Us Congress Senate Bill SB3714

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

GRACE Act Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act

Impact

By setting a high minimum goal for refugee admissions, SB3714 aims to reinforce the U.S. commitment to providing refuge to individuals displaced by conflict, persecution, or disaster. This legislative change is expected to enhance the transparency and predictability of U.S. refugee admissions, allowing government agencies to better plan and manage the resettlement process. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the President to determine regional allocations for refugees based on the needs identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, thereby aligning the U.S. policies with global resettlement strategies.

Summary

SB3714, also known as the Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act (GRACE Act), seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by establishing a minimum annual goal for refugee admissions set by the President. This bill aims to ensure that the United States actively participates in humanitarian efforts by admitting no fewer than 125,000 refugees each fiscal year, unless the President makes a specific determination. In cases where such a determination is not made, the bill mandates that the threshold of 125,000 remains in effect automatically for the fiscal year.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB3714 is the potential pushback from certain political factions that may argue about the implications of admitting larger numbers of refugees, citing concerns over resource allocation and domestic security. Critics may also express apprehension regarding the impacts on local communities, which often play crucial roles in the integration of refugees. The establishment of a defined target annually raises discussions about balancing humanitarian needs with domestic considerations, emphasizing the ongoing debate on immigration policies within the U.S.

Additional_points

The bill stipulates that if the President does not issue an admission determination for the fiscal year, it would automatically default to the 125,000 admissions threshold. This is designed to prevent any regression in refugee admissions due to administrative inaction and aims to keep the U.S. at the forefront of international refugee assistance. The legislation also includes a requirement for the President to submit quarterly reports on refugee admissions, which will improve accountability and oversight regarding how many refugees are admitted, thus fostering public trust in the system.