Policy Division

Publication Date: March 17, 2015
Current as of:

Over the past several years, the Office of Refugee Resettlement programs have expanded significantly, creating challenging and distinctive policy and procedural issues.  These programs require significant on-going policy development, analysis and liaison with several Federal partners.  The Policy Division works to advise the Director and Division heads on policy initiatives, and navigate the growing and challenging mandates of ORR's diverse programs. 

The Policy Division works with other ORR divisions as well as ACF, HHS and others to prepare regulations and develop legislative proposals, as well as respond to legislative, policy, and Congressional inquiries.  Located within the Office of the Director, the Policy Division directs and organizes all facets of policy work in ORR, including:

  • drafting regulations, policies and other guidance materials for all ORR program areas;
  • identifying major emerging policy issues, developing policy options and strategies and implementing policy initiatives;
  • writing clearance and informational memoranda, briefing materials and summary statements for ORR, ACF and department leadership on complex and sensitive ORR matters, and  
  • advising the ORR Director, deputies, division directors and regional staff on a wide range of significant and sensitive policy-related matters and strategies for attaining ORR policy objectives.