Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs

President Biden authorized up to $976.1 million from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to support Operation Allies Welcome, aiding Afghan refugees and others at risk following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The funds may go to international organizations, NGOs, foreign governments, and U.S. agencies for relocation and related expenses.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 60749

Impact dates

Oct 22, 2021
Submit determination to Congress with Justification
Oct 22, 2021
Publish determination in Federal Register

Key directives

Authorize up to $976.1 million from United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund
Furnish assistance for unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs
Support Operation Allies Welcome and related Department of State efforts
Fund additional relocations of individuals at risk due to situation in Afghanistan
Provide assistance on bilateral or multilateral basis including through international organizations, NGOs, governments, and U.S. departments and agencies
Submit determination to Congress with accompanying Justification
Publish determination in the Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Authorization of up to $976.1 million in refugee assistance funds
Directive to Secretary of State to submit determination to Congress

Near term (90d)

Publication in Federal Register
Potential disbursement of bilateral/multilateral assistance

Long term

Ongoing support for Operation Allies Welcome relocations and related efforts

Risks & tensions

Large appropriation from emergency fund following contested Afghanistan withdrawal
Bilateral/multilateral channel flexibility may reduce direct oversight of fund disbursement
Vague 'related expenses' and 'related efforts' language creates implementation latitude