Urge State and Local Legislators to Defend Refugee Programs

In July, Congress passed multiple bills that completely stripped funding away from U.S. humanitarian assistance to displaced people worldwide this fiscal year 2025 after it passed the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), which excluded refugees and newcomers from eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP (food stamps), and other programs. Meanwhile, the indefinite refugee ban remains in place with vanishingly few new arrivals, stranding thousands of refugees without basic support, separated from loved ones, and in dangerous situations.

Many states are currently analyzing the impact of the OBBBA on their budgets and are preparing to hold special legislative sessions to help fill the gaps left by these provisions. It is important that our state and local representatives understand the provisions targeting and harming refugees and newcomers and act to prioritize state funds for refugee services (including general funds) during this period. It is equally imperative that Members of Congress hear that their states and localities welcome refugees – and want to defend investments for refugee services and fully restore refugee admissions.