Office of Refugee Resettlement Program
(Refugee Resettlement)
Department of Health and Human ServicesRefugees and asylees; resettlement agencies nationwide
What This Program Does
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides support to refugees and asylees arriving in the United States, funding services such as cash assistance, English language classes, employment training, medical screening, and social integration programs. The program works through a network of resettlement agencies nationwide and has operated since 1980, when it was established by the Refugee Act.
Who Would Be Affected
Refugees, asylees, and other eligible populations who depend on federal resettlement support would be directly affected by a $0.8 billion reduction, representing a 75% cut. Resettlement agencies across the country — including both national organizations and local affiliates — would face significant funding losses, potentially forcing closures or major reductions in staff and services. Communities that have historically welcomed refugees, including many smaller cities and towns, would also feel the impact.
What This Cut Would Mean
The administration states that a lower refugee admissions target reduces the need for resettlement funding. In practical terms, a 75% cut would likely mean sharp reductions in cash assistance, housing support, job placement services, and language training for newly arrived refugees and asylees. Independent analysts and resettlement organizations have warned that cuts of this magnitude could dismantle much of the existing resettlement infrastructure, which is difficult to rebuild once lost, and could leave already-admitted refugees without critical support needed to achieve self-sufficiency.
Administration's Stated Rationale
“Reduced refugee admissions target results in lower resettlement support needs.”