ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Presidential Determination on FY 2003 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status

This determination sets the FY 2003 refugee admissions ceiling at 70,000, with specific regional allocations and a 20,000-person unallocated reserve. It also authorizes in-country refugee processing for persons in Vietnam, Cuba, and the former Soviet Union, and provides 10,000 additional numbers for asylum adjustments to permanent residence.

Federal Register Open PDF 67 FR 65469

Impact dates

  1. FY 2003 refugee admissions determinations effective

  2. Secretary of State to report determination to Congress immediately

  3. Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Set FY 2003 refugee admissions ceiling at 70,000
  • Allocate 70,000 admissions across six regions plus 20,000 unallocated reserve
  • Include Amerasian immigrants in East Asia and former Soviet Union allocations
  • Authorize 10,000 additional numbers for asylum adjustment to permanent residence under INA section 209(b)
  • Designate persons in Vietnam, Cuba, and former Soviet Union as eligible for in-country refugee processing
  • Require consultation with Congressional Judiciary Committees before using unallocated numbers or reallocating between regions
  • Direct Secretary of State to report to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • 70,000 refugee admissions ceiling takes effect for FY 2003
  • In-country refugee processing authorized for Vietnam, Cuba, former Soviet Union
  • 10,000 additional numbers available for asylum adjustments

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State must report determination to Congress
  • Federal Register publication required

Long term

  • Regional allocations may be reallocated as shortfalls develop
  • Unallocated reserve of 20,000 to be distributed as needed throughout FY 2003

Risks & tensions

  • Regional allocation system may create inflexibility if refugee crises emerge in non-priority regions
  • 20,000 unallocated reserve requires Congressional Judiciary Committee consultation, potentially slowing emergency response
  • In-country processing designations for Vietnam, Cuba, and former Soviet Union reflect Cold War-era foreign policy priorities that may be politically contested
Presidential Determination: Presidential Determination on FY 2003 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status · Executive Orders