About the Welcome Corps
Sponsor groups of five or more Americans work together to welcome and support refugees for their first 90 days in the United States.
Please note:
The U.S. government has ended the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) and paused the Uniting for Ukraine and Welcome Corps private sponsorship programs. Americans cannot submit new sponsorship applications, and existing applications will not be processed. As of Jan. 31, 2025, reports suggest that President Trump’s administration may soon announce the immediate termination of existing humanitarian parole for newcomers who entered the U.S. through CHNV and U4U.
- Learn more about how this impacts newcomers and sponsors.
- Sign up for ongoing policy updates from Welcome.US.
Latest Updates
What impact will policy changes have on newcomers, refugees, and sponsorship programs? Check out our latest explainers to learn more.
Sponsorship FAQs
Is the Welcome Corps impacted by the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program?
Yes. The Welcome Corps is part of USRAP, which has been paused by President Trump’s administration until further notice. This means:
- No new applications can be submitted.
- Pending and active applications will not be processed.
- Refugee travel to the U.S. has been canceled, and no new travel will be scheduled.
Some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security. Refugees who have already arrived will not lose their legal status.
Can I still submit a Welcome Corps application?
No. Due to a recent policy change from President Trump’s administration, the Welcome Corps is no longer accepting new applications, and pending applications will not be processed during the suspension.
I have an application in process. What happens next?
Pending Welcome Corps applications will not be processed while the program is suspended.
- You can contact your congressional representative to inquire about your case or request a review.
- Use our sponsor guide for step-by-step help contacting your representatives.
I have heard that the new policy permits admitting refugees on a case-by-case basis. What should I do?
The new administration has not provided guidance on how to request admission on a case-by-case basis.
- Sponsors may seek help from their congressional representatives to understand the process.
- Use our sponsor guide to learn how to request a case review.
My Welcome Corps application was approved, but the refugee(s) I’m planning to sponsor has not yet arrived. What happens now?
Refugee travel to the U.S. is suspended until further notice. All scheduled travel has been canceled, and no new travel will be booked during the suspension.
Are refugees I sponsored through the Welcome Corps who have already arrived in the U.S. affected by this policy?
Maybe. Refugees who have already arrived in the U.S. through the Welcome Corps are not at risk of losing their legal status, but may not be able to access some services.
- Their legal status remains unchanged.
- Reception and Placement (R&P) services may be impacted. Welcome.US is monitoring and will provide updates as needed.
- Sponsors will no longer receive program support for the duration of their sponsorship commitment.
How long will the Welcome Corps be paused?
The suspension is in place until further notice but will be reviewed every 90 days. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
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