Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB670

Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

Lady Liberty Act of 2025 This bill sets a floor of 125,000 for the maximum number of refugees who may be admitted into the United States each fiscal year beginning in FY2027. Under current law, the President sets the annual cap on refugee admissions at the beginning of each fiscal year.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to have notable implications for state laws related to immigration and refugee resettlement. By setting a minimum number for refugee admissions, it challenges current practices where admissions may fluctuate significantly based on executive policy. This can lead to a more stable environment for local and state agencies involved in refugee resettlement, as they will be able to anticipate a consistent influx of refugees, ensuring better resource allocation and planning for social services.

Summary

House Bill 670, titled the 'Lady Liberty Act of 2025', seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by establishing a minimum threshold for refugee admissions in the United States. Specifically, it mandates that no less than 125,000 refugees may be admitted in any fiscal year beginning after 2026, regardless of the President's discretion or announced determination. This legislative change aims to ensure a consistent and significant commitment to welcoming refugees, reflecting a humanitarian approach to immigration policy.

Contention

While supporters of HB 670 advocate for a strong and principled stance on refugee admissions, recognizing the crisis faced by many individuals globally, there may be points of contention surrounding resource management and the capacity of local areas to integrate new arrivals. Critics might argue that imposing a statutory number could lead to challenges in adequately supporting incoming refugees, especially in regions already experiencing economic or social strains. Thus, the discourse around this bill is likely to include debates about balancing humanitarian obligations with local capabilities.

Congress_id

119-HR-670

Policy_area

Immigration

Introduced_date

2025-01-23

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB194

Safeguards Ensuring Criminal and Unvetted Refugees don't Enter America Act or the SECURE America Act This bill imposes restrictions on the admission of aliens, including refugees, and addresses related issues. Specifically, no refugees may be admitted until Congress enacts a joint resolution setting the maximum number of refugees allowed to be admitted in a particular fiscal year. Currently, that number is set each fiscal year by the President. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must notify Congress at least 30 days before determining that an alien or class of aliens is eligible for refugee status. Congress may nullify the determination by enacting a joint resolution of disapproval. Further, an alien shall be inadmissible for holding certain beliefs, such as (1) believing that a system of religious law should be implemented in the United States, (2) believing that the alien does not need to learn English if the alien is not already fluent, or (3) any belief that the Department of State determines is incompatible with the principles of the United States. DHS may not parole into the United States an alien who does not have status under immigration law. Currently, DHS may provide parole in certain instances, including for urgent humanitarian reasons. Federal agencies must notify a state at least 30 days before resettling a refugee in that state. The refugee may not be resettled in that state if the state expresses disapproval. An alien who has committed a crime of violence (generally one involving the use or threat of physical violence against person or property) may not be eligible for refugee status and must be removed.

US HB224

Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.

US HB7173

GRACE Act Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act

US SB3714

GRACE Act Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act

US HB4156

Lady Liberty Act of 2023

US SR743

A resolution reaffirming the importance of the United States promoting the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons in the United States and around the world.

US SR892

A resolution designating the week beginning on October 13, 2024, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week".

US HR526

Reaffirming the importance of the United States promoting the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons in the United States and around the world.

US HR767

Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on October 8, 2023, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week".

US SB2950

A bill to align the fiscal year with the calendar year.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.