The Migration and Refugee Assistance Act was passed by the 87th United States Congress in 1962 and signed into law President John F. Kennedy to deal with unexpected and urgent needs of refugees, displaced persons, conflict victims, and other persons at risk around the globe.^[1]

The Act was brought into force during the Clinton administration in 2001 to deal with the crises in the Balkans and Nepal.

The Act was cited by President Barack Obama in 2009 to authorize money up to $20.3 million related to needs of Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in Gaza.