RSRI Community of Practice Survey on U.S. Executive Actions and Refugee Self-Reliance
The RSRI Community of Practice Survey revealed deep, and broad reaching impacts of the U.S. Executive orders, with a disproportionate impact on front line, grassroots responders. Just a few weeks in, the halt in funding is already contributing to significant backsliding of self-reliance outcomes for refugees, other forcibly displaced populations and host community members and a growing gap in programming focused on cultivating refugees’ ability to support themselves in a sustainable manner.
Background:
The Trump administration’s recent series of executive orders has led to monumental shifts in the global aid landscape. The U.S. funding freeze on foreign aid, the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), and other U.S. executive orders have halted humanitarian work and interrupted crucial pathways to self-reliance.
The RSRI surveyed CoP members in early February 2025 to gather information related to the nearly immediate and broad reaching impacts of these executive orders on the ability of refugees and other forcibly displaced populations to build self-reliant lives. The survey also looked at the impacts on organizations supporting research, programming, and policy engagement toward refugee self-reliance.
Respondents included a cross-section of the RSRI CoP, with approximately three quarters of the organizations representing front line, community-based organizations (CBOs), the vast majority of which are refugee-led. The other quarter of the responses came from international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral organizations and the private sector. Of those responding, 58% reported that they received direct or indirect funding from the U.S. government; however, even organizations that did not receive U.S. funding reported substantial impacts of the executive orders on programming and clients.
This initial survey report draws from the responses of 20 RSRI Community of Practice members collected between February 4-12, 2025. Recognizing that the results reflect only preliminary information on the impacts of the Executive Orders, the RSRI team will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Key takeaways from the survey:
Significant portions of respondents’ organizational funding has been impacted, resulting in a dramatic reduction in their ability to provide critical services for forcibly displaced populations, including health and mental health care, food security, education, and other life saving services. Reduced medical and psychosocial services, in particular, have created immediate adverse health impacts that will affect refugees’ ability to pursue self-reliance opportunities.
“The stop-work order and related U.S. executive actions have had significant repercussions on our operations and programs focused on refugee self-reliance. Due to funding disruptions and operational constraints, we have been forced to suspend or scale down key initiatives . . . affecting approximately 1.5 million internally displaced people and host community members, including returnees. These measures have led to increased aid dependency, reversing progress in economic empowerment and livelihood development . . . [a loss of access to basic, lifesaving assistance is] resulting in a decline in household food security and increased vulnerability. Additionally, local economies that benefited from these interventions and workforce contributions are now experiencing setbacks, exacerbating socio-economic challenges.” - National NGO operating in the Middle East
“Much needed medication [to treat HIV/AIDS] abruptly stopped without notice [and] all individuals relying on ARV monthly refills are therefore going to default on their medication . . . affecting their ability to remain self-reliant due to [the] deterioration of [their] mental and physical health.” - Refugee-led organization operating in Europe and Africa
“This stop-work order has necessitated the suspension of our engagements with global consultants, academic institutions, and other international NGOs. And in our non-self reliance focused programs with a local civil society organization. We are operating in an environment marked by uncertainty, with little clarity on whether this is a temporary pause, as initially understood, or a potential precursor to the reduction of aid programs altogether. The added uncertainty surrounding U.S. government payments further exacerbates the situation, contributing to increased pressure and confusion. Fortunately, trust in these partnerships remains strong; however, the ongoing uncertainty now hinges entirely on these relationships, as all standard operating procedures have been disrupted.” - International NGO operating globally.
Prospects for future programming continuity are uncertain, particularly for refugee-led and grassroots CBOs who provide direct support to refugees in their communities, and a quarter of the responding organizations have already reduced the scope of their operations, let staff go and/or delayed payment of staff salaries. Importantly, the staff and volunteers of CBOs and refugee-led organizations are often displaced themselves and are also impacted directly by reductions in humanitarian services.
National NGOs, CBOs and RLOs report limited options to diversify funding sources; some respondents indicated that they are using personal funds and savings to continue providing services.
“If we continue with resource constraints we shall be forced to evacuate our office premises and operate virtually. Our team members are now overwhelmed with work; everyone on our team now is responsible for developing funding proposals. Our efficiency is limited now.” - Refugee-led organization operating in Africa
Most respondents were unaware of immediate, alternative funding sources that they could access to ensure continuity of services, but most are actively pursuing diversified sources of funding.
“We have adjusted our programs to reduce reliance on U.S. funding, such as diversifying funding sources and attempting to secure a loan to implement an investment project." - Refugee-led organization operating in Africa
Refugees with specific protection needs, and particularly people who were previously cleared for resettlement and had that clearance revoked, have been left without access to the critical support services that they need at this time to navigate rapid shifts and uncertainties, including through the provision of mental health and psychosocial support services.
"One of our shelter residents, a gay refugee in Uganda, was in the process of being resettled to the United States. However, the stop-work order halted his resettlement, leaving him in depression and trauma. He shared – expressing frustration and stress – that he had already sold his belongings, said goodbye to friends, and was preparing to start a new life in the U.S., but was now stuck in a shelter, unsure of what's next." - Community-based organization operating in Africa
Refugees who were working towards self-reliance are facing diminished access to materials, markets, and mentorship, which is disrupting their progress. Those striving for independence and dignity are again being forced to depend on humanitarian assistance, even as assistance is growing more scarce.
“One of our clients, a displaced mother of three, was on the path to self-reliance through a small tailoring business she started with support from our vocational training program. With steady income, she could afford rent, school fees, and medical care for her children. However, due to the stop-work order, the program was halted, cutting off essential funding and mentorship. Without access to materials and markets, she was forced to close her business, leaving her family once again dependent on humanitarian aid (that is very scarce due to USAID stop-work orders). Her story reflects the devastating impact of these measures on in-need populations and vulnerable groups who are striving for independence and dignity.” - National NGO operating in the Middle East
Vital research activities—including studies that are looking at the efficiency and impact of self-reliance programming—have come to a standstill.
Coordination and information sharing structures for organizations providing key services are greatly reduced, leading to the potential for inefficiencies and reduced impact.
With the reductions in funding overall, many organizations are shifting their focus toward programs that are designated as life-saving activities. While respondents indicated that these types of services remain critical and necessary, this shift may also result in a gap in programmatic approaches that prioritize longer-term and sustainable approaches that allow refugees and other forcibly displaced people to work toward self-reliance and reduce overall aid dependency. Additionally, it is not clear if many services that are predominantly viewed amongst most humanitarian responders as “life-saving” are included under the definition that is now being applied by the U.S. government, resulting in the closure of key services. This includes, for example, programming related to refugee legal protections, gender-based violence prevention and response, and mental health services.
