“Today, we watch a transition of leadership that was borne out of a democratic process but is also a reminder of the fragility of democracy, when not upheld and protected. We must honor this day, and honor Dr. King by standing by our neighbors, welcoming those who seek refuge, and protecting the rights of our most vulnerable community members.”

Refugee Congress urges the Committee to reject any proposal to reinstate the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico (RMX)” policy - a policy that has proven to be unlawful, ineffective, and dangerous for our most vulnerable neighbors - and to instead affirm the need to invest in local communities’ capacity and resources to welcome newcomers, and to support compassionate and humane immigration and reception pathways and systems that do not turn away - or - punish seeking safety.

On September 30th, President Biden signed the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2025, setting a goal of admitting up to 125,000 refugees to the United States over the next year.

On September 30th, the Biden administration issued new restrictions on the right to seek asylum at the U.S. southern border. These restrictions build upon the June 2024 ruling that already placed overwhelming barriers in front of those seeking safety and intensified the dangers faced by individuals and families fleeing persecution, violence, and instability in their home countries.

On the third anniversary of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Refugee Congress reflects on the profound and ongoing impact on thousands of Afghan allies and their families. We acknowledge the challenges many still face—both those who remain in danger in Afghanistan and those who have resettled in the United States. We remain committed to advocating for their safety and sustainable pathways to citizenship.

Refugee Congress joins other organizations in submitting a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to swiftly issue work authorizations to as many eligible applicants as possible before the current administration ends.

Destination Reception Assistance Act aims to provide crucial federal funding to local efforts that assist asylum seekers in achieving self-sufficiency within their new communities.

Refugee Congress is tremendously disappointed and strongly condemns the Biden Administration’s decision to play into political motivations and fear-based rhetoric, rather than focusing on humane, equitable, and effective solutions for our border. This order directly contradicts the President’s campaign promises to restore protections for those seeking safety in the US, and instead embraces the very anti-immigration policies the administration vowed to defeat.

“Together, we hold the power and the responsibility to not just avert but eliminate the threat of genocide from our era so that what we as genocide survivors have experienced is truly only in our past,” said Ayda Zugay, Delegate for Massachusetts.

Refugee Congress stands firm in denouncing the enforcement of SB4. It is imperative that the United States upholds its values of compassion and protection for people escaping persecution and families that have been forced to flee their homes due to violence.

As we mark the 44th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, Refugee Congress stands in recognition of the United States’ history of welcoming refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced people.

Refugee Congress joined more than 150 organizations in signing a letter to President Biden.

Refugee Congress is deeply alarmed by Senate’s proposed bill that permanently uproots and dismantles US asylum laws and endangers the lives of many families and individuals seeking safety at the border.

Refugee Congress Condemns Proposed Asylum Restrictions

Refugee Congress Urges Senators to Protect Asylum System

The US Refugee Advisory Board (USRAB) is honored to welcome seven new advisors whose combined lived experiences and professional expertise will provide invaluable perspective to USRAB’s governmental, NGO, and multilateral partners.

Refugee Congress Strongly Condemns the Expulsion of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan