Just in time for the State Department’s annual review of the size and scope of the refugee program (here), the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) has released a background report by CIS fellow and refugee program expert, Don Barnett.
Barnett calls the program out of control, rife with fraud, and a channel for terrorism into American communities:
One has to be careful when trying to explain the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Too much truth and in too much detail leaves those unfamiliar with the program looking at you like you are crazy. Among those unfamiliar with the topic — and therefore unable to completely process and act on information about it — are most of the political elite, especially Congress.
A wide-ranging review is needed of this costly and out-of-control system. It has failed refugees, both by diverting limited resources from overseas assistance and by the sheer neglect of those resettled in the United States by their “sponsors.” The program is rife with fraud, profitable for hundreds of “non-profit” organizations, and is a potential channel for terrorism into American communities.
Barnett and CIS call for a full review of the program (remember Samantha Power was supposed to be doing that in the White House, but nothing has been forthcoming in more than a year).
Among the findings (read them all!) are these that we at RRW find of particular interest because we have seen the problem so frequently:
U.S. Taxpayers Without Borders. The U.S. welfare system is a global magnet, which has been instrumentalized by the international refugee industry. The use of welfare, subsidized housing, Medicaid, and other programs is staggering. Including the cost of ongoing welfare — which is permanent for many refugees — easily raises the cost of the domestic resettlement program to 10 times the official estimates of $1.1 billion annually.
Exploitation for Profit. Refugee resettlement is very profitable for some non-profits. Religious organizations and NGOs involved in the program consistently refuse to commit any of their own resources for the resettlement effort. Instead, these organizations have turned to the refugee program to generate an income stream, abandoning traditional charitable works that do not pay. Most of the second- and third-tier refugee organizations receiving contracts and grants today are run by former refugees themselves, which has put the program on a perpetual growth trajectory.
American Community Impact. Some American towns have been overwhelmed by the arrival of refugees. At no point are these communities consulted. The closed loop of the U.N., the State Department, and NGOs leaves citizens with no voice in events that affect their communities.
Non-Assimilation. The USRAP is increasingly bringing in groups that have stated openly they do not intend to assimilate into American culture. Even those groups with good intentions are coming from cultures so diverse that often little progress is made in assimilation after many years.
Abandonment upon Arrival. Despite PR about supporting refugees, NGOs routinely abandon their charges after four months or less, moving on to the next, more profitable, cycle of recent admissions. NGOs expect the welfare system to take care of refugees.
Please read Mr. Barnett’s entire report and then please, even if you only say a few words, go here and find out how to comment on the refugee program for FY 2012 using some of the points in the CIS backgrounder and some of your own observations and ideas.
I don’t think those who administer the program have ever heard much from average citizens who disagree with how the program has been run for the last 30 years! I know there are people who have been involved in the program for a long time, and who know there are huge problems, but are in no position to be critical, so it’s up to you! The deadline for commenting is May 12th!
p.s. Please also be sure to copy your comments to your Congressman and US Senators because few of them fully understand the program and its impact.