This year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees anticipates more than 130 million people will experience forcible displacement or statelessness, a tragedy exacerbated by renewed violent conflict and atrocities, persecution, human rights violations, and climate and environmental disasters. The Americas are also experiencing unprecedented migration. As Congress navigates record-breaking human suffering, the conversation needs to center on effective solutions that both prevent forced migration and respond to displacement and resettlement needs. The United States can lead the world with conviction on proven humane migration solutions that uphold national prosperity and community interests.
Migration is the legacy of this nation, with a promise of refuge to individuals yearning to breathe free in a new home. Yet, the US is abandoning that core commitment. The world’s top 10 refugee-receiving nations in 2023 did not include the US. Similarly, in 2022, with approximately 108,436,336 people displaced globally, the US offered protection to less than 2% of asylum seekers and refugees worldwide.
Focusing on Proven Solutions
Too often, the conversation around migration in the United States focuses on hostile deterrence and punitive policies rather than dignity and safety. The US must disregard political theatrics and uplift its foundational values. Policymakers should begin by codifying and implementing solutions to establish pathways that meet modern migration needs and ensure security for all. The recently introduced Destination Reception Assistance Act (DRAA) brings us one step closer to those goals.
The United States can lead the world with conviction on proven humane migration solutions that uphold national prosperity and community interests.
The DRAA, led by Senator Edward J. Markey (MA) and Representatives Grace Meng (NY), Delia C. Ramirez (IL), and Adriano Espaillat (NY), would establish the Destination Reception Services Program within Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, granting vital funding to welcoming states and localities offering essential medium-term to long-term services to newcomers.
Importantly, we must sustain humane reception services while putting new arrivals on the path to self-sufficiency. With cities like Chicago receiving more than 47,000 newcomers and New York City welcoming more than 205,000 migrants since busing began in 2022, this bill responds to the calls of many destination communities and complements the short-term respite and transition services (e.g., emergency shelter, food, basic medical care) of the Shelter and Services Program.
Intentional Reception
A national board of NGOs would administer the Destination Reception Services Program funding, alongside the Office of Refugee Resettlement. In coordination with the national board, boards consisting of local governments, faith and community-based groups, and organizations representing new arrivals will distribute funds. Grants to local governments and organizations would support critical services and programs for asylum seekers, including workforce development, job training, paid apprenticeships, legal services (including employment authorization applications), rental and utility assistance, medical and mental health assistance, and case management, among others.
These investments would have meaningful ripple effects. Immigration benefits cities, states, and the country at large. The Congressional Budget Office estimates immigrant presence in the workforce will benefit GDP by more than $7 trillion, with another likely $1 trillion in government revenue. New York City’s Comptroller’s Office has made it clear “welcoming asylum seekers is a net positive” for local economies.
In short, communities would benefit from facilitating the movement of new arrivals out of shelters and into the workforce under the DRAA. This would help asylum seekers gain independence and stability while also addressing labor shortages, increase investments in the local economies, and contribute to public programs and tax systems.
Political Will Needed
The reality is the federal government has fallen short when it comes to setting up new arrivals and host communities for success. Asylum seekers must wait at least six months after filing their claim to be able to work with no guaranteed access to legal services as they navigate a daunting and complicated system. Newcomers aren’t guaranteed any basic necessities or transition services. And the federal government under-resources states and localities welcoming new arrivals.
The DRAA invests in the tools and structures that contribute to a sustainable welcoming ecosystem and supports a path to self-sufficiency for asylum seekers and migrants.
Migration management isn’t just about the responsibility to welcome but also how we welcome. The lack of coordinated reception of new arrivals and support for them in destination communities are policy choices. The United States can effectively and justly manage migration. It just takes political will, resources, and a plan.
Passing the DRAA is the way forward.
