U.S COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS
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U.S. Department of State Abandons U.S. Responsibility for Safely Resettling Refugees

January 28, 2025

On January 24, the U.S. Department of State ordered the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to stop all work performed under its Reception and Placement grant for refugee resettlement. Other organizations received similar notices.

This “stop work” order from the State Department is a devastating development for refugees who are already in the United States. Through the January 20 executive order suspending all refugee admissions, the Administration cut off admissions to refugees abroad. Now, through this “stop work” order, the Administration is abandoning its responsibility to refugees in the United States.

For a refugee who has spent years apart from their family and without community support, the refugee program offers not only practical assistance, but hope that life in the United States will be a second chance. The refugee program provides initial resettlement assistance, including cultural orientation, housing, and school enrollment for children. Local organizations also help refugees develop ties in the local community and reunite with family members in the United States.

The refugee program was created by Congress through the 1980 Refugee Act to provide a permanent procedure for refugees to resettle in the United States. Since the law was passed unanimously by Congress, the United States has safely resettled more than three million refugees.

“The order from the State Department to stop assisting refugees is a step back in our history. Our nation should stand for freedom, hope, and opportunity. This move ignores the human lives and suffering at stake and discredits America’s moral history,” said Eskinder Negash, USCRI CEO and President.

Refugees in this country need our support. USCRI urges Congress to ensure full implementation of the 1980 Refugee Act and to take leadership in supporting refugees. USCRI also extends gratitude to the local communities who are making meaningful connections with refugees by welcoming them and showing them compassion.

 

USCRI, founded in 1911, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization committed to working on behalf of refugees and immigrants and their transition to a dignified life.

For press inquiries, please contact: [email protected]


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