Since 2017 there have been at least 400 executive actions - from minor technical adjustments to sweeping changes to the Refugee Protection Act that have transformed the U.S. system for the protection for refugees for the worse. In order to reverse these changes and restore the immigration system to some order that would reflect American values Congress proposed The Refugee Protection Act of 2019 (H.R 5210 in the House and S. 2936 in the Senate).

This legislation amongst other provisions:

·       Strengthens congressional consultation and reporting requirements to ensure more robust oversight of the President’s decisions with respect to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

·       In the event the President does not make a determination of the number of refugees to be admitted before the beginning of the fiscal year, sets the number at 95,000 refugees.

·       Expands the definition of persecuted social groups Codifies the processing of asylum and restores the dignity of those seeking asylum.

·       Mandates the presumption of liberty for asylum seekers.

·       Allows asylum seekers to reopen their claims if they were barred or lost because of the Trump administration’s asylum bans or Migration Protection Protocols (MPP).

·       Requires the U.S. Attorney General to appoint counsel for immigrant children, and particularly vulnerable individuals, and expands access to counsel and legal orientation programs to all detained immigrants.

Currently there are 43 House Members and 17 Senators supporting this bill. Before the 116^th Congress ends this December, we hope to get 50 House members and 25 Senators to co-sponsor this bill. Email your Member of Congress now to support this bill.