Sen. Markey and Reps. Meng, Ramirez, Espallat Introduce Destination Reception Assistance Act to Support Local Reception of New Arrivals

Legislation is endorsed by city and county leaders across the country

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (July 30, 2024) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Grace Meng (NY-06), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) today introduced the Destination Reception Assistance Act, legislation to expand the federal government's role in the reception of new arrivals by establishing the Destination Reception Services Program, a new fund to promote self-sufficiency; reduce costs of extended emergency shelter; provide diversion from homelessness; and promote the effective navigation and compliance of the immigration process. The new 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 take pressure off of states, localities, and non-profit emergency providers and free up public resources for everyone. Access to shelter, housing, workforce development, and other support services will allow our neighbors and communities to thrive.

"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 Representative Meng. "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 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 (I-Vt.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).

"Asylum seekers entering the U.S. often have little to no support system, having fled their home country under dire circumstances. As they come to the U.S. hoping to build a new life, safe from persecution, we must uphold our country's commitment as a welcoming nation for asylum seekers," said Senator Durbin. "The Destination Reception Assistance Act would establish a new grant program to help state and local governments assist new arrivals and settle them into their new life."

"It is our responsibility to not only welcome families and individuals seeking safety and asylum in our country, but to also make sure they are set up for success when starting their new lives in America," Senator Duckworth said. "To this end, FEMA's Shelter and Services Program has been invaluable, and I'm proud to join my colleague Senator Markey in introducing his Destination Reception Assistance Act to build upon it. This piece of legislation will reduce costs for cities like Chicago while ensuring that asylum seekers and parolees have access to critical resources to find stable jobs and adequate housing and to achieve self-sufficiency as they go through the legal immigration process."

"Communities in Massachusetts have stepped up to help shelter migrant families in need of housing, and I'm pushing for the federal government to match that welcoming spirit with additional resources," said Senator Warren. "Many newly arrived families require housing for longer than a few weeks, but the system was not designed to deliver housing over a longer time frame. This much-needed legislative fix would help alleviate the migrant shelter challenges across the country and deliver more support for Massachusetts."

"America has always been seen as the land of opportunity for those fleeing oppression and seeking a better life," said Senator Booker. "This legislation will help ensure that communities in New Jersey and across our nation will have the necessary resources to offer housing, health care, and job training to individuals and families seeking safe haven in the United States. New arrivals deserve to be welcomed with dignity and support, and investing in these services will help asylum seekers successfully transition into their new lives so they can thrive in our communities."

"Everyone is welcome in Vermont. But our nation's broken immigration system has made it incredibly difficult for state and local governments to deal with the recent influx of folks seeking resettlement in America," said Senator Welch. "Our bill will provide crucial federal funding for resettlement services that help newly arrived migrants successfully navigate our complex immigration system and become contributing members of our communities."

"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 Senator Blumenthal.

"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 Senator Murphy.

In the House of Representatives, the legislation is co-sponsored by 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).

The Destination Reception Assistance Act would establish in the Office of Refugee Resettlement a new Destination Reception Services Program New Arrival Services Board and authorize a grant program to provide funding for medium-term services to asylum seekers and parolees, including noncustodial housing services, rental and utility assistance, and workforce development services. The New Arrival Services Board would award competitive grants and federal block grants to communities that provide eligible services to asylum seekers and parolees. Communities receiving funding through federal block grants would be eligible to receive $1 of federal funding for every $1 of non-federal funding.

"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."

"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."

"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 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," saidNicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans.

"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."

"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," saidJennifer 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."

"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."

"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."

"Children and families fleeing violence and oppression have long sought sanctuary in the United States, and we must lean on our humanitarian values now more than ever," said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. "We applaud Senator Markey for filing the Destination Reception Assistance Act, which would provide new, stabilizing resources that empower immigrants and provide our communities with new tools to support them through the immigration process."

"The International Institute of New England enthusiastically endorses Senator Markey's new Destination Reception Assistance Act,"saidJeffrey Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England. This important legislation would provide essential financial support from the federal government directly to those communities that are welcoming humanitarian arrivals to the U.S. The Act would provide critical support for new immigrants and assist local programs that help them to become self-sufficient and contributing members of their new communities. Funds provided through the Act would be directed to the localities where they are most needed and allow for stronger direct support for new arrivals."

"This legislation establishes a well-coordinated federal response for new arrivals across the country, including Massachusetts. It ensures that states, localities, and non-profits like Ascentria Care Alliance can work together efficiently to provide and maximize the impact of essential services currently lacking for asylum seekers and parolees," said Angela Bovill, President and CEO of Ascentria Care Alliance.

The Destination Reception Assistance Act is endorsed by Amnesty International USA, Women's Refugee Commission, Refugees International, International Rescue Committee, National Partnership for New Americans, Church World Service, Friends Committee on National Legislation, American Immigration Lawyers Association, International Refugee Assistance Project, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Save the Children, National Immigration Law Center, United We Dream, Human Rights First, United Church of Christ, MomsRising, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Refugee Congress, Jesuit Refugee Service USA, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Oasis Legal Services, Borderlands Resource Initiative, Refugee Advocacy Lab, HIAS, Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center, International Institute of New England, MIRA Coalition, Immigration Hub, Alianza Americas, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Interfaith Welcome Coalition of San Antonio, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Advocates for Human Rights, Ascentria Care Alliance, National Immigrant Justice Center, Vera Institute of Justice, Illinois Community for Displaced Migrants, and Make the Road NY.

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