Earlier this year, the United States government announced Welcome Corps, a private refugee sponsorship program. This program will allow those already approved for resettlement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to come to the United States with private sponsors.
Right now we are in Phase 1 and sponsors CANNOT name specific refugees to bring to the U.S. However, in Phase 2, sponsors will be able to choose who they sponsor, meaning you could sponsor your friends or family members to come to the U.S. Phase 2 will begin later in 2023.
Why the delay for Phase 2?
The reason Phase 2 has not started yet is that they are making the application process as easy as possible and this takes time. Before they announce that Phase 2 is open, Welcome Corps will make public information about how to check if your family and friends can use Welcome Corps.
This will give you time to get all your application paperwork ready before Phase 2 is open.
While you are waiting for Phase 2, you can:
- Make your group of 5
- Do the online training
- Plan in your mind how you will help your family or friends when they arrive in the U.S.
Do NOT:
- Complete the current Welcome Plan
- Do the background check
- Send in your application
- Give anyone money who says they can help you get your refugee family here faster with Welcome Corps
Follow the Welcome Corps website for accurate updates, or our Youtube Channel for information about Welcome Corps in multiple languages!
Last updated: 10-09-2023
Immigration law is always changing. We will do our best to keep our website as up-to-date as possible, but the latest information might be more readily available at USCIS.gov. These pages were written to help you better understand your legal options, however, none of the information published by Catholic Charities Milwaukee should be considered legal advice. If you plan to open your own immigration case, hire an immigration attorney to consult you personally.
