Briefing Book for the Obama Administration and 111th Congress

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Summary:
The members of Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) look forward to working with the Administration of President Barack Obama and members of the new Congress in formulating policies that will effectively address the most pressing needs of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations: refugees, asylum seekers and others who lack the basic human security that all people deserve. Each brief paper attached includes specific recommendations as well as background information. Common themes of the recommendations include strengthening fundamental American values, developing efficient and accountable systems, and strengthening our partnerships.

The attached papers focus on the following challenges:
1. Humanitarian Funding and Priorities
2. Iraqi Humanitarian and Displacement Crisis
3. U.S. Refugee Program (USRP)
4. "Material Support" or Terrorism-Related Inadmissibility Bars for Refugees and Asylees
5. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
6. U.S. Asylum Seekers
7. Detention of Asylum Seekers and Other Vulnerable Persons in the U.S.