Jesuit Refugee Service/USA applauds the Administration’s proposal for Fiscal Year 2022 discretionary funding released today, which includes critical support for refugees here at home and abroad. If implemented, this proposal will provide much-needed resources for rebuilding the U.S. Refugee Admissions program and continuing America’s long history of leadership in providing overseas humanitarian assistance.

“JRS is a witness to the impact of U.S. government support in countries like Iraq, Colombia, and Uganda,” said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director. “By offering emergency assistance, access to education, psychosocial support, and improved health services, the U.S. is investing in the lives of refugees around the world so that they can thrive and help build a more just and peaceful world.”

Released today, the Administration’s proposal includes over $10 billion in humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable people abroad, including refugees, conflict victims, and other displaced persons. It also includes $4.3 billion for the Office of Refugee Resettlement to rebuild the nation’s refugee resettlement infrastructure and support the resettling of up to 125,000 refugees in 2022.

In addition to this proposal, the Administration can take immediate action by formalizing its commitment to increase the number of refugee admissions in the current Fiscal Year. JRS/USA has called on President Biden to immediately sign an Executive Action to begin this process.

“As Congress begins to consider the Administration’s FY22 proposal, we look forward to working with them and the Administration to offer our full support,” said Giulia McPherson, Director of Advocacy and Operations. “Amidst historic levels of forced displacement, we can change the trajectory of U.S. leadership on these issues and once again offer hope to those seeking protection.”