420+ U.S. Businesses Sign ‘Businesses for Refugees Pledge’

Refugee camps near Kafr Lusin in Idlib countryside on the Syrian-Turkish border on July 2, 2021. (Photo by Rami Alsayed-NurPhoto via Getty Images)

420+ U.S. businesses of all sizes from all 50 states have signed onto the Businesses for Refugees pledge, a campaign effort to bring together businesses across the United States, from Main Street to Wall Street, to unite and show support for refugees. 

Signatories of the pledge include HP Inc., DoorDash, Ben & Jerry’s, Hyatt Hotels, TripAdvisor, Chobani, Cotopaxi, and many more, including small businesses from a diverse array of industries. A full list of signatories can be found here.

“The message from the U.S. business community is loud and clear: American businesses in every corner of the country want to welcome refugees and see refugee inclusion as a critical aspect of economic success,” said former refugee from Liberia and founder of the Businesses for Refugees Pledge Joseph Sackor. “The pledge is an important reflection of the fact that refugees who resettle in the United States are hardworking, resilient, and determined individuals who make their communities vibrant and strengthen their local economies.” 

The pledge comes at a critical time as our nation welcomes our new Afghan neighbors and protection needs worldwide surpass record levels. By signing onto the pledge, businesses have seized upon the opportunity to be leaders in their communities and signal to their customers that they are ready to welcome.

By signing the pledge, businesses recognize their responsibility to:

• Listen to and amplify the voices of those seeking safety in the United States; 

• Advance policies that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and the safety of refugees and other vulnerable immigrants; 

• Engage in dialogue on the importance of refugee resettlement and inclusion, including decent work;

• Speak out in support of inclusive policies and practices; 

• Call upon other businesses to adopt this pledge as a step toward greater inclusion and prosperity in the United States.

“DoorDash is committed to building diverse, inclusive communities, and we signed the Businesses for Refugees Pledge because refugees are an essential part of our local communities,” said Sueli Shaw, Head of Social Impact at DoorDash. “DoorDash works to empower refugees with programs to empower small businesses owned by refugees, advocacy for refugee rights, and partnerships with organizations that support refugees. We’re proud to stand with other companies who are committed to using their platforms to support equal access to opportunity.” 

“We were early signatories to the Business for Refugees Pledge because we are firm believers in the role of the private sector to support the millions of displaced people around the world,” said Natasha Freidus, Co-Founder and CEO, NeedsList in Durham, NC. “Signing on is a way to showcase that commitment publicly and encourage others to do so. Businesses who would like to support Afghans in the United States can join us at the Welcome Exchange in donating urgently needed products and services.” 

The Businesses for Refugees pledge campaign is organized by a diverse set of partners from the private and non-profit sectors including Amplio Recruiting, Concordia, the International Rescue Committee, New American Economy, the Refugee Advocacy Lab, Refugee Congress, Refugee Council USA, Refugees International, the Tent Partnership for Refugees, USA for UNHCR, Upwardly Global, and We Hire Refugees. 

Partners of the Businesses for Refugees pledge are committed to helping interested businesses who signed the pledge take their commitment a step further, including by connecting them with opportunities to hire refugees, promote refugee inclusion, volunteer, or otherwise use their platform to support refugees. 

For more information, visit www.businessesforrefugees.org. – Refugees International