World Relief Responds to Federal Halt on Refugee Services Amid Policy Changes
In a significant turn of events, World Relief, a prominent evangelical humanitarian organization, has been ordered by the federal government to cease all activities funded by government grants that support nearly 4,000 refugees. This directive follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which temporarily suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The implications of this decision are profound, affecting both the refugees already in the U.S. and those who rely on American support overseas.
World Relief President Myal Greene shared the news with supporters in an email shortly after receiving the stop-work order last Friday. This announcement came just days after Trump’s executive order, which cited concerns about the U.S. being overwhelmed by record levels of migration, including through the refugee program initiated in 1980. The USRAP has historically provided refugees with the chance to build new lives in America, offering a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
Greene expressed deep concern over the impact this halt will have on vulnerable populations who have already faced significant hardships. “This decision not only jeopardizes the resettlement of those who have lawfully entered our country but also threatens the humanitarian assistance for individuals suffering from conflict, hunger, and health crises globally,” Greene stated.
The executive order emphasizes that the U.S. lacks the capacity to absorb large numbers of migrants without compromising resources for American citizens and ensuring the safe and appropriate integration of refugees into communities. As a result, the USRAP will remain suspended until further notice, with the administration stating that future admissions must align with national interests.
Under the Biden administration, there has been a notable increase in refugee admissions, with fiscal year 2024 seeing the highest numbers in three decades. More than 100,000 refugees were resettled, a stark contrast to the previous administration’s approach. The U.S. refugee ceiling was set at approximately 125,000 per year during Biden’s tenure, significantly higher than the 18,000 limit imposed during Trump’s last year in office.
World Relief has faced challenges in the past due to shifts in refugee policy. During Trump’s first term, the organization had to lay off over 140 staff members and close five offices due to reduced government funding. Currently, they are facing an alarming $8 million funding gap as a result of the recent federal suspension.
Matthew Soerens, World Relief’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, highlighted the stark differences in refugee resettlement numbers under different administrations. From 2009 to 2017, during Obama’s presidency, World Relief resettled over 62,000 refugees. In contrast, only 13,000 were resettled during Trump’s first term, while Biden’s administration has seen a resurgence with over 29,000 resettled individuals.
Soerens pointed out that Christians have consistently made up a significant portion of those resettled, reflecting a commitment to serving the most vulnerable populations. According to recent data from the U.S. State Department, the funding for refugee processing and resettlement is expected to increase, reaching $5.1 billion by fiscal year 2025.
As the political landscape continues to shift, organizations like World Relief remain committed to their mission of providing refuge and support to those in need. Greene’s call to action emphasizes the importance of community support and advocacy for refugees, urging individuals to remain engaged in humanitarian efforts.
In a world where policies can change overnight, the resilience and dedication of organizations like World Relief shine through, reminding us of the critical role we all play in caring for those who have lost everything.
For more information on World Relief’s initiatives and how you can help, visit their official website at World Relief.