This bill establishes a new Community-based Refugee Reception Program that allows local community groups to sponsor and provide initial resettlement services to refugees admitted to the United States. Community sponsorship groups—which must include at least three U.S. citizens or permanent residents and demonstrate they have raised sufficient funds—would provide housing, food, clothing, and assistance accessing jobs, medical care, and social services for a minimum of 90 days after a refugee's arrival, complementing services from traditional resettlement agencies. Refugees referred by eligible community groups would be exempt from standard numerical admission caps, though they must still meet all other legal requirements for refugee admission. The bill requires the State Department to establish procedures for accepting community sponsorship applications within 90 days of enactment and authorizes grants to organizations for training community sponsors and implementing the program. The legislation also requires the State Department to report annually to state and local governments on refugee resettlement estimates and community sponsorship activity in their jurisdictions.
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