The United States is on course to resettle 85,000 refugees this fiscal year, which ends September 30. Most of those beginning life anew in the U.S. this year come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burma, Syria, Iraq and Somalia.
The U.S. admits refugees from many countries around the world. These refugees are the most vulnerable amongst those who cannot return home due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on religion, race, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
Refugees apply for admission and are interviewed by immigration officers overseas. Once approved, they are resettled in hundreds of communities across the United States. Through a variety of programs, the U.S. government assists refugees in getting housing and food, enrolling children in school, learning English and finding jobs.
