Raimondo says US cut to refugee program is the wrong policy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo says slashing the number of refugees the U.S. will accept is the wrong policy.

Raimondo said Wednesday that the nation has always been a beacon of hope and a refuge.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that up to 30,000 refugees will be allowed into the country next year, down from a cap of 45,000 this year. It’ll be the lowest ceiling on admissions since the program began in 1980.

Pompeo insisted amid criticism from human rights groups that the U.S. is still committed to providing sanctuary to people fleeing the world’s danger zones.

Raimondo says “we ought to open our arms” to refugees whose lives are at risk.

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Allan Fung declined to say what he thought of the announcement.