This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to significantly alter the process for refugee admissions. It establishes a **minimum annual refugee admission goal of 125,000**, requiring the President to determine an annual number that is either justified by humanitarian concerns or national interest, but never below this floor. If the President fails to make such a determination, the admission number automatically defaults to 125,000 for that fiscal year. A key provision introduces a new pathway for refugee admission through **community or private sponsorship**, where non-governmental groups provide initial reception and placement services. In setting admission numbers and regional allocations, the President must consider the **United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) projected global resettlement needs report**, ensuring that allocations reflect identified global needs or specific humanitarian justifications. To enhance transparency and accountability, the bill mandates **quarterly public reports** on refugee admissions, detailing the number of refugees admitted, their percentage of the annual goal, and regional allocations. Additionally, the President must submit **quarterly reports to Congress** on refugee processing, covering aspects like enhanced security checks, the deployment of Refugee Corps officers for interviews (circuit rides), and average processing times. Should the number of refugees admitted in any quarter fall below 25 percent of the annual goal, the President is required to submit a **plan** outlining procedural or personnel changes to meet the authorized numbers. The bill also provides a detailed definition of "enhanced security check" and clarifies that its provisions do not inhibit the expeditious processing of applications or restrict the Secretary of Homeland Security's existing authority.
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to significantly alter the process for refugee admissions. It establishes a **minimum annual refugee admission goal of 125,000**, requiring the President to determine an annual number that is either justified by humanitarian concerns or national interest, but never below this floor. If the President fails to make such a determination, the admission number automatically defaults to 125,000 for that fiscal year. A key provision introduces a new pathway for refugee admission through **community or private sponsorship**, where non-governmental groups provide initial reception and placement services. In setting admission numbers and regional allocations, the President must consider the **United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) projected global resettlement needs report**, ensuring that allocations reflect identified global needs or specific humanitarian justifications. To enhance transparency and accountability, the bill mandates **quarterly public reports** on refugee admissions, detailing the number of refugees admitted, their percentage of the annual goal, and regional allocations. Additionally, the President must submit **quarterly reports to Congress** on refugee processing, covering aspects like enhanced security checks, the deployment of Refugee Corps officers for interviews (circuit rides), and average processing times. Should the number of refugees admitted in any quarter fall below 25 percent of the annual goal, the President is required to submit a **plan** outlining procedural or personnel changes to meet the authorized numbers. The bill also provides a detailed definition of "enhanced security check" and clarifies that its provisions do not inhibit the expeditious processing of applications or restrict the Secretary of Homeland Security's existing authority.