Resources for Supporting Refugee Families

The latest news is that the U.S. has indefinitely suspended the main refugee admissions program, so supporting refugee families now involves navigating a pause in new arrivals and changes in both funding and services available, though various forms of community and case-by-case support may still continue under specific exceptions and through state/local agency efforts.

Refugee Admissions and Legal Policy

• An executive order issued in January 2025 suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), halting most new refugee arrivals unless they are specifically approved on a national-interest or security basis.

• Ongoing vetting and eligibility reviews are being emphasized for family-based immigration; new policy guidance from USCIS details more robust checks for family relationship claims and clarifies when in-person interviews and reviews are needed.

• State and local governments are now more involved in decisions about whether to accept refugee placements in their regions, which could affect available local support and integration programs.

Current Support Resources and Services

• Resettlement agencies still provide core services such as housing, healthcare access, employment referral, and cultural orientation to already-arrived refugees, typically for up to 90 days after arrival, but government funding for these efforts is under review or at risk in certain “sanctuary” jurisdictions.

• Employment-focused programs like the Matching Grant may continue for eligible refugees, aiming for rapid economic self-sufficiency, but program availability may vary based on federal funding and local legal context.

• Community-based sponsorship (like the Welcome Corps) may still allow private individuals or organizations to directly support specific refugees under tightly controlled exceptions, and many national advocacy and resettlement organizations can direct volunteers or donors for help, even amid new restrictions.

Actions for People Supporting Refugees

• Stay informed of rapid policy shifts: advocacy organizations recommend regular contact with resettlement agencies, as available services and legal eligibility are changing frequently.

• Volunteer with or donate to local or national refugee support organizations, which continue to help recent arrivals with housing, employment, language support, and emergency needs within the changing legal landscape.

• Advocate with elected officials for continued support and clarity on refugee and immigrant rights, as opportunities for new arrivals are limited but not entirely shut down, especially for vulnerable or at-risk individuals.

These changes make it especially important to rely on up-to-date information from legal and advocacy organizations, as well as to closely follow local government policies regarding refugee resettlement and support.