The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concerns over the State Department’s failure to meet the deadline for its mandatory report on religious freedom violations. This lapse undermines the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), which mandates an annual report to Congress by May 1 each year.
Concerns Over the State Department’s Compliance
USCIRF highlighted that the Trump administration’s refugee program decisions have worsened the situation for many fleeing religious persecution. They criticized the administration for capping refugee admissions at just 7,500, which restricts the ability to resettle individuals escaping notable religious threats.
Impact on Refugees
The report indicated that U.S. funding cuts have contributed to a staggering 11.6 million refugees losing access to critical humanitarian assistance. In particular, refugees from countries like Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt, Nigeria, and Vietnam are suffering due to a lack of support amid significant needs.
- 130,000 refugees remain in limbo, including 15,000 registered Iranian Christians.
- USCIRF urged the State Department to raise the refugee admissions ceiling.
- The commission also called for the resumption of resettlement programs and full asylum access for those fleeing persecution.
Call for Government Action
USCIRF has recommended that the State Department fills the vacant ambassador position for international religious freedom, which is crucial for the creation of the IRF report. It noted that without an appointed ambassador, there is insufficient support for these initiatives.
Recommendations for Country Designations
In its report, USCIRF suggested designating five new countries as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPCs): Syria, Afghanistan, India, Libya, and Vietnam. They also recommended maintaining the CPC status of previously designated countries.
- New CPC designations: Syria, Afghanistan, India, Libya, Vietnam
- Maintain CPC designations for 12 countries from 2023
- Redesignation of Nigeria in 2025
Special Watch List Adjustments
Additionally, USCIRF recommended adding Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Qatar, and Uzbekistan to the Special Watch List. These suggestions came in light of Turkey’s actions against Christians, which were also condemned by the European Parliament.
USCIRF reiterated the urgency for the State Department to take decisive actions on visa restrictions for individuals violating religious freedoms, particularly from identified countries.
The commission’s recommendations underscore a pressing need for enhanced U.S. engagement in international religious freedom issues and a commitment to humanitarian assistance in regions facing severe religious persecution.
