Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.

Eligible refugees are referred by the UNHCR or designated organizations, assisted in their journey, and welcomed by resettlement agencies that help them integrate into American society. The program also allows for family reunification and provides pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.

This article explains the resettlement process and the opportunities associated with refugee resettlement.

Immigration laws and policies are constantly evolving. Always confirm the availability of all refugee programs, or contact an immigration attorney near you for up-to-date legal guidance.

What Is a Refugee?

A refugee is a person forced to flee their country of origin because of war, violence, or well-founded fear of persecution. This fear of persecution is often rooted in:

• Race
• Nationality
• Religion
• Political opinion
• Being a member of a particular social group

In most instances, refugees cannot or are unwilling to return to their home country due to this well-founded fear.

The Refugee Resettlement Program

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defines refugee resettlement as the process by which a refugee is moved from the country where they first sought refuge to another. This is often a third country that agreed to receive them as refugees.

According to the UNHCR, the resettlement program has three functions:

• It protects the needs of refugees whose fundamental rights are at risk.
• It offers them a long-term solution to end their displacement.
• It is an international responsibility-sharing mechanism for participating countries.

In addition, the program grants the refugee and their family members rights and privileges similar to those of citizens of the country. Resettlement likewise allows refugees to acquire permanent residency. They may also apply for naturalization to become citizens of their resettlement country.

Essential Things To Know About Refugee Resettlement

The UNHCR identifies and refers eligible refugees for resettlement. The refugee does not apply for resettlement themselves through this program.

Often, only the most vulnerable individuals can be considered for refugee resettlement.  They should also fit at least one of the following categories:

• The person needs physical protection.
• The person is a survivor of violence or torture.
• Minors, women, and girls who are at risk.

The decision to accept refugees for resettlement also significantly depends on the country receiving them. Each resettlement country has its own rules, procedures, and factors to consider. They evaluate refugees and conduct extensive background checks. Refugees with links to security threats or a history of committing serious crimes may be ineligible for resettlement.

After the resettlement country arrives at a decision, the UNHCR informs the refugees. If the application for resettlement is accepted, the UNHCR works with the country’s embassy, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), or a nongovernmental organization to prepare for the refugee’s trip to the resettlement country.

There are seven Resettlement Support Centers (RSC) worldwide that coordinate refugee processing. These centers are funded by the U.S. Department of State.

Refugee Family Reunification

Family reunification brings family members back together if they live in different countries. It is often done when family members are separated, and at least one of them is recognized as a refugee by the country where they live. This person with refugee status can apply for their family members to join them in that country.

Once you receive a refugee status or a complementary protection status in the country where you currently live, you can apply for family reunification. Your eligible family members can join you as a refugee in the country where you live. In this process, you will become the “petitioner” or “sponsor” of your family members.

If you hold a refugee status in the U.S., you may file for a Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition (Form I-730). With this petition, you can attempt to bring your family to the United States. The relative petition form applies to your unmarried children under 21 years and your spouse. This petition must be filed within two years of your arrival in the United States. An exception applies in cases with humanitarian reasons that may excuse the two-year deadline.

You may also file an Affidavit of Relationship for your minor children under 21 years old, your spouse, or your parents. The United States government normally conducts this process through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, but the program was suspended at the beginning of the second Trump administration in 2025.

This process is used to reunite asylees and refugees with close relatives with the same refugee status outside the United States. In this case, the affidavit will contain information about the relationships of the family members. If the administration begins allowing refugees again, complete this affidavit to start the application process for your family members to enter the U.S. as refugees.

Resettlement Data in the United States

In 2025, about 11,511 refugees resettled in the U.S. under the Trump administration. This represents a sharp decrease of 89% fewer refugees resettled compared to 2024. For the fiscal year 2026, the refugee ceiling is 7,500—meaning the number of refugees the U.S. will admit is no more than 7,500 for the year.

Prior to 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and State and Health and Human Services (HHS) had collaborated to uphold the humanitarian response to refugees through the U.S. Resettlement Program.

How the U.S. Resettlement Process Works

As of March 2026, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program remains suspended under Executive Order 14163. Routine refugee resettlement is not currently operating. There is no announced timeline for resuming the program.

When the U.S is accepting refugees, applying for refugee resettlement in the U.S. through the UNHCR involves several steps:

1. The UNHRC, or a National Government Organization (NGO), refers refugees for resettlement. When referring, these organizations provide detailed background information about the refugee.

2. After referral, the U.S. government does extensive vetting. During this process, various government entities assess the refugee and conduct rigorous security screenings. There are also thorough background checks and in-person interviews. The goal is to assess the refugee’s eligibility for resettlement.

1. If the refugee passes the screening process, the U.S. Department of State comes in. The Department of State assigns the case to a private sponsor or one of the 10 designated NGOs.

2. The International Organization for Migration coordinates the logistics of the refugee’s travel.

3. Once the refugee arrives in the U.S., the private sponsor or NGO assigned welcomes the refugee. They provide support to help the newcomer integrate into the community (such as a cultural orientation) and work towards becoming self-sufficient.

Support and Assistance Programs for Refugees

After arrival in the U.S., refugees selected to resettle may receive reception and placement assistance. They may also receive support from a private sponsor. Ten non-profit resettlement agencies participate in the Reception and Placement Program. One of these agencies sponsors each refugee in cooperation with the Department of State.

Where Refugees May Resettle

Many refugees resettling in the U.S. have family or close friends who are already residing in the country. Refugee agencies make their best effort to reunite resettled refugees with their loved ones. For others, agencies resettle them in areas where work opportunities and community services give them the best chance for success. Another factor that resettlement agencies and local affiliates examine is housing affordability.

The U.S. Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and other partners work together to identify housing resources. The aim is to resettle refugees in places close to their family or friends that also have appropriate housing and employment opportunities.

Working in the U.S. With a Refugee Status

Upon admission to the U.S. as a refugee, you are entitled to work. When you enter the United States, the immigration officials will issue you Form I-94 with a stamp showing your refugee status. An Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) will also be processed on your behalf. 

This application enables you to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). While your application is being approved, you can use your I-94 form with the stamp. This form will reflect your Arrival-Departure Record as a refugee and prove your authority to work in the United States. The Trump administration suspended parole for applicants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela in June 2025.

Green Card Status for Refugees

A refugee may apply for a green card or lawful permanent residency after being present in the U.S. for at least one year. The DHS oversees this process through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It may be possible to adjust your status from asylee or refugee to lawful permanent resident. You must meet specific requirements before applying for permanent resident status.

Seek Legal Help From an Immigration Attorney

Resettling in a foreign country can be stressful and overwhelming. Understanding immigration laws can be daunting, especially if you are going through the journey alone. It’s essential to remember that you can always reach out for legal help. 

Immigration attorneys are available to assist you with your case. They can guide you through each step of the resettlement process and provide valuable legal assistance along the way.

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings, languages spoken, and whether they offer free consultations.