Washington launches pilot program where any American can sponsor refugees

Dubbed ‘Welcome Corps’, the program allows for the first time any American to sponsor a refugee without going through an association or NGO.

The goal is to raise 10,000 Americans in the first year to sponsor 5,000 refugees. Those willing to do so must undergo extensive security checks and demonstrate that they can manage financially. A sponsor must demonstrate that he has at least $2,275 (2,100 euros) for three months to buy clothing and other basic necessities for one refugee.

President Biden lists 125,000 refugees annually, but Washington is nowhere near that number. In the first three months of fiscal year 2023 (October – December 2022), 6,750 refugees were admitted to the United States.