Refugee Congress understands firsthand the benefit and importance of these resources. Each of our members has direct experience of forced displacement. We were forced to leave our homes, we found safety in the United States, and because of the welcome we’ve received, we are motivated to continue to give back and support the well-being of our new communities. Refugees contributed more than $123.8 billion to the U.S. economy, of which wouldn’t have been possible without the support received upon arrival.

As leaders who have experienced forced displacement and some who have been separated from families, Refugee Congress denounces not only the indefinite ban on refugee admissions, but also the betrayal of trust and hope for those who were initially approved for arrival and resettlement before the executive order’s effective date. Not only does this action betray American values of welcome, but it also undermines the integrity of American leadership as a nation committed to protecting our most vulnerable neighbors.

As an organization led by people who built a new life here in the U.S., we know firsthand that welcoming refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and newcomers makes America safer and stronger. Refugee Congress strongly condemns this unnecessary and inhumane targeting of our neighbors, and we remain dedicated to advocating for the rights, safety, and dignity of all who have been forcibly displaced and who seek safety in the United States.

“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.

Ali Aljundi has been promoted to Director of Programs at Refugee Congress.

Refugee Congress is pleased to announce the launch of the National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC)™ .

The NRLLEC is a federal initiative of the Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, and is led by Refugee Congress in partnership with Refugee Council USA, Every Campus a Refuge, Church World Service, and USA Hello. The program will provide individuals with lived displacement experience the opportunity to directly impact ORR’s future policy planning while receiving access to a range of professional development opportunities.

Refugee Congress reiterates its firm commitment to refugees, asylum seekers, and all forcibly displaced people and communities in the United States and around the world. We remain dedicated to protecting the rights of displaced people, defending the safety and well-being of those seeking safety, and creating welcoming and inclusive spaces at local, state, national and international levels.

Refugee Congress and RCUSA shared values statement for the 2024 Elections.

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.

Today, 477 state and local elected officials from across the country sent President Biden a letter urging him to “strengthen the U.S. resettlement program to improve our capacity to welcome, enable our communities to more nimbly provide humanitarian protection, and preserve the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for years to come.”

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 currently seeking Delegates to join our active community from the following states: Arkansas, California (Northern), Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and West Virginia.

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.