Restore Refugee Assistance and USRAP Now

In the first 100 days of the new Administration, critical U.S. refugee assistance programs were suspended or terminated under a sweeping review process. These included both the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)—the cornerstone of our nation’s refugee resettlement efforts—and overseas humanitarian programs.

These suspensions were meant to be temporary. But months later, there is no plan, timeline, or transparency regarding their future.

During this review, seven Jesuit Refugee Service/USA programs were abruptly terminated. These programs, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, provided education, psychosocial support, emergency aid, and protection services to more than 100,000 displaced people. Without explanation or cause, these life-saving efforts have been terminated, with no new refugee assistance awards considered.

In addition, USRAP remains indefinitely paused. The Administration has failed to issue its report on whether the program serves the national interest and, thus, can be resumed. Meanwhile, long-standing partners in resettlement like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have withdrawn from the program due to uncertainty and lack of support.

We must act now to protect the lives and dignity of refugees—and to uphold Congress’s constitutional role in authorizing and appropriating funding for federal agencies and programs, including humanitarian aid for refugees.

JRS/USA urges supporters to tell Congress and the Administration to:

• Fund and reinstate terminated refugee assistance programs
• Release the Administration’s report on USRAP, and fully restore this essential, life-saving program
• Announce plans to accept new refugee assistance program proposals

Congress has the authority—and responsibility—to ensure these programs continue. Take action now.