Letter to the Honorable Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State, the Honorable Jefferson Sessions, United States Attorney General, and the Honorable John Kelly, Secretary of Homeland Security - US Refugee Admissions Program

Letter

Dear Secretary Tillerson, Attorney General Sessions, and Secretary Kelly:

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court's June 26 interim ruling to allow a partial travel ban as the Court considers Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project and Trump v. Hawaii, we urge you to ensure that ongoing implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) continues without delay.

The Supreme Court has ruled that refugee admissions will continue in cases where refugees demonstrate a "bona fide relationship" with an American individual or entity. Since refugees who are applying through the USRAP are sponsored and provided direct resettlement services by one of nine private American nonprofit agencies contracted by the U.S. government, a bona fide relationship is established between the refugee applicant and the American nonprofit organization at the onset of their association.

This relationship is demonstrated through extensive documentation, formal assurances, and signed agreements and is built on years of formal processing, to include strict vetting procedures. Therefore, the continued admission of refugees to the U.S. is consistent with the Supreme Court's decision. We ask you to issue immediate guidance reflecting this determination and avoid any misunderstandings or additional litigation that may result from the recent ruling.

The USRAP provides a vital humanitarian resource for some of the world's most vulnerable populations at a time when the world is experiencing the largest refugee crisis in modern history. As a result of the vigorous processing procedures in place, it also presents a clear example of the bona fide relationship between American entities and refugees awaiting admission.

We thank you for your urgent attention and look forward to receiving your guidance on this matter.

Sincerely,