The Opinions My Values ‘Can’t Be Nullified by an Executive Order’
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Feb 17, 2025 Kirk Wallace Johnson, a former USAID worker who founded the LIST Project, shares his passionate insights on the American refugee program's struggles during the Trump administration. He reflects on the values of U.S. immigration and the personal stories that shape them. The discussion traverses his emotional journey from opposing the Iraq War to advocating for Iraqi allies. Johnson highlights the urgent need for support and recognition, while contrasting today's muted resistance with past activism, revealing the complexities of humanitarian efforts in turbulent times.
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Early Influence
- Kirk Johnson's family welcomed Ukrainian Jewish refugees into their home in 1989.
- This experience instilled in him the value of offering refuge to those in need.
Post-Vietnam Refugee Program
- The US refugee program significantly expanded after the Vietnam War, driven by President Ford's moral appeal.
- A million Vietnamese refugees were admitted over a decade, setting a precedent for future refugee programs.
WWII Refugee Crisis
- FDR's concerns about potential spies among Jewish refugees led to restrictive policies.
- Breckenridge Long, head of the refugee bureau, created ways to delay and deny Jewish refugees entry to the US.