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H8616
2026 -- H 8616
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LC003900
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
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
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WHEREAS, World Refugee Day is an international observance designated by the United
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Nations in order to honor and promote the well-being, resilience, and bravery of refugees and
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displaced persons around the world; and
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WHEREAS, This year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention
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relating to the Status of Refugees which defined the term "refugee" and outlined the rights of
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refugees; and
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WHEREAS, World Refugee Day encourages awareness and action for the rights, needs,
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and hopes of refugees, and is a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by refugees and
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reaffirm the importance of providing them with protection, assistance, and integration
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opportunities; and
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WHEREAS, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island has been providing services
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and guidance to refugees and immigrants in Rhode Island for over 100 years; and
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WHEREAS, With programs including Refugee Resettlement, Citizenship and
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Immigration Legal Services, employment services, English classes, unaccompanied youth
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support, workforce development training, the Clothing Collaborative, Pinpoint Interpretation and
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Translation Services, and case management and mental health services for many of our immigrant
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and refugee neighbors, Dorcas House has demonstrated their deep commitment to creating an
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inclusive community where all are welcome and have the opportunity to thrive; and
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WHEREAS, Most refugees integrate and quickly become self-sufficient members of the
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community by joining the workforce, paying taxes, supporting local commerce, helping to
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address labor demand in critical industries, and creating new jobs; and
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WHEREAS, Welcoming those who have been oppressed and persecuted is a tenant of the
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founding of Rhode Island, which is now home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants
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who contribute to the economic strengths and cultural richness of our communities; now,
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therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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commemorates and reaffirms the goals of "World Refugee Day" on June 20th of 2026, and
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recognizes and thanks Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for their commitment to
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protecting refugees who live without adequate material, social, or legal protections; and be it
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further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Kathy Cloutier, CEO of Dorcas International
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Institute of RI.
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LC003900
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