Statement from Acting OMB Director Robert Fairweather Budgetary Impact Analysis for Executive Order Entitled “Rebuilding and Enhancing Programs to Resettle Refugees and Planning for the Impact of Climate Change on Migration”

by Robert F. Fairweather

February 4, 2021

Statement from Acting OMB Director Robert Fairweather

Budgetary Impact Analysis for Executive Order Entitled “Rebuilding and Enhancing Programs to Resettle Refugees and Planning for the Impact of Climate Change on Migration”

This executive order seeks to improve the efficacy, integrity, security, and transparency of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and humanitarian programs. This order also requires the Secretary of State to review: (1) the Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs and (2) procedures for Chief of Mission approval of applications for the SIV program. This order also revokes Executive Orders 13815 and 13888, rescinds the Presidential Memorandum of March 6, 2017 published as 82 Fed. Reg. 16279, and requires a report to the President on climate change and its impact on forced migration. Implementing this executive order would have de minimis impact on costs and revenues to the Federal Government. The benefits of this executive order include rebuilding and expanding the USRAP by minimizing delays, improving security vetting, and increasing transparency in the program. Implementing this executive order would have de minimis impact on mandatory and discretionary obligations and outlays, as well as on revenues to the Federal Government, in the 5-year fiscal period beginning in fiscal year 2021. The agencies anticipated to be impacted by this executive order include the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Defense, Justice, and Health and Human Services, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.