Making a Difference: US Citizens Will Finally Be Allowed To Sponsor Individual Refugees

I am excited to share with you the recent announcement by the State Department of a pilot program called Welcome Corps. This initiative will allow groups of private American citizens and permanent residents to financially sponsor the resettlement of refugees fleeing war and violence across the world.

For years, many of you have asked me whether it is possible to sponsor individual refugees, and until now, the answer has been no. Welcome Corps represents a seismic shift in U.S. refugee policy, as most refugees brought to the U.S. in the past have been resettled by nonprofit organizations that receive federal funding. Most refugees were forced to leave their home country and live in refugee camps or inhospitable third countries for years, even decades, while waiting for resettlement through the traditional route.

Under the new program, modeled after a long-standing system in Canada, groups of at least five U.S.-based individuals will have the opportunity to sponsor refugees if they raise $2,275 per refugee, pass background checks, and submit a plan about how they will assist the newcomers. Approved private sponsors will play the role of traditional resettlement agencies for at least 90 days after a refugee's arrival, helping the newcomers access housing and other basic necessities, such as food, medical services, education, and public benefits for which they qualify.

The refugees who will arrive through Welcome Corps will be eligible for permanent legal status and ultimately, U.S. citizenship.

During the first phase of the program, State Department officials will match approved sponsors with refugees overseas who already have been cleared to come to the U.S. In mid-2023, officials plan to allow prospective sponsors to identify refugees abroad whom they wish to assist.

Welcome Corps is not intended to be a substitute for existing family reunification programs (even though some of those programs take decades) or employment-based visas. I expect there will be careful vetting of sponsors and refugees to ensure the program is not being misused.

I believe this program will provide a valuable opportunity for individuals and groups to make a real difference in the lives of refugees and support their resettlement in the United States.