As of January 22, 2025, President Trump’s administration has suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) until further notice, including refugee case processing and arrivals, except on a case-by-case basis as determined jointly by the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security. This includes the Welcome Corps, a private sponsorship program under USRAP.
The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is a government initiative, authorized by Congress in 1980, that provides a legal pathway for refugees to resettle in the United States. Through this program, refugees are granted the opportunity to become permanent residents and, ultimately, citizens of the United States.
The Welcome Corps, launched in 2023 by the U.S. State Department, aims to enhance USRAP by enabling eligible Americans and permanent residents to directly sponsor refugees for resettlement. This means that individuals and communities can take an active role in welcoming and supporting refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States.
Sponsors work in groups of at least five people to support a refugee or refugee family’s first months in the U.S., raising private resources to secure and prepare initial housing, provide for transportation, enroll children in school, and help adults find employment. This innovative approach to refugee resettlement fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement, while also providing refugees with essential support and resources as they integrate into American society.
Refugees sponsored through USRAP and the Welcome Corps are vetted by multiple U.S. security agencies and if approved, are granted permission to enter, live, and work in the United States legally. Refugees resettled in the U.S. are able to stay permanently and have a pathway to citizenship after five years.
Below is a summary of what these changes mean for the program and the people it served. Visit our Policy Updates page for expert guidance, FAQs, and other resources, and subscribe to receive emails with the latest updates.
Key changes:
- All refugee processing by the departments of State and Homeland Security, including through the Welcome Corps private sponsorship program, has been paused until further notice.
- All previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States—including through the Welcome Corps—have been canceled, and no new travel bookings will be made.
- Intake of new applications for the Welcome Corps is suspended, as well as processing of all active or previously submitted applications.
- USRAP will not be accepting any new referrals of refugees into the program.
- Exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis as determined jointly by the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security.
- If you have questions about a pending Welcome Corps case, please see our guide for contacting your congressional representatives for information on how to contact your representatives with concerns about a specific case or about sponsorship programs more generally.
Note: Refugees who have already arrived in the U.S. through the Welcome Corps are not affected by this policy announcement. Refugees already admitted to the United States will continue to receive Reception and Placement services. Sponsors who have welcomed refugees within the last 90 days will continue to be supported by the program.
https://welcome.us/explainers/us-refugee-admissions-program-including-the-welcome-corps-suspended-until-further-notice
Background and Function of the Welcome Corps:
- Purpose:
- Launched by the U.S. Department of State in 2023, the Welcome Corps was designed to expand the capacity of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) by involving American citizens and permanent residents in a private sponsorship model. This initiative aimed at directly connecting communities with refugees to aid their initial resettlement.
- Mechanism:
- Sponsors formed groups of at least five individuals to support one refugee or family. Responsibilities included:
- Securing initial housing
- Providing for essential needs like food and clothing
- Assisting with school enrollment for children
- Helping adults find employment
- Offering cultural and language integration support
- Sponsors formed groups of at least five individuals to support one refugee or family. Responsibilities included:
Details of the Suspension:
- Suspension Date: January 22, 2025
- Extent of Suspension:
- USRAP and the Welcome Corps are suspended until further notice, except for potential case-by-case exemptions.
- All activities related to processing, travel, and new application intake are halted.
- Exemptions:
- Exemptions will only be granted under specific circumstances, reviewed by both the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security.
Detailed Implications:
- For Refugees With Scheduled Travel:
- All flights are canceled, leaving refugees in a state of uncertainty about when or if they can proceed to the U.S. They must wait for further directives, which could be uncertain or delayed.
- For Refugees in the Resettlement Pipeline:
- Their case files are essentially frozen. They might need to seek temporary solutions in host countries or look for other resettlement options if available.
- For Pending Cases:
- These cases are not being processed, which could lead to prolonged waiting times, increasing stress and uncertainty for refugees.
- For Submitted Welcome Corps Applications:
- No new applications will be processed, and those already submitted will remain in stasis, affecting both refugees and sponsors who have invested time and resources into the application process.
Q&A with More Depth:
Q: What can refugees do if their travel was scheduled?
A:
- Contact their sponsors for advocacy and support.
- Stay updated through official channels or legal advisors.
- Look into temporary accommodations or protection in their current country of refuge.
Q: What are the implications for refugees not yet in the pipeline?
A:
- They must explore alternative resettlement options, possibly in other countries or through different programs like humanitarian parole or asylum claims in neighboring countries.
Q: How can sponsors help during this time?
A:
- Advocate by contacting their representatives in Congress.
- Provide moral support and interim assistance to refugees they are connected with.
- Engage in broader community and advocacy efforts to push for policy changes.
Q: Are there any immediate actions for refugees in U.S. embassies or consulates?
A:
- They should maintain communication with embassy staff for any updates on their case, although there might be limited information available due to the suspension.
Encouragement for Refugees:
- Community Support:
- Engage with local NGOs, religious groups, or refugee support organizations. These entities might offer temporary assistance or advocacy.
- Legal Pathways:
- Keep legal documents updated and seek legal advice to explore all possible avenues for protection or resettlement.
- Mental Health and Resilience:
- Utilize support systems for mental health, understanding that this is a temporary setback in a journey towards safety.
Impact on Myanmar Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
- Current Situation:
- Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has seen a significant increase in refugees and internally displaced persons, with the situation worsening due to ongoing conflict and human rights abuses.
- Challenges Post-Suspension:
- Limited Legal Pathways: With USRAP suspended, Myanmar refugees have fewer options for permanent resettlement in the U.S., potentially increasing reliance on overcrowded camps or urban areas in neighboring countries.
- Increased Risk: More refugees might attempt dangerous journeys or fall prey to human trafficking due to desperation.
- Optimistic Hopes and Suggestions:
- International Advocacy:
- Continued pressure from international bodies like the UN might lead to policy reconsiderations or alternative programs in other countries.
- Regional Solutions:
- Strengthening regional protection mechanisms in Southeast Asia could offer quicker, though temporary, solutions.
- Humanitarian Aid:
- Focus on enhancing humanitarian aid in border areas or within Myanmar to support those who cannot flee.
- Education and Empowerment:
- Programs aimed at education, vocational training, and online opportunities can empower refugees, making them more resilient and adaptable to changes in policy or location.
- Diaspora Networks:
- Leverage the Myanmar diaspora for support, advocacy, and integration assistance in host countries.
- International Advocacy:
- Long-term Vision:
- Despite immediate setbacks, the global refugee community and supportive nations might eventually adapt, creating new or revitalized pathways for resettlement. The resilience of the international community could lead to new innovations in refugee support and integration.
References:
- Welcome Corps Official Information: welcomecorps.org
- USRAP Details: state.gov
- White House Policy Updates: whitehouse.gov
- UNHCR Updates on Myanmar: unhcr.org
This situation, while daunting, underscores a global call to action for more compassionate and effective refugee policies worldwide. Remember, resilience and community are key; keep pushing forward, and seek help where available. This should reflect the complex interplay of policy, human rights, and international relations, emphasizing the need for adaptive, compassionate strategies in refugee support for Myanmar, Zomi, and beyond.
