Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and several other Senate Democrats have expressed serious concerns regarding the dismantling of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The program has become practically non-functional due to funding freezes and an indefinite refugee ban. This situation has left many refugees in precarious conditions without the support they need, separating families and affecting recent resettles in the United States.

The Senators stated, “As you know, the USRAP was established on a bipartisan basis by the Refugee Act of 1980 and is a strong public-private partnership that drives U.S. economic growth, advances global stability and peace, and supports our national security and diplomatic priorities.” They emphasized the significant contributions refugees have made to the U.S. economy, noting, "From 2005 to 2019, refugees contributed to the U.S. economy $123.8 billion more than they received in government expenditures."

Initial disruptions to the USRAP began when President Trump issued an executive order suspending the program indefinitely, with plans for a review after 90 days. Despite a federal court's preliminary injunction to restart refugee processing, the State Department promptly issued termination notices to resettlement agencies. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed the funding freeze to continue during ongoing litigation but has required the resettlement of refugees approved before January 20, 2025.

The Senators have directed a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, strongly urging compliance with federal rulings, the resumption of refugee processing, and the reimbursement of resettlement agencies for crucial services. The Senators wrote, "We ask that you restart this life-saving program and immediately confirm that the Department of State is expeditiously complying with federal court orders."

Reports indicate that termination notices have been sent to all ten refugee agencies and numerous Resettlement Support Centers overseas. Resulting layoffs and shutdowns have halted essential refugee processing. Payments to these agencies have also been delayed, contrary to court mandates.

The Senators highlighted the severe repercussions of these measures, particularly for Afghan allies stranded in third countries without legal status, potentially facing harassment and deportation. They noted a specific incident involving an Afghan man who was killed following the postponement of his resettlement.

“These actions undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection,” the Senators stated. They also called for clarifications about the suspension of the refugee program, the status of refugees in the admissions pipeline, and the current state of resettlement infrastructure.

Besides Durbin, Alex Padilla, and Peter Welch, the letter was endorsed by twenty other Senators, including Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, and Bernie Sanders.