Refugee Admissions in the U.S.
Urgent Call to Action for Congress to Urge the Administration to set a goal of 125,000 Admissions for FY26.
Why the October 1 Refugee Deadline Matters
Scripture and Catholic principles teach us to “welcome the stranger” — to see the face of Christ in refugees and to receive them with hospitality, compassion, and dignity.
The Refugee Act of 1980 requires annual consultations in Congress and a Presidential Determination of U.S. refugee admissions by October 1. Currently, more than 120,000 refugees have been conditionally approved for resettlement in the United States, yet only a small number — primarily Afrikaners — have been admitted.
Setting a robust refugee admissions ceiling of 125,000 in FY 2026 is essential to ensure these families can arrive in safety.
What’s at Stake for Refugees Worldwide
Today, more than 123 million people are forcibly displaced around the globe (UNHCR). This includes:
- Afghans who served alongside the U.S. government and military
- Rohingya fleeing genocide in Burma
- Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion
- Sudanese escaping hunger and war
- Nicaraguans fleeing religious and political persecution
For many, resettlement in the U.S. represents the only hope of safety and family reunification.
The Benefits of Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.
Refugees don’t just seek safety — they contribute to the U.S. economy as taxpayers, workers, and entrepreneurs. Studies show that communities where refugees settle often experience economic growth and cultural renewal. Towns across the country have seen new businesses, strengthened workforces, and revitalized neighborhoods thanks to refugee resettlement.
Learn more on our Advocacy page.
How You Can Take Action Today
We urge you to contact your Members of Congress and ask them to press the administration to set a 125,000 refugee admissions ceiling for FY 2026 without delay.
Every day of delay means that refugees conditionally approved for U.S. entry remain abroad in dangerous conditions, often separated from their families already here.
Add your voice today and stand with refugees seeking safety, dignity, and a future.
**Photo Credit: Mohammed Farraj
