Bill > S2655

This bill establishes a new Community-based Refugee Reception Program within the existing United States Refugee Admissions Program to create alternative pathways for refugee resettlement through community sponsorship. The program will allow groups of at least three U.S. citizens or permanent residents to sponsor refugees, providing initial resettlement services for a minimum of 90 days, including housing, food, clothing, and assistance accessing medical, employment, educational, and social services. Eligible community sponsorship groups must complete required training, raise sufficient funds, and provide necessary biographical information about the refugees they wish to sponsor. The bill emphasizes that this program complements, rather than replaces, existing resettlement services, and aims to increase local community engagement in refugee resettlement. It also requires the Secretary of State to develop comprehensive training for sponsorship groups, create mechanisms to prevent fraud and abuse, and establish reporting procedures to keep state and local governments informed about refugee resettlement activities. The legislation underscores the economic and humanitarian benefits of refugee resettlement, noting that refugees have contributed over $123.8 billion to the U.S. economy and highlighting the critical role of resettlement in addressing global displacement crises.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2655/all-info