ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Determination Pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as Amended

President Bush authorized releasing up to $22 million from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to prepare for a potential humanitarian emergency in the Middle East, specifically anticipating refugee and migration needs if military force were used against Iraq. The determination directs the Secretary of State to notify Congress and publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 15043

Impact dates

  1. Contingency planning and fund availability for anticipated humanitarian emergency

  2. Determination effective and funds made available

Key directives

  • Determine that up to $22 million be made available from U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund
  • Authorize use of funds for contributions to international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations
  • Authorize use of funds for administrative expenses by Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
  • Direct Secretary of State to inform appropriate congressional committees of determination and obligation of funds
  • Direct Secretary of State to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • $22 million made available from Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund
  • Secretary of State directed to inform congressional committees
  • Secretary of State directed to publish determination in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Contingency planning for refugee and migration needs in the Middle East
  • Potential disbursement of funds to international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Pre-emptive authorization tied to anticipated military action creates tension between humanitarian preparedness and political signaling about imminent war
  • Vague trigger ('in the event of a future humanitarian emergency') leaves timing and scale of fund deployment uncertain
  • Authorization before military action begins may be seen as assuming conflict outcome
Presidential Determination: Determination Pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as Amended · Executive Orders