New York, NY, March 17, 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) commemorates the 45th anniversary of the US Refugee Act of 1980, a pivotal piece of legislation that has provided refuge to millions of people fleeing persecution and conflict. This milestone underscores the impact of the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in transforming lives while enriching American communities. It comes as the refugee program faces unprecedented challenges due to the Trump administration’s recent policy changes and as long-established due process protections for refugees and asylum seekers are being eroded.
Refugees are not just survivors of crises; they are neighbors, entrepreneurs, healthcare and childcare professionals, and vital contributors to the U.S. economy. Refugees bring fresh perspectives, resilience and ingenuity that has benefited all Americans. For instance, Prince Shamamba, a Ugandan refugee resettled by the IRC in 2010, embraced his fresh start in America by starting Huruma Clothing Co., a small business that sells imported clothing made by refugee women in Uganda. When America welcomes those in need, they also welcome their new ideas, businesses and breakthroughs. Refugees join the workforce at high rates, often filling labor shortages in essential sectors for services Americans desperately need. A 2024 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that from 2005 to 2019, refugees and asylees provided a net fiscal benefit of $123.8 billion to federal, state and local governments.
Disregarding the proven success of the US Refugee Admissions Program, the Trump administration’s suspension will undermine America’s safety, strength and prosperity. Dismantling a decades-long public-private partnership that operated for 45 years across seven presidential administrations compromises long-established American leadership. At the same time, the U.S. Department of State’s decision to terminate all cooperative agreements with resettlement agencies, disrupting initial integration support services for recently arrived refugees and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders will increase uncertainty and hardship for people seeking safety.
The IRC urges the Trump administration and policymakers to recognize the humanitarian and economic benefits of the refugee admissions program and to restore its full capacity. The IRC also encourages all American communities to continue upholding America's legacy as a humanitarian leader and sustain its values as a country of welcome by advocating for compassionate policies, ensuring the US remains a place of refuge and opportunity for the most vulnerable populations, including political dissidents, religious minorities, and victims of war and disaster. Without access to resettlement, these individuals face prolonged displacement and heightened risks.
Hans Van de Weerd, Senior Vice President of Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) said:
"The US Refugee Act has been a beacon of hope, meeting humanitarian needs while at the same time fostering economic growth. Refugees have significantly contributed to local economies and cultural richness. The US refugee resettlement program has long been an effective partnership between the federal government and communities across the country, providing safety and opportunity to those who need it most."