Press Releases

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the former Executive Director of the US Committee for Refugees, reintroduced the Lady Liberty Act to require the President to set a goal of admitting no less than 125,000 refugees annually. Connolly previously introduced the legislation in the 115th, 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses.

Introduction of the legislation follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order that suspended the entry of refugees under the US Refugee Admissions Program. Recent reports indicate that flights for refugees who have been cleared to enter the United States have already been cancelled.

“Donald Trump has returned to once again slam the door on refugees,” said Connolly. “No one chooses to be a refugee. These people are seeking safety and a better life. Congress has a moral responsibility to stand up to the President and let the world know we are still a welcoming and compassionate nation. The Lady Liberty Act will restore America’s leadership role in refugee resettlement.”

According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, the President shall determine the number of refugees who may be admitted in any fiscal year. President Donald Trump slashed the annual refugee ceiling to a historic low of 15,000 in FY 2021. The Biden Administration, by contrast, admirably reasserted the United States’ role as a beacon of hope for the world and established a ceiling of 125,000 refugees annually. The Lady Liberty Act would set a floor, not a ceiling, and would require the President to admit no less than 125,000 refugees annually.

The Lady Liberty Act is endorsed by the following organizations: Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), the Advocates for Human Rights, Church World Service, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), Immigration Equality, African Communities Together, Global Refuge, Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center, and Immigration Equality.

“LSSNCA believes in the inherent dignity of all people and the power of inclusive communities to thrive together,” said Kristyn Peck, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA). “Refugees enrich our nation, contributing to our communities and economy. The Lady Liberty Act of 2025 upholds America’s legacy as a beacon of hope for those seeking safety and belonging. By protecting lifeline programs like the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, we honor our shared history as a nation of refugees and reaffirm our commitment to welcoming those in need."

“The Immigrant Legal Resource Center is a proud supporter of the Lady Liberty Act. We firmly believe the U.S. should always be a safe haven for refugees,” said Elizabeth Taufa, Senior Policy Attorney and Strategist, Immigrant Legal Resource Center. “Severe restrictions on the number of refugees who can enter the U.S. annually would have a devastating effect on families trying to escape war, famine, and other devastating humanitarian crises. Closing our doors to shut out others’ pain is not what our country should stand for.”

“Throughout history, even in the face of exclusion, xenophobia, and racism, the United States has stood as a nation of refuge for those seeking safety," said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA). “Congress must act decisively to protect and advance policies that support refugee resettlement, citizenship, and the integration of immigrants and refugees into the social, economic, and civic fabric of our nation. We must prioritize increasing refugee admissions and bolstering the capacity and infrastructure of local communities to effectively welcome and support refugees, fostering equity and inclusion for all. Representing 83 of the largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations across 42 states, NPNA is proud to endorse the Lady Liberty Act to restore and strengthen the refugee resettlement program and uphold our nation’s enduring commitment to refugee protection.”

"The Advocates for Human Rights welcomes the reintroduction of the Lady Liberty Act and calls for its swift passage. By setting a floor for refugee admissions, the Act recognizes one of the core tenants of the Refugee Convention and Refugee Act—providing safe, orderly and fair pathways for people fleeing persecution and torture. Without adequate refugee processing, individuals fleeing danger remain in indefinite limbo in refugee camps or endure a dangerous journey to the United States to seek asylum. Passage of this bill will ensure that the US remains part of the global humanitarian response to victims of war, persecution, and displacement," said Madeline Lohman, Advocacy & Outreach Director at The Advocates for Human Rights.

“The United States has long welcomed people fleeing violence around the world. Now it is imperative that we sustain the refugee resettlement program that has been rebuilt over the past four years, a program which celebrates and recognizes the critical contributions of newcomers to our communities,” said Danilo Zak, Director of Policy at Church World Service. "By establishing a minimum admissions target of 125,000, the Lady Liberty act codifies a resettlement goal that is in line with the standards set by previous Democratic and Republican administrations. CWS thanks Congressman Connoly for working to preserve the long-held American value of welcome and recognizing that refugees make our country and our communities stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”

“The Lady Liberty Act would ensure that the United States remains a global leader in welcoming refugees. Refugees around the world need hope that the United States will continue to be a moral leader in providing safety to those who fear persecution. This Act would help provide relief for refugees who deserve safety and dignity,” said Eskinder Negash, President and CEO, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI).

"Because there are more than 60 nations in the world where it is a crime to be an LGBTQ person, and because so many more countries are fundamentally unsafe for our community, the United States must remain a safe haven for our people," said Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director of Immigration Equality. "America has long been a beacon of hope for LGBTQ refugees, and a robust resettlement program is essential for the health and wellbeing of queer people across the globe."

The Lady Liberty Act is cosponsored by the following Members of Congress: Eleanor Holmes Norton, Gwen Moore, James P. McGovern, Adam Smith, Betty McCollum, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar, Hank Johnson, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Don Beyer.

Text of the legislation is available here.