City, County, and NGO Leaders Endorse Sen. Markey and Reps. Meng, Ramirez, Espaillat led Destination Reception Assistance Act

Legislation Providing Federal Support for Local Reception of Asylum Seekers

Washington, DC, July 30, 2024: City, county, and NGO leaders announced their support for the Destination Reception Assistance Act introduced today by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Grace Meng (NY-06), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). The Destination Reception Assistance Act is cosponsored bySenators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), in the Senate, and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), André Carson (IN-07), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Cori Bush (MO-01), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Judy Chu (CA-28) in the House of Representatives, which would provide critical federal funding for local reception efforts supporting asylum seekers to achieve self-sufficiency in destination communities.

The Destination Reception Assistance Actwould establish a national board within the Office of Refugee Resettlement that would work with local boards to oversee block grants and a competitive matching grant program to provide funding for states and localities that offer certain reception services. These services could include workforce development, assistance to transition to stable housing, and support with submission of applications for humanitarian protection and work authorization. The grants made available by the Destination Reception Assistance Act would promote the self-sufficiency of recently arrived families and individuals; reduce costs from extended emergency shelter; maximize benefit to new arrivals and host communities; and promote the effective navigation and compliance with the immigration process.

"The United States is a nation built on the dreams of immigrant families who came here looking to build a better life," said Senator 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."

Immigrants come to the United States in search of safety and refuge, many of them fleeing from dangerous conditions in their home countries and making arduous journeys," said Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). "Our immigration system needs the resources to process and receive all the people who come here in humane and orderly ways. This increasingly includes the work of local and state government agencies as well as non-profit organizations, like those in my home state of New York, which serve individuals who are navigating the immigration process. The Destination Reception Assistance Act would ensure that the federal government is doing its part to support communities welcoming immigrants and providing them with temporary housing, legal aid, job training, and other help they may need. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this long-overdue legislation to make our immigration system more orderly, efficient, and welcoming."

"In IL-03, we have remained committed to welcoming asylum seekers and providing them with the support they need to contribute to our nation. But the federal government must do more to support our communities," said Representative Ramirez. "I am excited to co-lead the bicameral Destination Reception Assistance Act to expand federal support for states and local governments, like Illinois and Chicago, and non-profit organizations providing life-saving services to asylum seekers and parolees. I stand ready to continue the fight for more resources to assist new arrivals, as well as for work permits and a pathway to citizenship for those who have been part of our communities' fabric for decades."
"I am proud to co-lead the introduction of the Destination Reception Assistance Act," said Representative Espaillat. "This innovative bill would provide billions in new funding to assist cities and localities across the nation that are the 'final destination' for asylum seekers-including in New York City. In addition to helping keep families together through temporary economic relief, this new legislation would supplement the existing 'Shelter and Services Program' and allow cities to welcome asylum seekers with dignity by providing them with longer-term assistance as they find work and integrate into American life. Our bill provides a lifeline to asylum seeking families who have fled unspeakable harm and come to America to work and pursue the American dream."

The endorsing local officials and representatives of NGOs commend congressional leaders for their efforts to extend this needed support to localities and improve access to services for newly arriving asylum seekers and call on their respective Congressional delegations to join in co-sponsoring the legislation.

"While cities like Boston continue implementing strategies to welcome and support newly arrived immigrants who decide to make our City their new home, limited local resources highlight the salient need for more federal funds, coordination and long-term planning. The Destination Reception Assistance Act would help address the current gap in federal investment to support the integration, well-being and success of newcomers in their destination communities. Our City welcomes this proposal and urges Congress to take advantage of this opportunity to promote immigrant resettlement efforts and strengthen our communities," said Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director of the City of Boston Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said "The Destination Reception Services Program represents a critical source of federal funding for cities like Chicago that are providing long-term support for new arrivals. As cities respond to the unprecedented levels of migration, we need an appropriate and reliable funding source to respond to the immediate needs and promote long term integration and resettlement."

"While Congress failed to act, Denver supported more than 42,000 arrivals from the southern border, largely on our own dime," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. "We have long believed this problem is solvable if real and meaningful attention is placed on it and we are grateful to see this effort to help newcomers and cities succeed."

"We have seen what works on the border when it comes to meeting and processing new arrivals, and what works for interior destination communities - coordination among federal and local authorities, and with civil society," said El Paso County Commissioner David Stout. "This is the type of federal support we need for effective border management and for receiving cities and towns. This approach presents a practical solution to the reality of migration and benefits both new arrivals and American communities with values of welcome and optimism."

"I commend Senator Markey, Representative Meng, and their co-sponsoring colleagues for introducing this important piece of legislation," said Jorge L. Barón, a member of the Metropolitan King County (WA) Council. "As local jurisdictions across the country work to welcome new neighbors to our communities, our response would be enhanced by the federal coordination and investments that this bill would make possible. We know that welcoming immigrants and refugees make our communities stronger and more sustainable, and we applaud this legislative effort."

"Since the spring of 2022, nearly 210,000 migrants have come to the five boroughs, seeking the American Dream and needing our city's help to get there," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "We've already spent more than $5 billion on this crisis, but, because of our efforts, we've helped nearly 70 percent of those who were in our care take the next steps in their journeys. New York and other cities across the country that have received an influx of migrants have been doing Herculean work to manage this national crisis, and the resources that this bill would provide would be a tremendous help. I'm grateful to Senator Markey, Representative Meng, and all of the sponsors of this key legislation for their efforts."

"I commend Senator Markey, Representative Meng, and their co-sponsoring colleagues for introducing this important piece of legislation," said Nikki Fortunato Bas, Oakland, California City Council President and District 2 Councilmember. "I represent one of the most racially and ethnically diverse districts in my city. As local jurisdictions like mine work to welcome new neighbors to our communities, our response would be enhanced by the federal coordination and investments that this bill would make possible. We know that welcoming immigrants and refugees make our communities stronger and more sustainable, and we applaud this legislative effort."

"Portland has welcomed thousands of asylum seeking individuals and families over the last several years," said Portland, Maine Mayor Mark Dion. "While we enjoy being a safe and welcoming city, it has certainly put a strain on our local resources. We're thankful to see these members of Congress introduce legislation that could assist communities like ours, who are doing the right thing to support asylum seekers as they seek to find work, transition into stable housing, and achieve self-sufficiency."

"In the face of Congressional inaction, cities are left filling the gaps in a broken asylum system. Since 2022, San Antonio has supported more than 600,000 migrants and asylum seekers searching for compassion and opportunity. We've acted because we see newcomers not as a crisis, but as an opportunity to strengthen our community and country. The Destination Reception Assistance Act offers the common-sense support cities need to shift from emergency management to creating opportunities for both newcomers and host communities," said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, member of theMayors Migration Council Leadership Board.

"The Destination Reception Assistance Act would be a significant relief to local jurisdictions in welcoming migrant and refugee newcomers, who, with adequate supports, uplift and enrich our communities," commented San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen. "In the San Francisco Bay Area, federal attention and investments will allow us to provide critical services to transition families more quickly towards self sufficiency."

Cities for Action, a coalition of nearly 200 U.S. mayors and county executives across America,endorsed the Destination Reception Assistance Act, stating "Cities and counties are at the forefront of caring for newly arrived immigrants and supporting their long-term integration in our communities. There is a gap in federal investment in local government responses that promote autonomy and helps unlock the enormous positive contributions new immigrants can make to our country. The Cities for Action coalition welcomes the introduction of the Destination Reception Assistance Act because it will increase critical services such as sustainable housing, legal assistance, workforce development, and translation support that will ultimately benefit both newcomers and their destination communities. We affirm our longstanding commitment to welcoming people who seek a new home in our communities, and urge Congress to pass this legislation so that municipalities can more effectively serve our new community members."

"The Destination Reception Assistance Act is a productive way forward on asylum that affirms shared federal and local commitment to dignified reception of those seeking safety," said Yael Schacher, Director for the Americas and Europe at Refugees International. "Investing in welcome is the right and the beneficial thing to do for our communities and new arrivals alike."

"The Destination Reception Assistance Act is a vital step to support American communities that are welcoming families and individuals seeking protection in our country, said Hans Van de Weerd, Senior Vice President for Resettlement, Asylum and Integration at the International Rescue Committee."Orderly and humane asylum processes depend on sustainable, coordinated reception systems that promote benefits for newcomers and host communities alike, uphold fairness, and ensure individuals' dignity. This legislation supports the core elements of an effective reception system - a much needed solution when fundamental refugee protections continue to be undermined."

"The Destination Reception Assistance Act provides the partnership and resources that communities need to welcome newcomers so they can start their new lives," said Melanie Nezer, Vice President of Advocacy and External Relations at the Women's Refugee Commission."The United States has a commitment to welcome those seeking safety, and our communities are strengthened when all are given the chance to thrive."

Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans said, "The Destination Reception Assistance Act represents forward-thinking, solution-oriented policy that addresses the needs of newcomers while building the necessary infrastructure to meet the capacity challenges of those welcoming them. This legislation is about honoring the incredible welcoming work that's already been done by providing localities with the resources they need to provide essential services to our newest neighbors. By investing in workforce development, stable housing, and legal support, we help set up new arrivals for success and strengthen our communities as a whole. The National Partnership for New Americans applauds this critical effort and urges Congress to support this vital legislation."

"This bill would provide vital assistance to cities and counties across the country on the forefront of welcoming asylum seekers and ensuring access to critical resources necessary to rebuilding their lives," said Amy Fischer, Director of Refugee and Migrant Rights at Amnesty International USA."Communities in the U.S. are better when there are resources to welcome people into them and give their new neighbors a fair chance to succeed."

"Church World Service strongly commends and endorses the Destination Reception Assistance Act. Cities and communities across the country have lacked needed infrastructure and federal support to effectively and humanely welcome arriving asylum seekers and other newcomers - this bill addresses that challenge head on," said Erol Kekic, Senior Vice President for Programs at Church World Service. "It is imperative that we better support the local communities which receive and support new arrivals as they and their families become our neighbors, coworkers, and schoolmates. We applaud Congress for turning towards practical and proven solutions to the challenges we face at the border. This legislation invests in our capacity to welcome, helping to ensure all of us have the resources we need to thrive and flourish."

"To meet the worldwide migration challenges of the 21^st century, we need the federal government to work in partnership with states and localities to humanely and efficiently receive noncitizens who arrive after traversing oceans, harsh landscapes, and dangerous situations in the hopes of joining the fabric of America," said Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, Supervisory Policy & Practice Counsel at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). "This bill is a sensible solution to addressing the economic realities of certain costs currently borne by cities and states and sets them up to benefit from the long-term contributions we know that immigrants inevitably provide to receiving communities. When we invest in our shared future, we make America stronger."

"Faith groups have long recognized that loving thy neighbor means ensuring both protection and reception. The Destination Reception Assistance Act restores our legacy of welcoming communities by strengthening functional partnerships and cementing orderly and benevolent processes,"said Anika Forrest, Legislative Director for Domestic Policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. "The United States needs sustainable migration management policies that ensure respite and vital services, as well as healthy and prosperous transitions for newcomers. This policy is a critical step toward fulfilling this nation's promise to provide refuge."

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