Legislation in Place to Protect Refugees

Immigration Reform 2013 refugees jpeg

Legislation to protect refugees may not be the first thing that comes to mind in these days of debate over immigration reform, but I know that many of our friends are hearing questions about these vulnerable migrants.

I wanted to take a moment to sum up some of the most important information about the U.S. refugee resettlement program, including legislation in place and in the works.

Editor’s note: Please read Update on Legislation Protecting Refugees”  for current information on laws affecting refugees in the United States.

Refugees are people who have fled their countries of origin to escape persecution. The Refugee Act of 1980 created the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program to provide for the effective resettlement of refugees and to help them to achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible after arrival in the United States. Title IV, chapter 2 of the Immigration and Nationality Act contains the provisions of the Refugee Act. You can read the details here.

In fiscal year 2012, the U.S. government admitted 58,236 refugees to the country. LIRS was privileged to welcome over 8,700 of those refugees, working with them to establish new lives in American communities.

Over the last three decades, refugee populations arriving to the United States have changed significantly. In the early 1980’s, the majority of refugees admitted to the United States were fleeing conflicts in Southeast Asia. Today, the refugee population is more diverse and vulnerable, with over 80 nationalities represented in FY 2012. The U.S refugee resettlement program has not been significantly reformed since it was created more than three decades ago. Our outdated system:

  • Is chronically underfunded. While private support plays an important role in the reception and integration of refugees, federal resources are critical to ensure refugees receive essential services.
  • Serves many refugees who are able to find jobs and integrate quickly while others require more assistance and services.
  • Needs improved coordination and a holistic understanding of the refugee program for appropriations and domestic planning purposes

LIRS’s Position

LIRS advocates for a flexible resettlement program that meets the needs of refugees in the 21st century. Resettlement reform will help refugees successfully integrate into modern society and should adhere to these principles:

  • Throughout the different stages of refugee resettlement—protection, stabilization and integration—community engagement is critical.
  • Family unity and family reunification are basic human rights and are essential for long-term integration.
  • Federally funded programs should be outcome-driven, with basic standards and the flexibility to be responsive to the diverse strengths and needs of refugees arriving today.
  • Federal agencies should improve coordination to capitalize better on the strengths of the various federal and non-federal actors to limit duplication of effort and maximize impact.

Legislation in the Works


S. 744, the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill includes provisions affecting refugee resettlement. After considering many amendments to the bill, including amendments related to refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable migrants, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill in a bipartisan vote on May 21. The bill now heads to further debate and amendments on the Senate floor beginning in early June.

The Strengthening Refugee Resettlement Act of 2013

The Strengthening Refugee Resettlement Act addresses many of the problems facing the refugee resettlement system in the United States. LIRS welcomes this legislation as it provides increased protections and services to all categories of refugees, including expanding case management services and increasing funding for integration grants.

The Refugee Protection Act of 2013

The Refugee Protection Act of 2013 would ensure refugees receive adequate assistance when they arrive in the United States. LIRS welcomes the introduction of this bill as it seeks to update the U.S. refugee resettlement program, and reunite refugee children who have lost their parents with family and other loved ones.

For more information, please check out LIRS Refugee Resettlement.

I hope these resources are useful. Thanks for standing with immigrants and refugees!

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  1. Genial says

    Although they contribute to suffer the most serious consequences of war and immigration, women and children remain an often hidden population among refugees in general.
    Women are a highly vulnerable population because of both physical realities and traditional cultural roles and aspects. Many have left most, if not all of their family and support systems behind. Some have lost husbands and children to war, or illness.
    Diet and Nutrition
    Malnutrition is common to refugees in general, but is especially common to women; and particularly so in war conditions or refugee camps in counties of first asylum.

    A factor that may greatly increase or decrease the refugee womanís vulnerability is her source of shelter. In many countries of first asylum, refugee women live in crowded refugee camps where she may be exposed to abuse or illness.
    Childbirth Issues and Birth Control
    Refugee women tend to have greater parity, delayed prenatal care, and lower hematocrits than their host country analogue
    Rape and Sexual Abuse
    Refugee women are extremely vulnerable to sexual abuse and rape.

  2. says

    Request: Dear sir/madam
    I am writing to you as a somalian refugee student so I need to help me for RESETTLEMENT. in your country Surelly I am different any other person who is refugee becuase I don’t have any person to assist me.
    so, I contact you to help me.
    I have 2 masraters politcal sence and education(curriculum and the teaching methods.
    I humbly request your org and your goverment for RESETTLEMENT because it’s the only country that spearhead human right and aid the handcapped class in the societies.
    I promise to obey the rules and regulations of your country as well as your culture.
    I hope you will consider my request positivelly.
    you’re faithfully

  3. says

    we must treat refugees the way we treat our selfs,they are the same people as us.lets provide shelter for them to be safe just like us…………….refugees/legislationinplacetoptotectrefugees

    • Lynn says

      Did you attend American schools? Are you 10? Just wondering by the grammar you use. The word is ourselves not our selfs…
      We are NOT the same people. What a ridiculous thing to say. Right now they are provided more rights than ANY natural born American and that’s BS.
      We provide millions if not billions of tax dollars to every country from which these illegal aliens come. Why don’t they just stop stealing it on the national level and use it for bettering the lives of people there? Why do we have to support every country on their own soil and then bend over backwards to make them comfy here? Most of these illegal young men are part of MS 13. Now that’s a real nice group of young men. A killing or murder is initiation into MS 13. Age 10 is perfect for recruiting. Sure, I bet you want to provide housing and a nice warm hug to these gang members. To what address do you want a few sent? There are plenty to go around…

      • Cyril says

        Hello. I am so happy on your contribution. However, Lynn, I don’t bare your point for you do not know what they’ve gone through. Please I invite you to visit their camps and do not mock at others for their mistakes.

  4. says

    Immigration helps America, it never harms the country. This is one of the few countries with a multi-ethnic society where nearly everyone (except Native Americans) at one time or another came to the country by a man-made transportation. What gives Europeans the right to immigrate to America in 1700-1800s and not any other race? When Europeans landed in America, all they had to do was declare an intent to become a citizen and they are granted citizenship. These refugees are trying to get a better life and why should the doors be closed on them? Because the country is full? It is far from being full and the more people the better the economic spending and growth. These refugees aren’t interested in becoming a public burden and collect welfare checks. Given the opportunities, they are willing to work at any job available and make a living. Those Americans who refuse to help them because it spends their tax dollars, are simply ignorant of how fortunate they are to be born in this country, to enjoy privileges that are only reserved for kingpins and presidents of third world countries. At the end of the day, you can still buy your iPhone, enjoy new leased cars, and buy the latest clothes. If you can enjoy so much out of life, why wouldn’t you want to see others enjoy it?

  5. Martina says

    Please, my daughter is doing a reaserch on refugess, geography work…..May you plz explain more on legislation to protect refugees and also how males refugees may experience problems please ,, thank you

    • says

      Guys can you please help me on this question…:What are the problems children and women might encounter without the protection of their homes and support of their male family members and legislation in places to protect refugees?

  6. talvinique says

    Please all we ask for is a simple question legislation in place to protect refugees please help

  7. Confidence Mme Ramaphakela says

    Hello good people, can anyOne help me find the legislation in place to protect refugees please


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