Whereas the United States is a country founded on the principles of religious and political freedom; Whereas hateful rhetoric against refugees and asylum seekers betrays the principles on which the United States was founded; Whereas for centuries, people from around the world have sought refuge in the United States in pursuit of freedom and protection for themselves and their families; Whereas people often seek refuge and asylum in the United States to flee war, armed conflict, violence, and religious, ethnic, and political persecution; Whereas refugees and asylum seekers have been welcomed by towns, cities, and States across the United States; Whereas refugees and asylum seekers have made their new communities stronger and more vibrant and have positively contributed to the betterment of the United States; Whereas the United States has a moral obligation to ensure that people fleeing violence and persecution are protected; Whereas the United States Senate should continue its legacy of bipartisan leadership on refugees and asylum seekers; Whereas a ban or halt on resettlement may result in prolonged and indefinite family separation; Whereas executive actions targeting refugees and asylum seekers could place these most vulnerable populations at serious risk of death or injury; and Whereas refugees are the most thoroughly screened and vetted entrants to the United States, undergoing multiple security checks by the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Counterterrorism Center: Now, therefore, be it