Lautenberg Amendment

The Lautenberg Amendment, first enacted in 1990 to facilitate resettlement of Jews from the former Soviet Union, has allowed HIAS to bring tens of thousands to safety. As the worldwide refugee situation changed, the Lautenberg Amendment, originally proposed by Senator Frank R. Lautenberg of New Jersey, was later expanded to include persecuted religious minorities in other countries, such as Jews, Christians, Baha’is, Sabaean-Mandaeans, and Zoroastrians from Iran. Despite being a crucial part of U.S. refugee policy, it expires each year and must be reauthorized.

This family reunification program allows certain individuals legally residing in the United States to bring their family members to the U.S. To access the program, you must apply through a resettlement agency in your area; applications will only be considered if they come through a local resettlement office.

HIAS HQ is not a resettlement office (so one cannot apply to the Lautenberg program through the Silver Spring office) and cannot discuss case information directly with clients.

Download this list of local resettlement offices across the U.S.

Please be aware that HIAS does not provide consultations on general immigration questions or on immigration options to the U.S. HIAS cannot assist in obtaining tourist or work visas. If you still have questions, please contact info@hias.org.