GRACE Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 17, 2025
Bottom line
The GRACE Act aims to codify a floor for annual refugee admissions and enhance transparency and accountability in the refugee resettlement process.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a minimum annual refugee admission goal of 125,000, requiring the President to meet or exceed this number, or default to it if no determination is made. It also integrates community and private sponsorship into the admission process, mandates consideration of global resettlement needs, and institutes comprehensive quarterly reporting requirements on refugee admissions and processing metrics to Congress and the public.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill reasserts the United States' humanitarian leadership by establishing a robust minimum for refugee admissions, ensuring a consistent commitment to those fleeing persecution. They emphasize that the bill streamlines the process, incorporates valuable community sponsorship models, and provides crucial transparency through detailed reporting, preventing future administrations from drastically reducing refugee intake without public accountability.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that mandating a minimum number of refugee admissions could limit executive flexibility in responding to evolving national security concerns or economic conditions. They might also raise concerns about the administrative burden of extensive quarterly reporting and the potential strain on resources if the mandated minimum is significantly higher than current capacity, especially without corresponding appropriations.
The bill is concise and can be read and understood within a few minutes, allowing for a quick assessment of its core provisions.
Section 2(1)(A) and (2) of the bill, amending Section 207(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Establishes a Minimum Annual Refugee Admission Goal
This provision mandates that the President must set an annual refugee admission goal of at least 125,000. If the President fails to issue such a determination before the fiscal year begins, the number of refugees authorized for admission automatically defaults to 125,000 for that year. This ensures a baseline commitment to refugee resettlement.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision restores the U.S. as a leader in humanitarian efforts by establishing a clear, robust floor for refugee admissions, preventing future administrations from unilaterally reducing intake to historically low levels. They contend it provides certainty for refugees and resettlement agencies.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that mandating a specific minimum number could reduce executive branch flexibility to adapt to changing geopolitical circumstances, national security concerns, or domestic economic conditions. They may also raise concerns about the capacity to vet and resettle such a large number without adequate resources.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire for a consistent humanitarian commitment with executive flexibility in immigration policy and resource allocation.
Section 2(1)(A)(B) of the bill, amending Section 207(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Integrates Community and Private Sponsorship into Refugee Admissions
This provision adds a component to the annual refugee admission goal specifically for refugees admitted through community or private sponsorship. Under this model, community groups and private sponsors directly provide initial reception and placement services, similar to those offered by traditional resettlement agencies, thereby expanding resettlement capacity.
Section 2(1)(D) of the bill, inserting new paragraphs (5) and (6) into Section 207(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Mandates Consideration of Global Resettlement Needs and Regional Allocations
When determining the annual refugee admission goal, the President must consider the number of refugees identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as needing resettlement. The President must also determine regional allocations, either reflecting UNHCR's projected needs or including a detailed assessment by the Secretary of State justifying prioritization from specific regions, and must include an unallocated reserve for unforeseen needs.
Section 2(2) of the bill, adding new subsection (g) to Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Requires Quarterly Public Reports on Refugee Admissions
This provision mandates that the President submit to Congress and publish on a publicly accessible website quarterly reports detailing the number of refugees admitted, their percentage relative to the annual goal, cumulative admissions, remaining admissions needed to meet the goal, and regional admission percentages. These reports are due 15 days after the end of each quarter, enhancing transparency.
Section 2(2) of the bill, adding new subsection (h) to Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Mandates Quarterly Reports on Refugee Processing Metrics
This provision requires quarterly reports to Congress on various processing metrics, including the number of aliens cleared with enhanced security checks, details on 'circuit rides' (interviews conducted by Refugee Corps officers), average processing times from identification to interview and interview to admission, and approval/denial/hold rates by nationality. If quarterly admissions fall below 25% of the annual goal, the President must submit an assessment of contributing factors and a plan for procedural or personnel changes to meet the goal.
Defines 'enhanced security check' broadly to include any evaluation process for national security concerns, such as terrorism or espionage. It specifically lists processes within USCIS, interagency checks, additional vetting for state sponsors of terrorism or countries with entry suspensions, and screening applicant data against publicly available social media.
Section 2(2) of the bill, adding new subsection (h)(5) to Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for definitions. However, the specific inclusion of 'publicly available social media' screening is a notable detail that could be easily overlooked.
Case for: Proponents would argue this definition provides clarity on the scope of security vetting, ensuring comprehensive screening for national security threats, including modern methods like social media analysis. This is critical for maintaining public trust in the refugee program's integrity.
Case against: Critics might argue that the broadness of the definition, especially the inclusion of social media screening, could lead to inconsistent application, potential biases, or privacy concerns for applicants. They might also question the effectiveness and resource intensity of such broad screening.
Estimated impact: Clarifies and potentially formalizes existing or future security vetting practices, impacting all refugees subject to enhanced checks.
States that nothing in this section may be construed to inhibit the expeditious processing of refugee and asylum applications or to restrict the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to admit aliens under any other Act.
Section 2(2) of the bill, adding new subsection (i) to Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to clarify intent and avoid unintended interpretations or conflicts with existing law.
Case for: Proponents would argue this clause is essential to ensure the bill's primary goal of increasing refugee admissions and efficiency is not undermined by other provisions, particularly the extensive reporting requirements. It also clarifies that other avenues for admission remain open.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against such rule of construction clauses, as they are intended to prevent misinterpretation rather than introduce new policy. However, some might argue that if the reporting requirements do inhibit processing, this clause doesn't actually prevent that outcome.
Estimated impact: Provides legal guardrails for interpretation, aiming to prevent unintended negative consequences on processing speed or other immigration authorities.