Tom Harkin: “The United States has for years been a leader in refugee protection. Since 1975, over 2 million refugees have resettled…”

“The United States has for years been a leader in refugee protection. Since 1975, over 2 million refugees have resettled in the United States. The Refugee Act is the core of U.S. refugee policy. This act sets out the criteria for persons to be designated as refugees. In addition, the Refugee Act allows the Department of Health and Human Services to run several important programs to assist refugees in adjusting to their new life in the United States. These programs include the Refugee Assistance Program, which provides assistance to refugees to help them become self-sufficient in the shortest time possible, social services programs which provide funding to States to support English language classes and employment training for refugees. Refugees receiving cash and medical assistance under this program are required to be enrolled in employment services and accept employment offers. Furthermore, the Refugee Act allows HHS to provide overseas medical screening of refugees before they enter the United States. Also, it provides targeted assistance to States and counties with high refugee populations.”