US Refugee Relations

Current Refugee Policy

The United States has welcomed over 3 million refugees from around the world since 1975. While some of these refugees have easier lives than others, the US is proud of our acceptance and our resettlement program that shows "compassion, generosity and leadership" [4] However, acceptance to the US as a refugee and even further, resettlement is only for the lucky few. A refugee is somebody who has fled from their home country for reason of fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a certain social group. The UNHCR- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees- is the organization that helps protect international refugees and mandates them. There are approximately 15.4 million refugees in the world today, however, only some of these people will receive support to flee, a few will become citizens in the country they fled to while even less have the opportunity to be resettled. The US does however welcome half of the total refugees. 

What is the process like to become an accepted refugee in the United States? It is a difficult and long process an being accepted- especially from Somalia is like winning the lottery. In accordance with the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, the Department of State, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the Department of Homeland Security the Refugee Admissions Program conducts interviews and determines eligibility for refugee status for individuals hoping to come to the United States. Three principal categories that classify refugees are considered in order to assess an individual. One- individuals with persecution needs or those with no other durable solution exists. If qualifying under this priority then they are referred by the UNHCR or identified by a US embassy or NGO to the United States for consideration. Two- groups of special concern to the US, these individuals are selected by the Department of State, current groups include people from the former Soviet Union, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Iran, Burma and Bhutan. Three- individuals who are relatives of refugees currently settled in the US, the US based relative must file an Affidavit of Relationship and this must be processed by the Department of Homeland Security. 
After qualifying through one of these three means the individual undergoes extensive interviewing, screening and clearance processes conducted by Regional Refugee Coordinators in their country. A prospective refugee may be excluded from entry based on health related reasons, moral/criminal grounds and security grounds. They can also be excluded based on polygamy, misrepresentation, smuggling or previous deportations. Assuming a prospective refugee makes the cut thus far they are conditionally accepted for resettlement. At this point the Resettlement Support Center sends a request to the US and the Processing Center works with private voluntary agencies (VOLAGS) to determine where the individual should live. Volags consider social networks, cost of living, ability to integrate and other cultural ideals when picking a city for the refugee. This whole process may take 18-24 months on average to complete.[5] Finally, when they are accepted and placement is secured and all security and medical checks are completed the International Organization for Migration schedules and arranges travel to the US- however, refugees sign a note promising to repay the US for table costs, something I find highly controversial. What life is like once they arrive in the US will be discussed on a future page. The US policy has potential of changing with the upcoming Presidential election. Due to the current Syrian crisis as well refugee numbers have been increased but mainly in order to accept a higher number of Syrians. 

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