Murphy, Blumenthal, Markey, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Support Communities Receiving Asylum Seekers And Refugees

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Delia Ramirez (D-lll.-03), and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13) to introduce the Destination Reception Assistance Act, legislation to establish the Destination Reception Services Program and provide federal funding to states, localities, and non-profit organizations that promote self-sufficiency of asylum seekers and refugees, reduce costs of extended emergency shelter, provide diversion from homelessness, and ensure compliance of with the legal immigration process. The new competitive grant program would complement the existing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program that provides critical support such as food, water, shelter, and medical treatment to new immigrants following their release from the Department of Homeland Security. By promoting self-sufficiency, the Destination Reception Services Program will ease pressure on states, localities, and non-profit emergency providers and free up public resources for everyone.

"Local governments and nonprofits play a really important role in supporting people who are fleeing violence or persecution and helping them adjust to their new communities in the United States. This legislation would make sure those organizations have the resources they need to help newly arrived refugees stand on their own two feet while they are still navigating the legal immigration process," said Murphy.

"This measure helps provide critical resources and aid to asylum seekers who are here after fleeing persecution and violence. They commonly need assistance with housing, jobs, health care and other challenges. Our bill supports the private organizations- such as we're fortunate to have in Connecticut- reaching out to lift up newcomers as they begin work, school and new lives," said Blumenthal.

"The United States is a nation built on the dreams of immigrant families who came here looking to build a better life," said Markey. "The Destination Reception Assistance Act is a transformative community-based solution that would address the humanitarian needs of new arrivals in Massachusetts and states in every corner of the country. Our American economy is strong as a direct result of new Americans and immigrants. What unites us is the unshakeable belief that no matter where you come from, no matter your circumstances, you deserve to live safely, be treated with respect, and have access to the opportunities our nation offers, and this legislation makes that pledge a reality. I thank Representatives Meng, Espaillat, and Ramirez for their partnership on this legislation that puts new arrivals on the path to their American Dream."

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) also cosponsored the legislation. In the House of Representatives, U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), André Carson (D-Ind.-07), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.-01), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.-05), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.-01), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01), Cori Bush (D-Mo.-01), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07), and Judy Chu (D-Calif.28) co-sponsored the legislation.

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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