The number of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons is at a historic high, but countries have failed to address this global resettlement need. Traditionally, the United States counts among the top resettlement contributors, followed by Canada. But after U.S. refugee admissions reached an all-time low under former President Trump, the system has not returned to its prior pace. In fact, over 100,000 open slots remained unused of the 125,000 target for refugee admissions in fiscal year 2022. There is a need to look at options to fill the gap.

Unlike Canada and many other refugee resettlement countries, the United States is only in the early stages of formally introducing a private sponsorship system to increase its capacity and receive more refugees. Under private sponsorships, individuals collaborate to provide financial, emotional, and practical support for refugees. Some countries also empower sponsors to nominate specific refugees to enter and stay in their country. The Biden administration recognizes that private sponsorships can help to rebuild the U.S. refugee system and launched a private sponsorship pilot program.

Against this backdrop, this Article argues that community-based sponsorships are historically rooted in U.S. migration law and policy, and discusses what future U.S. private refugee sponsorships on a permanent basis should look like. The Article looks at Canada and six other countries with community-based refugee sponsorship programs: Australia, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It complements this comparative analysis of programs outside the United States by comparing recent community sponsorship models within the United States. A case study conducted for the purposes of this Article reveals the experiences of volunteer groups in Seattle who sponsored Afghan and Ukrainian families under the Sponsor Circles initiative – an initiative that has supported Americans in sponsoring Afghans, Ukrainians, and others, such as with application support, various resources, and expert guidance.

Eventually, putting together lessons from outside and within the United States, the Article proposes policies that are based on experience, practicability, and the specific needs of the actors likely to be involved in future U.S. private refugee sponsorships.

Continue Reading Community Sponsorships for Refugees and Other Forced Migrants: Learning from Outside and Inside the United States