In consultation with Congress, the Trump Administration is in the process of setting the annual Presidential Determination (PD) for Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2019. Reports indicate that the Administration may continue to reduce the refugee resettlement program by potentially setting the refugee admissions goal for FY19 at a drastic new low of 25,000 refugees. This reduction would follow this year’s already historically low goal of 45,000, of which we have only resettled 18,327 to date. Historically the U.S. has resettled an average of 85,000 refugees per year, and we urge the Administration and Congress to meet a robust refugee admissions goal of at least 75,000 in FY19.

JRS/USA remains committed to working to ensure that no vulnerable group or nationality is excluded from entry into the U.S. and that the dignity of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons everywhere is restored. “As an organization working with refugees in more than 50 countries around the world, we know first-hand how the U.S. refugee resettlement program provides a life-saving solution to the most vulnerable refugees. A diminished U.S. role will disrupt families, place individuals at further risk and send a signal to that these investments are not critical,” said Giulia McPherson, JRS/USA Director of Advocacy & Operations.

Since World War II, the U.S. has been the global leader in offering refuge to those escaping persecution, war, or violence in their home countries. A strong refugee admissions program would continue this long history of leadership on refugee protection and help advance U.S. national and foreign policy interests. Refugee resettlement saves lives, encourages other countries to keep their doors open to people in need of protection, and promotes regional stability and global security.

Click here to urge the Administration and Congress to provide a life-saving option for refugees who are unable to return home or stay in the country to which they fled by setting a refugee admission target of at least 75,000 refugees in FY19.