Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
# Climate Displaced Persons Act Summary
This bill creates a new immigration pathway for people displaced by climate-related disasters and establishes a comprehensive federal strategy to address climate displacement globally. The legislation defines "climate-displaced persons" as individuals forced from their homes due to climate-related environmental disasters like flooding, drought, hurricanes, or sea level rise, either alone or combined with other hardships. Starting in fiscal year 2024, the U.S. would admit at least 100,000 climate-displaced persons annually, with the president able to increase this number based on humanitarian needs, significant disaster events, or national interests. Climate-displaced persons would receive the same resettlement assistance and benefits available to refugees and asylees, and their eligible family members could accompany them.
The bill also requires federal agencies to collect and report data on climate displacement, directs the State Department to develop a comprehensive 10-year Global Climate Change Resilience Strategy to address climate-related humanitarian emergencies abroad, and mandates training for U.S. diplomats and immigration officials on climate displacement issues. The State Department must compile a list of the 100 most climate-vulnerable countries and provide guidance to U.S. embassies on addressing climate change's humanitarian impacts. The legislation authorizes necessary appropriations but does not specify a dollar amount. The bill emphasizes that these protections are additional to, not a replacement for, existing refugee admission programs.
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