In a landmark year for U.S. refugee resettlement, the Biden administration resettled 100,034 refugees – the highest number since 1993 – demonstrating how the Biden administration and Congress have succeeded in rebuilding the refugee resettlement program. We are grateful for our colleagues at Episcopal Migration Ministries and other resettlement agencies who have demonstrated their capacity to continue the success of this program.

While the Biden administration has invested in refugee resettlement and humanitarian parole, they have also put restrictions on asylum in place, sparking concern among many immigration advocacy organizations. These developments signal both progress and concern for those seeking safety and new beginnings in our nation.

The Episcopal Church remains committed to advocating for compassionate and just immigration policies. While recent bipartisan efforts at reforming the U.S. immigration system have floundered, we remain committed to comprehensive immigration reform to address the undocumented population in the United States, providing a pathway to permanent status for those who were brought to the United States as children, including DACA recipients, and to compassionately and humanely ensuring every person has the right to claim asylum.

Refugee Resettlement Success in FY 2024

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of State announced that the United States successfully resettled 100,034 refugees during Fiscal Year 2024. This is a remarkable achievement, given that just four years ago, the United States resettled fewer than 12,000 refugees. Episcopal Migration Ministries resettled 5,396 refugees and 1,137 special immigrant visa holders in FY24. The Episcopal Church commends the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries, other resettlement agencies, faith communities, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to welcome and support these newcomers.

Presidential Determination for FY 2025

President Biden has recently issued the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2025, setting the refugee admissions ceiling at 125,000 once again. This decision demonstrates a continued commitment to restoring and strengthening the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The Episcopal Church applauds this decision, which aligns with our longstanding advocacy for a robust refugee resettlement program. We believe this target reflects our nation’s values of compassion and hospitality.

Concerns Regarding Final Asylum Rule

While we celebrate the progress in refugee resettlement, we must express our deep concern regarding the Biden Administration’s final asylum rule. This rule, which restricts access to asylum for those who transit through other countries en route to the United States, falls short of our Christian Principles of Human Migration, which exhorts governments to welcome those fleeing from persecution.

The Episcopal Church has consistently advocated for fair and humane asylum policies that uphold the right to seek protection as required by international and domestic law. We believe the new rule may put vulnerable individuals at risk and fail to address the root causes of forced migration.

Call to Action

As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and stand with the vulnerable. We urge the Biden administration to reconsider the final asylum rule and work towards policies that uphold the dignity of all persons seeking safety and protection.

We encourage our Episcopal community to:

1. Contact your elected representatives to express support for robust refugee resettlement and fair asylum policies

2. Engage with Episcopal Migration Ministries or your closest resettlement agency

3. Educate others about the importance of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers

The Episcopal Church remains committed to advocating for just and compassionate immigration policies that reflect our values and honor our nation’s legacy as a beacon of hope for those seeking safety and freedom.

Citations:

[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2024

[2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2024/09/30/memorandum-on-the-presidential-determination-on-refugee-admissions-for-fiscal-year-2025/

Episcopal Church Resolutions

2018-A178: Denounce Inhumane Immigration Policies and Advocate on Behalf of Migrants

2018-C009: Urge Church to Become a Sanctuary in Support of Immigrants

2012-D059: Halt Unjust Immigration Enforcement

2024-D016: Enable Episcopal Migration Ministries to More Fully Live Out its Mission2024-D037: Encourage All Ministries of The Episcopal Church to Assess Intersections with Migration