Resource Type: Advocacy

RCUSA and InterAction call for US leadership on refugee resettlement

War in Ukraine and the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan have brought renewed attention to the need for increased U.S. refugee resettlement, but worldwide resettlement slots represent only a fraction of global need. In 2022, more than 7 million Ukrainians joined a historically large global refugee population—many from crises that have continued for years. In 2021, Syria,…

RCUSA member executives call on Biden to reject unjust asylum restrictions

Washington, DC – RCUSA member executives sent a letter to President Biden urging him to uphold his campaign promises on humanitarian protection, and reject a proposed rule that would severely limit access to seeking asylum. “Any rule that seeks to ban, disrupt, limit, or delay people from seeking asylum not only undermines both US and…

Hundreds of Advocates Call on Congress to Rebuild Refugee Resettlement

Participants in Refugee Council USA’s Advocacy Week elevate the urgent need to invest in the American refugee resettlement system amid record-breaking numbers of displaced people worldwide  Washington, DC – As the number of refugees worldwide surpasses 31 million, this week nearly 500 people over 40 states are meeting with their members of Congress, urging them…

PRESS RELEASE: RCUSA hosts “Justice Delayed” panel urging President Biden to sign an updated refugee admissions goal

Recording Washington, DC — Following his January inauguration, President Biden signaled his intention to rebuild America’s refugee resettlement program, swiftly rescinding Trump’s discriminatory Muslim, refugee, African, and asylum bans and announcing his intentions to raise the refugee admissions goal for the remainder of the year, and to return admissions categories to their historic, regional origins. Biden began the appropriate…

Jenny Yang Testifies in the Senate on U.S. Refugee Policy and Hong Kong Residents on Behalf of World Relief and RCUSA

December 16, 2020 CONTACT: Lauren Carl lauren.carl@pinkston.co (703) 388-6734 BALTIMORE  – Today, Jenny Yang testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing “Supporting Hong Kong’s Pro-Democracy Movement through U.S. Refugee Policy.” Jenny spoke on behalf of World Relief and Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), a coalition of 29 US-based nongovernmental organizations representing a diverse group of…

RCUSA member executives send letter to Secs. Pompeo and Wolf regarding FY21 refugee admissions

Washington, DC – Today, executives representing sixteen of RCUSA’s member organizations sent a letter to Secretaries Pomepo and Wolf expressing concern over how the Presidential Determination for FY2021 will be implemented. These executives assert that, as currently written, this plan will facilitate the resettlement of only 7,000-8,000 refugees; far below the stated goal of 15,000….

Refugee, Faith and National Security Leaders Call for Congressional Consultation, Robust Refugee Resettlement Presidential Determination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Lauren Carl lauren.carl@pinkston.co 703-388-6734                                                                   Refugee, Faith and National Security Leaders Call for Congressional Consultation, Robust Refugee Resettlement Presidential Determination Coalition group Refugee Council USA hosted press call featuring diverse group of advocates WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Refugee Council USA hosted a press call to highlight the importance of refugee resettlement and the…

183 organizations send letter to Trump and Pompeo asking for a PD of 95,000

Washington, DC – Today, RCUSA joins 182 other organizations in signing a letter to President Trump and Secretary Pompeo, asking that they restore the US resettlement program to its historic norms by setting a Presidential Determination for fiscal year 2021 of 95,000. The US had long held the distinction of being a leader in refugee…

RCUSA Releases Guidelines for USCIS Emergency Funding

June 10, 2020 Dear Members of Congress, On behalf of the twenty-nine-member organizations of Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), we write to provide recommendations on any emergency appropriations that may be provided to  US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our coalition and its members are dedicated to refugee protection, assistance and welcome, and represent the interests…