Skip to content
Congress·In Progress·about 2 months ago

House Democrats' Lady Liberty Act Would Set 125,000 Minimum for Annual Refugee Admissions

Also known as: Lady Liberty Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(1)
Immigrant
Helps

Key Points

  • This bill would require the U.S. to admit at least 125,000 refugees each year starting after 2026.
  • It would take away the President’s ability to set refugee admissions below 125,000, even if the President wants to.
  • In real life, that could mean more refugee families are allowed to resettle in the U.S., which affects local schools, housing, and support programs.
  • Supporters may say it restores America’s role in helping people fleeing danger; critics may worry about costs and how fast communities can absorb newcomers.
ImmigrationCivil RightsHousingEducationLabor Employment

Milestones

3 milestones3 actions
Jan 8, 2026House

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Walkinshaw asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 670, a bill originally introduced by Representative Connolly, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

Jan 23, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Starting in the first fiscal year after fiscal year 2026 (the next budget year)

Refugee admissions floor becomes at least 125,000 per year

After the 2026 budget year, the President (including Trump) could not set the yearly refugee number below 125,000. This makes the system more predictable for refugees, resettlement groups, and local communities planning services.

In the months leading up to the first year the minimum applies, and continuing afterward

Resettlement agencies and federal offices likely expand planning, staffing, and capacity

To meet a higher minimum every year, organizations may hire more staff, add volunteer coordination, and increase partnerships for housing, school enrollment, and job placement. If funding does not keep up, wait times and service gaps could grow instead.

Related News

1 article
Politico·about 1 year ago

Judge blocks Trump's executive order suspending refugee admissions to the U.S.

As a federal judge blocks the administration's refugee ban, Democrats are pushing the Lady Liberty Act to codify refugee caps into law, removing the president's power to set admissions below 125,000 and establishing a permanent floor for the program.

CL=

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Lady Liberty Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 670
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Walkinshaw asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 670, a bill originally introduced by Representative Connolly, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(12)
D: 12

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.