Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) and a group of 30 colleagues are requesting refugee assistance funding from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. Their letter asks for $1.61 billion in funding for Refugee and Entrant Assistance at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS/ORR).

“The United States has served as a safe haven for people that have been displaced from their homes throughout the world,” said Vargas. “It’s imperative that we continue providing these types of opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives and become active participants in our society. For this reason, it’s necessary that we give states and other entities the necessary tools to help individuals escaping persecution and oppression.”

The $1.61 billion request includes $50,000 more than the FY 2015 level. These funds are provided to states and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to assist with the rehabilitation of victims of torture and human trafficking, and for the care and placement of unaccompanied migrant children. These programs offer transitional and medical services, social services, preventive health, and other assistance to help people adjust to their new surroundings and develop into productive citizens in the United States.