Resolution Supporting Compliance with the Refugee Act of 1980

Committee Status: 
Withdrawn
Budget Status: 
No Fiscal Impact
Decision Impact: 
Major
FTE Impact: 
No
Funding Source: 
Other (see budget status)

Purpose

Resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Sauk County, Wisconsin:

Background

The Refugee Act of 1980 requires that the Federal and State Agencies shall be in contact with and inform local governments of intended distribution or relocation of refugees in those States and localities before placement in those States and Localities. This coordination is critical to determine if the area is capable of supporting such relocation and necessary services as this will place a high-demand on health and human services, our education system, along with fire, EMS, and policing services.  2023 Senate Bill 916 was introduced for a procedure for providing notice and compliance with the Refugee Act of 1980 but was vetoed by the Governor.  The resolution requests that the Wisconsin Counties Association support the reintroduction and ultimate passage of 2023 Senate Bill 916.

Resolution Files: 
PDF icon Resolution Supporting Compliance with the Refugee Act of 1980
Budget Status (Other/External Sources): 

NA 

Resolution Body

WHEREAS, the Refugee Act of 1980 states in 8 U.S.C. 1522(1)(A)(iii) that “local voluntary agency activities should be conducted in close cooperation and advance consultation with State and local governments; and

WHEREAS, the Refugee Act of 1980 states in 8 U.S.C. 1522(2)(A) that “The Director and the Federal agency administering subsection (b)(1), shall consult regularly (not less often than quarterly) with State and local governments and private nonprofit voluntary agencies concerning the sponsorship process and the intended distribution of refugees among the States and localities before their placement in those States and localities” (emphasis added); and

WHEREAS, the Refugee Act of 1980 states in 8 U.S.C. 1522(2)(B) that “The Director shall develop and implement, in consultation with representatives of voluntary agencies and State and local governments, policies and strategies for the placement and resettlement of refugees within the United States” (emphasis added); and

WHEREAS, the Refugee Act of 1980 states in 8 U.S.C. 1522(2)(C)(ii) that the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement will “provide for a mechanism whereby representatives of local affiliates of voluntary agencies regularly (not less often than quarterly) meet with representatives of State and local governments to plan and coordinate in advance of their arrival the appropriate placement of refugees among the various State and localities; and

WHEREAS, coordination is critical to the success of any such mission to relocate refugees to help determine if the area of relocation is capable of supporting such relocation and necessary services, and

WHEREAS, the support services necessary for supporting the relocation of refugees will place high-demand on health and human services, the education systems, along with fire, EMS, and policing services; and

WHEREAS, 2023 Senate Bill 916 was introduced to provide a procedure for providing notice and compliance with the Refugee Act of 1980 but was vetoed by the governor.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Sauk requests that the Wisconsin Counties Association supports the reintroduction and ultimate passage of 2023 Senate Bill 916

Requested Board Review Date: 
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
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