Welcome Corps Under Trump – What’s Ahead?

What is the Welcome Corps?

The Welcome Corps was created in 2023 by the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, under President Biden’s leadership. It’s an innovative response to the growing global refugee crisis. The crisis has displaced millions of people due to conflict, persecution, and violence. It launched to empower everyday Americans to support resettlement efforts and help bring immigrants to the U.S. through sponsorship. The program builds on the belief that communities can offer more personalized support to newcomers than traditional government systems alone.   

How was the Welcome Corps Set Up?

Welcome Corps was set up as a private sponsorship program that empowers everyday Americans in welcoming refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and supporting their resettlement and integration as they build new lives in the United States. Over the past year, the American people have extended an extraordinarily welcoming hand. They have supported our Afghan allies, Ukrainians displaced by war, and Venezuelans and others fleeing violence and oppression. The Welcome Corps builds on Americans’ generosity of spirit. It creates a durable program for Americans in communities across the country to privately sponsor refugees from around the world. 

By forming sponsorship groups, Americans can directly help refugees navigate their new lives. They foster inclusion and mutual understanding through the Welcome Corps program. Meanwhile, it addresses the pressing need for expanded resettlement pathways.

Across the United States, people in all 50 states and over 12,000 zip codes have come together. Sponsors support refugees escaping violence and persecution. These sponsors play a vital role, offering guidance, friendship, and financial assistance to help refugees safely resettle through legal pathways. This happens after undergoing extensive vetting by the U.S. government.

Immigration in the United States

With the incoming presidential administration, many are questioning the future of sponsorship programs. How might immigration policy shifts affect newcomers and sponsors in the months ahead?

Here is some information from a report posted by welcome.us leadership after a recent meeting they held. This should help understand what to expect in the near future for Welcome Corps. Here are actionable steps for sponsors moving forward. Below are some of the critical highlights:

Sponsorship Programs: Overview and Current Methods

Private Sponsorship Programs  

Private sponsorship emerged as a way for Americans to directly aid refugees amid the global displacement crisis. Over 120 million individuals had to flee their homes. To date, around 2 million Americans have participated in sponsoring over 750,000 refugees across the country.

Two primary sponsorship avenues are currently still available:

1. The Welcome Corps
   • Operated by the U.S. Department of State, this program enables groups of five or more individuals to sponsor refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), established in 1980. Refugees enter the U.S. with legal status, work authorization, and a pathway to citizenship.
   • The president determines annual refugee admission numbers and criteria, which have traditionally garnered bipartisan support.

2. Humanitarian Parole
   • Administered by the Department of Homeland Security, this program allows refugees from specific countries. Those from places such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Ukraine, and Venezuela could enter the U.S. with the support of a sponsor.
   • This temporary program, which lasts up to two years, can be adjusted or revoked by the president. This would make it particularly vulnerable to changes under a new administration.

Policy Shifts Expected Under President-Elect Trump

Refugee Admissions

The incoming administration has expressed plans to reduce refugee admissions. It may slow processing times as it re-evaluates policies and criteria. This approach mirrors actions taken during Trump’s previous term.

Humanitarian Parole

The new administration has indicated plans to end the humanitarian parole program. This could potentially halt new applications and affect the status of those already in the U.S. Sponsors should consider helping newcomers pursue more permanent legal protections, such as asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Protections Likely to Remain

Refugees granted status through USRAP and those who have applied for and received asylum will maintain their legal protections. Refugees can apply for permanent residency after one year in the U.S. and are eligible for citizenship after five years.

Next Steps for Sponsors

• If someone is considering sponsorship and helping refugees, submit applications promptly to avoid potential program interruptions. It is still unclear what exactly will happen under Trump with this program. It is likely to stay as a resource for sponsorship.
• Sponsors assisting individuals under humanitarian parole should explore alternative legal options to secure long-term status for newcomers. This includes filing for Asylum, TPS, family petitions, and other ways to legalize permanently in the U.S.
• Resources are available to support the sponsors themselves financially in their efforts, such as the Sponsor Fund and/or the Veteran Sponsor Fund. These can cover a portion of required fundraising efforts to help Americans who want to help out.

For all U.S. immigration needs, our law firm Shepelsky Law is here to help. We help immigrants realize their American dream of legalizing permanently and becoming U.S. citizens. Call us today for your consultation at (718)769-6352 or schedule directly at: https://shepelskylaw.cliogrow.com/book

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