Van Orden Calls Out State Department for Failing to Provide Information on Potential Refugee Resettlement in Eau Claire

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of State failed to provide requested information on the potential resettlement of refugees in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

On November 17, Congressman Van Orden sent a letter to Secretary Antony Blinken requesting a detailed report of the vetting procedures conducted on the potential refugees to be resettled in Eau Claire by December 4, 2023. In the letter, the Congressman acknowledged the contributions of those who have immigrated to the United States legally, but raised concerns about the resettlement plan without evidence that the proper investigations for each potential refugee were thoroughly conducted. 

“The silence from the State Department is incredibly concerning,” said Rep. Van Orden. “I have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of my constituents, and without the ability to review the information I requested, I cannot say with confidence that these individuals were fully vetted. We are a nation of laws, and we must ensure that those who wish to immigrate or resettle here do so legally and are not threats to the safety and security of the United States. Until I have the information I requested, I will not support this resettlement.”

To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

November 17, 2023

The Honorable Antony Blinken Secretary

U.S. Department of State
2201 C St NW

Washington, DC 20451

Dear Secretary Blinken,

To ensure the safety of my constituents I have been monitoring the potential resettlement of refugees in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I recognize the great contributions immigrants have and continue to make to the success of the United States and welcome those who wish to legally immigrate here, but the safety of Americans, specifically my constituents must come first.

I have engaged in conversations with the City Council President, Eau Claire County Sheriff Riewestahl, World Relief Wisconsin, and other community stakeholders; however there remain several unknowns as to who will be resettled in the community, when they will arrive, and whether procedures have been taken to bring them to the United States.

We share a responsibility to keep our nation as safe and secure as possible. To do this we must ensure that all those who wish to migrate, be granted asylum, or resettle as a refugee are vetted to the highest degree possible— this must be done prior to their migration or resettlement in the United States.

I ask that you share a detailed report of the vetting procedures they have conducted including:

• who these specific individuals are,
• country of origin,
• documentation that the proper inquiries and investigations for refugee resettlement were thoroughly conducted,
• who conducted the inquiries and investigations (U.S. government personnel, and agencies or civilian contractors), if contractors, what specific contracting company was used, and
• the information collected and consideration criteria for each individual.

It is a requirement from my position as a Member of Congress to ensure the safety of my constituents and without the information requested, I will not support their resettlement. I hope this will not be the case.

Please submit this information to my Legislative Director Claire Case at Claire.case@mail.house.gov by December 4, 2023.

Sincerely,

Derrick Van Orden 

Member of Congress