It is with deep grief that we share that the Department of State has terminated all its grant agreements related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), effective February 27th, 2025.
While the Executive Order signed by President Trump on January 20th indicated that there would be a 90-day review process of the USRAP, it is now apparent that the program has suddenly ended instead.
The USRAP has been a bipartisan pillar of U.S. immigration policy for decades, providing a legal pathway for those under life-threatening circumstances around the world. Refugees undergo a rigorous vetting process before being approved to travel to the United States—including interviews, medical screenings, and background checks. This multi-step process involves domestic and international agencies, and is one of the most legal, thorough immigration pathways to our country. After enduring some of life’s most harrowing circumstances, refugees are allowed to begin again in peace and safety in the U.S.
The USRAP is one of our country’s most successful humanitarian efforts—providing safety to those in need while strengthening our local economies and communities. Refugees are not a burden—they are resilient, contributing members of society who just need a safe place to start over. Terminating the USRAP not only puts thousands of lives at serious risk, but undermines the sanctity and morality of our nation. The U.S. has long been a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge; closing our doors to those in need is against everything we stand for.
“It is one of the saddest moments in NICE’s history, especially for those who have been waiting and hoping to reunite with their families, to rebuild their lives after years of living in fear and uncertainty,” says Dr. Gatluak Thach, NICE Founder and CEO.
We grieve for families who remain separated, whose hope of reunification is now shattered. Our hearts break for refugees around the world whose flights were cancelled and remain in perilous situations. We long for a day where the USRAP can be reinstated—a day in which America can once again uphold her reputation of being a place of hope for all.
Until that day, NICE will continue to do our work. For 20 years, we have provided New Americans with programs and services to aid in their self-sufficiency. We will continue to advocate for refugees in our neighborhoods—and the 120 million worldwide who are still seeking safety. We call upon the community of Middle Tennessee to step into this work of welcome with us—we cannot do this alone.
Though the future remains uncertain, one thing remains clear: we have always stood with refugees, and we always will.
Contact Your Congressional Representatives
You can use the template below to write to your congressional representatives to advocate for the reinstatement of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the unfreezing of federal funds to support refugees who are already in the country.
Date
Senator/The Honorable [Full name] United States Senate/U.S. House of Representatives
[Building Name and Room Number]
Washington, DC 20510(Senate)/20515(House)
Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name]:
My name is [Name], and I am writing as your constituent concerned about the termination of federal contracts for the U.S. State Department’s refugee “Reception & Placement” (R&P) program.
On January 20th, the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) was suspended by Executive Order. The Executive Order stated that the USRAP will undergo a review process by federal officials within 90 days, evaluating the program’s alignment with the Administration’s priorities.
On January 24th, refugee resettlement agencies across the U.S. received a directive from the State Department for an immediate “stop-work order” on their contracts for the federal government’s R&P program that supports newly-arrived refugees during their first 90 days in the country. This sudden and unprecedented halt of government funding (only $1,650 per person) that provides initial housing and basic needs for refugee families who were invited into our country, has put these New Americans at significant risk.
Now, the administration has terminated all cooperative grant agreements for refugee resettlement, effective February 27th, 2025.
The US Refugee Resettlement program has been a cornerstone of our nation’s immigration policy since 1980, receiving bipartisan support and serving as a testament to our country’s foundation of humanitarian assistance. As you know, each year, the United States welcomes a small group of refugees – individuals and families who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to war, persecution, and violence. Before refugees are resettled in the United States, they undergo an extensive security screening process, a collaboration between domestic and international agencies. This rigorous vetting is a hallmark of the most secure form of legal immigration to the United States.
Refugees have a significant positive economic impact in the United States, generating tens of billions of dollars of revenue for communities across the country. In Middle Tennessee, employers will lose access to the refugee talent pool that helps to fuel economic growth in a wide variety of industries.
I am concerned about the humanitarian, moral, and economic implications of ending the USRAP. I believe that welcoming refugees is a core principle of our American values, and that the termination of this program is detrimental to our country. I hope that you will use your voice to advocate for the reinstatement of the USRAP, and the unfreezing of federal funds that provide critical services and basic needs to those refugees who were invited into the United States before the suspension of the program.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP
