Bill · S. 2655· Senate(119-S-2655)
Community-based Refugee Reception Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 8/1/2025
- Last activity
- 8/1/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Murphy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes the establishment of a "Community-based Refugee Reception Program" within the existing United States Refugee Admissions Program. The program aims to use community sponsorship, private sponsorship, and partnerships to provide initial resettlement services for at least 90 days. It allows eligible community sponsorship groups to refer refugees for processing and provides for their initial placement and assistance. The Secretary of State is tasked with establishing procedures for these referrals and managing the program in consultation with other agencies. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for training community groups and establishing public-private partnerships to support the program.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would immigrants be better off under this?+5
The bill creates new pathways and community-based support for refugee resettlement and integration.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+1
The bill provides essential services like housing, food, and clothing to incoming refugees.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+1
The bill explicitly mentions including veteran service organizations in the public-private partnership for training.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Resettlement Capacity: The bill intends to increase the capacity of local communities to resettle refugees, serving as a complement to existing resettlement pathways (Section 2, Sense of Congress).
-
Community Engagement: Participation in the program is intended to encourage United States citizens to engage meaningfully with their neighbors and local institutions (Section 2, Sense of Congress).
-
Facilitating Self-Sufficiency: The program utilizes community sponsorship and partnerships to provide initial services aimed at helping refugees achieve self-sufficiency (Section 5(a)(1), Section 5(b)(1)(B)).
-
Provision of Essential Services: Through the program, refugees can receive reception and placement services including housing, furnishings, clothing, food, and assistance accessing medical, employment, educational, and social services (Section 3(2), Section 5(h)(1)).
-
Support for Diversity in Organizations: The Secretary may grant funds to various organizations, including veteran service organizations and faith-based groups, to assist with training and services (Section 5(d)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Potential for Disruptions in Service: The bill requires the creation of policies to handle situations where a community sponsorship group is unable to fulfill its responsibilities for the full 90-day period (Section 5(d)(3)(B)(ii)).
-
Risk of Misconduct: The program includes the need for a mechanism for refugees to report criminal or negligent activity, or behavior that adversely affects their ability to establish independence, by community sponsorship groups (Section 5(d)(3)(B)(iv)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+5Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Veterans+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1Increases Job Creation+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+1Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Student Loan Relief+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+1
- 8/1/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut