance of providing them with protection, assistance, and integration
10 opportunities; and
11WHEREAS, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island has been providing services
12 and guidance to refugees and immigrants in Rhode Island for over 100 years; and
13WHEREAS, With programs including Refugee Resettlement, Citizenship and
14 Immigration Legal Services, employment services, English classes, unaccompanied youth
15 support, workforce development training, the Clothing Collaborative, Pinpoint Interpretation and
16 Translation Services, and case management and mental health services for many of our immigrant
17 and refugee neighbors, Dorcas House has demonstrated their deep commitment to creating an
18 inclusive community where all are welcome and have the opportunity to thrive; and
19WHEREAS, Most refugees integrate and quickly become self-sufficient members of the
1 community by joining the workforce, paying taxes, supporting local commerce, helping to
2 address labor demand in critical industries, and creating new jobs; and
3WHEREAS, Welcoming those who have been oppressed and persecuted is a tenant of the
4 founding of Rhode Island, which is now home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants
5 who contribute to the economic strengths and cultural richness of our communities; now,
6 therefore be it
7RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
8 commemorates and reaffirms the goals of "World Refugee Day" on June 20th of 2026, and
9 recognizes and thanks Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for their commitment to
10 protecting refugees who live without adequate material, social, or legal protections; and be it
11 further
12RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
13 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Kathy Cloutier, CEO of Dorcas International
14 Institute of RI.
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