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 Welcome Corps, part of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), has been suspended by President Trump’s administration. As of late February, all USRAP contracts, including the Welcome Corps, were terminated. Refugee arrivals to the U.S. have been halted, and the program is no longer accepting or processing applications. Refugees who have already arrived in the U.S. through the Welcome Corps retain their legal status.
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.
I have an application in process. What happens next?
Refugee cases that have already been referred into USRAP through a certified Welcome Corps application currently remain in the pipeline, though their processing is on hold and no flights are being scheduled for refugee arrivals.
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 guide to contacting your federal representatives 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 funded by the federal government.
How long will the Welcome Corps be paused?
It is unclear if or when USRAP programming will reopen and whether private sponsorship will be included in that programming. The Welcome Corps program was terminated by the State Department in late February.
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