Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement

What it means

This order requires that both state and local governments provide written consent before refugees can be resettled in their areas. It directs federal agencies to develop a process within 90 days that respects local preferences while maintaining federal authority over refugee placement.

Expected impact

• Enhanced state and local control over refugee resettlement within their communities
• More transparent communication between federal, state, and local governments regarding refugee placement decisions
• Potential for uneven refugee distribution across the country as some states or localities may decline to participate
• Possible delays in refugee resettlement while awaiting necessary approvals from multiple levels of government
• Family reunification cases are exempted, allowing refugees to join immediate family members regardless of local consent