HR6414-119

What This Bill Does

The Community Assent for Refugee Entry Act of 2025, or CARE Act of 2025, amends Immigration and Nationality Act section 412. It provides that, notwithstanding other refugee-resettlement provisions in that section, refugee resettlement may not be provided for a fiscal year in any State where the Governor or State legislature has formally disapproved of resettlement, or in any locality where the chief executive or local legislature has formally disapproved of resettlement. The bill therefore gives State and local elected officials an annual veto over refugee placement in their jurisdiction.

Who Benefits and How

Governors, State legislatures, mayors, county executives, and local legislatures that oppose refugee resettlement benefit because formal disapproval would block placements for the fiscal year. Residents and local officials who want more local control over refugee placement benefit from a clear statutory mechanism. State and local service systems may benefit if officials believe resettlement would exceed local capacity.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Refugees bear the direct burden because resettlement options can be closed in States or localities that formally disapprove. Refugee resettlement agencies and voluntary agencies must adjust placement plans around State and local vetoes. Federal refugee program staff must track formal disapprovals and prevent placements in affected jurisdictions. Localities that support resettlement inside an opposing State may lose access if the State disapproves.

Key Provisions

• Amends INA section 412 to add a fiscal-year limitation on refugee resettlement.
• Blocks resettlement in a State when the Governor or State legislature formally disapproves.
• Blocks resettlement in a locality when the local chief executive or local legislature formally disapproves.
• Applies notwithstanding other refugee-resettlement provisions in section 412.