Immigration Article of the Day:  A Playbook for U.S. Immigration Responses to Humanitarian Crises by Betsy L. Fisher

Abstract

This article outlines the ways in which U.S. immigration policy can respond to humanitarian crises. Immigration policy does not offer a one-size-fits-all solution for humanitarian crises. Still, reflecting on lessons learned from responses to crises such as those in Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, a common playbook emerges for group-based immigration relief for people in the United States as well as immigration pathways to the United States. For each area, the article explains the form of relief and pathway, previous examples of this form of relief, and links to other key resources to learn more. It does not outline individual forms of relief such as asylum, nor does it address requests for military intervention or humanitarian assistance that would safeguard individuals’ right to remain, safely, in one’s country of origin. 

KJ