What is the role of local, statewide and federal elected officials in resettlement?
The president determines how many refugees the U.S. will admit in any given year.
Congress sets budgets used for resettlement. Resettlement is a private-public partnership. Some of the funding comes through donations and private sources, some comes through the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and some funding comes through the State Department's Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration.
The State of Idaho does not currently have authority on who is resettled here, but the governor's office is invited to collaborate with the Idaho Office for Refugees and other stakeholders quarterly.
Legislative Process: The State Legislature passes laws that impact community members including refugees. In Idaho, a bill is drafted by a legislator, often with input from stakeholders, and introduced in either the House or Senate, where it is assigned to a committee. The committee reviews the bill, holds hearings, and may approve, amend, or reject it. If passed, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote before crossing to the other chamber, where the process repeats. If both chambers approve, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it into law or veto it (which the Legislature can override with a two-thirds vote). Most laws take effect on July 1. Committees and public hearings are key advocacy points for influencing legislation.
Congress sets budgets used for resettlement. Resettlement is a private-public partnership. Some of the funding comes through donations and private sources, some comes through the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and some funding comes through the State Department's Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration.
The State of Idaho does not currently have authority on who is resettled here, but the governor's office is invited to collaborate with the Idaho Office for Refugees and other stakeholders quarterly.
Legislative Process: The State Legislature passes laws that impact community members including refugees. In Idaho, a bill is drafted by a legislator, often with input from stakeholders, and introduced in either the House or Senate, where it is assigned to a committee. The committee reviews the bill, holds hearings, and may approve, amend, or reject it. If passed, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote before crossing to the other chamber, where the process repeats. If both chambers approve, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it into law or veto it (which the Legislature can override with a two-thirds vote). Most laws take effect on July 1. Committees and public hearings are key advocacy points for influencing legislation.
Where does resettlement stand currently?
An executive order issued Jan. 20, 2025, has halted refugee arrivals for at least 90 days, when the president will review it. Separately, funding freezes have impacted resettlement agencies, causing hundreds of layoffs nationwide.
National resettlement groups have filed lawsuits against both the executive order and the funding freeze.
The executive order also proposes the creation of a law to give state and local jurisdictions greater involvement in determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions
National resettlement groups have filed lawsuits against both the executive order and the funding freeze.
The executive order also proposes the creation of a law to give state and local jurisdictions greater involvement in determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions
How do I use my voice in the political arena to support refugee resettlement?
General Guidelines:
How to Get in Touch:
Build Relationships:
This is fundamental to successful advocacy. You can ask to meet with your representatives and build respectful rapport even with politicians you don’t typically align with. Be punctual and gracious. They may be late but are not necessarily trying to snub you; they are often very busy and committee meetings can and do go over-time very often. Be professional, in tone, demeanor or dress and address legislators and staffers by their titles. Wear business attire and comfortable shoes.
- Define Your Message: A well-defined message is easier to pass on to your allies, easier for them to understand and less likely to be misstated. Keep it specific, concise, and actionable. Stay positive-tell about what works.
- Share Personal Stories: While data and figures all help to make the case for your issue, personal stories are extremely powerful and are often remembered.
- Retell Moving Anecdotes - Stories relating how communities and community members are directly impacted by resettlement can make a lasting impression.
- Keep it Brief - Your story doesn't have to be long to be powerful.
- Highlight Economic Benefits:
- Refugees are vital to a small agricultural- and tourism-driven economy’s workforce. Idaho's resettlement program has been endorsed by over 200 Idaho businesses and organizations including:
- Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association
- Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
- Idaho Milk Producers Association
- Idaho Cattle Association
- Idaho Dairymen’s Association
- People who resettle in the U.S. through refugee resettlement and asylum contribute nearly $124 billion more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. (U.S. Health and Human Services, 2005-2019)
- More than 600 Idaho employers hired refugee newcomers between 2013 and 2023 (IOR database).
- Refugees are vital to a small agricultural- and tourism-driven economy’s workforce. Idaho's resettlement program has been endorsed by over 200 Idaho businesses and organizations including:
How to Get in Touch:
- Call: It's said to be more effective than emailing. The 5 Calls App is a useful tool for calling federal officials.
- Email or Write: Email is OK, a typed letter is better, but it's harder to ignore a handwritten letter! Consider including a hand-drawn picture from a kid.
- Congressional Delegation (Federal Government) Email Contacts:
- Senator Mike Crapo, Senior Senator
- Senator Jim Risch, Junior Senator
- Congressman Russ Fulcher, Idaho's 1st Congressional District
- Congressman Mike Simpson, Idaho's 2nd Congressional District:
- Find Your Idaho State Legislator
- Congressional Delegation (Federal Government) Email Contacts:
Build Relationships:
This is fundamental to successful advocacy. You can ask to meet with your representatives and build respectful rapport even with politicians you don’t typically align with. Be punctual and gracious. They may be late but are not necessarily trying to snub you; they are often very busy and committee meetings can and do go over-time very often. Be professional, in tone, demeanor or dress and address legislators and staffers by their titles. Wear business attire and comfortable shoes.
What is going on at the state level that I could speak to?
You can track bills via the Idaho Legislature Bill Tracker.
1. House Bill 58: Repeal of Medicaid Expansion
Introduced by Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Nampa), HB 58 proposes repealing Idaho's Medicaid expansion program. This move has sparked significant debate, with concerns about its impact on healthcare access for low-income residents.
2. House Bill 199: Refugee Medical Assistance Act
Introduced by Rep. Vander Woude (R-Nampa), HB 199 would raise the income limit threshold for those who receive Refugee Medical Assistance through federal funding intended to cover those who do not meet threshold requirements for Medicaid. The legislation's bill text states there would be no fiscal impact on state or local governments by passing this bill.
3. House Bill 2: Ballot Initiative Vote Threshold Increase
Introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa), HB 2 aims to raise the required percentage for passing ballot initiatives from a simple majority (50%+1) to 60%, making it more challenging for citizens to enact laws through direct democracy.
4. House Bill 85: Initiative Petition Process Amendment
Introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa), HB 85 would grant the governor veto power over ballot initiatives.
1. House Bill 58: Repeal of Medicaid Expansion
Introduced by Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Nampa), HB 58 proposes repealing Idaho's Medicaid expansion program. This move has sparked significant debate, with concerns about its impact on healthcare access for low-income residents.
2. House Bill 199: Refugee Medical Assistance Act
Introduced by Rep. Vander Woude (R-Nampa), HB 199 would raise the income limit threshold for those who receive Refugee Medical Assistance through federal funding intended to cover those who do not meet threshold requirements for Medicaid. The legislation's bill text states there would be no fiscal impact on state or local governments by passing this bill.
3. House Bill 2: Ballot Initiative Vote Threshold Increase
Introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa), HB 2 aims to raise the required percentage for passing ballot initiatives from a simple majority (50%+1) to 60%, making it more challenging for citizens to enact laws through direct democracy.
4. House Bill 85: Initiative Petition Process Amendment
Introduced by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa), HB 85 would grant the governor veto power over ballot initiatives.
What organizations can I follow for updates and action alerts?
- Refugee Council USA Policy Center - National immigration policy updates and resources
- Church World Service - Action Alerts
- Idaho Office for Refugees - Resettlement Newsletter
- Boise Bicycle Project - Transportation, Roads and Planning Advocacy Alerts
- Idaho Voices for Children - Child Safety, Education, Economic Security, Healthcare
- PODER of Idaho - Local Immigration Issues
- ACLU of Idaho - Human Rights Issues
- Idaho State Legislature Bill Tracker