Refugee Congress Applauds Introduction of the “WELCOMED Act”

For Immediate Release: September 16, 2021

WASHINGTON--Refugee Congress applauds the introduction of the WELCOMED Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide access to critical services needed for Afghan refugees arriving in the U.S.

Many Afghan refugees have come to the U.S. under humanitarian parole, a designation that allows for expedited processing and evacuation but does not provide them with eligibility for the services and support they need.

Current law allows parolees to remain and apply for temporary work authorization in the U.S. However, it does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency or allow access to some existing federal programs designed to help refugees as they resettle into their new communities. 

These services serve as critical resources to assist Afghans who enter the U.S. on humanitarian parole by enabling them to access resettlement services in order to successfully integrate and rebuild their lives upon arrival. This legislation is an important step in our responsibility to welcome and provide support for Afghan refugees.

The WELCOMED Act -- short for the “Welcoming Evacuees Coming from Overseas to Mitigate Effects of Displacement Act” -- was introduced by Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Don Bacon (R-NE).

###

Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.

MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org