Bethany Christian Services Applauds Commitment to Rebuilding United States Refugee Admissions Program

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – According to the Biden administration’s presidential determination, the refugee admissions cap for the United States in FY23 will be maintained at 125,000 people. As more than 100 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes–including 31 million refugees–amidst the greatest displacement crisis in history, Bethany Christian Services applauds the Administration’s commitment to rebuild the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

“More than 31 million refugees have fled from war, natural disaster, and persecution, creating an extraordinary need that we must rise to meet. We are pleased with the United States’ ongoing leadership and commitment to resettling refugees, and likewise, would like to see parity in financial resources. A congruent commitment to strengthening resettlement resources will help to ensure that resettlement organizations are able to provide the necessary services to help our new neighbors get on their feet,” said Dr. Tawnya Brown, Senior Vice President of Global, Refugee, and Immigrant Services at Bethany Christian Services.

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) was created in 1980 to provide permanent protection for those displaced by conflicts and has resettled 3 million people to date. USRAP is a critical program that provides protection to some of the world’s most vulnerable people who have been forced from their homes due to violence, religious persecution, and natural disasters.

“This action by the Biden administration is a vital first step to address the refugee crisis, and we urge greater strengthening and expansion of our refugee resettlement infrastructure in order to meet the goal of resettling 125,000 people in FY23. We will continue working with our community partners to show the love and compassion of Jesus to our new neighbors,” added Liz van Zyl, Vice President of Government Affairs at Bethany Christian Services.