What’s new?
As of today, the administration has not issued its presidential determination on refugee admissions for fiscal year 2026, which began October 1. Under the Refugee Act of 1980, the administration is required to consult with Congress and issue a determination before the start of the new fiscal year.
Earlier this week, Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA), Sen. Dick Durbin (IL), and Sen. Alex Padilla (CA) - all Ranking Members of the Judiciary Committees – issued a statement on the administration's failure to consult with Congress on refugee admissions.
The legislators wrote:
“Despite repeated outreach from Democratic and Republican Committee staff, the Trump Administration has completely discarded its legal obligation, leaving Congress in the dark and refugees in limbo.”
The lack of presidential determination on refugee admissions exacerbates the refugee ban, which remains in place. Currently, no refugees are being resettled in the United States – a failure to fulfill our nation’s moral and legal obligations to people fleeing war and persecution.
Take Action: Join our partners at Refugee Council USA in urging congressional, state, and local elected leaders to defend refugees and the U.S. resettlement program.
What Else?
Government Shut Down
At midnight on October 1, the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution – a short-term funding bill.
There’s been a lot of misinformation about the shutdown. The New York Times sets the record straight in the following article: Explaining the G.O.P.’s Misleading Talking Point on the Looming Shutdown.
How You Can Help:
- Advocate: Join Refugee Council USA in urging elected leaders at the local, state, and federal level to defend refugees and the U.S. Resettlement Program.
- Donate: Your support enables LSSNCA to continue its critical work, including providing employment and other social services to recently arrived Afghan allies, immigration legal assistance, and direct support for unaccompanied children.
- Stay Connected: Sign up for LSSNCA’s monthly newsletter to get the latest updates straight to your inbox.
