The United States continues to be the “the most generous nation in the world when it comes to protection-based immigration and assistance,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in remarks to the media September 17.
The United States anticipates processing up to 310,000 refugees and asylum seekers in fiscal year 2019. The State Department proposes resettling up to 30,000 refugees under the new refugee ceiling, as well as processing more than 280,000 asylum seekers. They will join the over 800,000 asylum seekers who are already inside the United States and who are awaiting adjudication of their claims.
“The best way to help most people is to promote burden sharing with partners and allies, to work to end conflicts that drive displacement, and to target the application of foreign aid in a smarter way,” Secretary Pompeo said. This week, during the 73rd session of the U.N. General Assembly, the United States, along with other world leaders, will discuss the importance of humanitarian assistance and food security.
U.S. humanitarian assistance worldwide totaled more than $8 billion in fiscal year 2017, more than the total for any other country, the secretary said. This includes funding from the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“A focus on helping refugees overseas also allows us to maximize our resources. We can house, feed, and provide medical care for hundreds of thousands more refugees closer to their homes and do so more rapidly than we could possibly do here in the United States,” Secretary Pompeo said.
The United States also is the most generous funder of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ work around the world (nearly $1.5 billion last fiscal year). Through this and other programs, the United States will be focusing on helping displaced people as close to their homes as possible and resolving the underlying conditions that create humanitarian crises.
“We are maintaining our enduring humanitarian commitments by working to assist refugees and other displaced people,” the secretary said.
American aid meets vital needs of displaced people
Shelter and Protection
The U.S., working through partners, shelters people torn from their homes, safeguarding children and families from abuse, violence and exploitation.
Health and Nutrition
The U.S. sustains the health of displaced people by providing food, vaccinations, medicines and other care.
Water and Sanitation
Thanks to U.S. assistance, millions of displaced people receive potable water and basic sanitation.
Education
American dollars allow displaced children to go to school.