ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Presidential Determination on FY 2007 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status Pursuant to Sections 207 and 101(a)(42), respectively, of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and Determination

This determination sets the FY 2007 refugee admissions ceiling at 70,000, with specific regional allocations including 20,000 unallocated admissions that can be shifted as needed. It also authorizes in-country refugee status processing for persons in Vietnam, Cuba, the former Soviet Union, and in exceptional circumstances at any U.S. Embassy location.

Federal Register Open PDF 71 FR 64435

Impact dates

  1. FY 2007 refugee admissions ceiling expires

  2. Secretary of State to report determination to Congress immediately

Key directives

  • Set 70,000 refugee admissions ceiling for FY 2007
  • Allocate admissions across six regional categories with 20,000 unallocated
  • Include Amerasian immigrants in East Asia allocation
  • Include former Soviet Union nationals in Europe/Central Asia allocation
  • Authorize transfer of unused regional allocations to other regions upon congressional notification
  • Authorize use of unallocated admissions upon notification to Judiciary Committees
  • Designate overseas refugee assistance as contributing to foreign policy interests under Migration and Refugee Assistance Act
  • Authorize in-country refugee processing for Vietnam, Cuba, former Soviet Union, and exceptional circumstances at any U.S. Embassy
  • Direct Secretary of State to report to Congress immediately and publish in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • 70,000 refugee admissions ceiling takes effect for FY 2007
  • regional allocations established
  • in-country refugee processing authorized for specified locations

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State to report determination to Congress immediately
  • Federal Register publication required

Long term

  • FY 2007 refugee admissions program operates under these ceilings through September 30, 2007

Risks & tensions

  • Ceiling is maximum not minimum, creating potential undershoot if administration does not prioritize admissions
  • 20,000 unallocated admissions provides flexibility but also uncertainty for regional planning
  • In-country processing in Cuba and Vietnam carries geopolitical sensitivities
  • Notification requirements to Judiciary Committees create procedural checkpoint that could delay reallocation
Presidential Determination: Presidential Determination on FY 2007 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status Pursuant to Sections 207 and 101(a)(42), respectively, of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and Determination · Executive Orders