{"id":352733,"date":"2020-05-04T08:57:18","date_gmt":"2020-05-04T13:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/asylum-refugee\/applying-for-resettlement-in-the-u-s-as-a-refugee.html"},"modified":"2026-05-09T16:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T21:26:00","slug":"applying-for-resettlement-in-the-u-s-as-a-refugee","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/asylum-refugee\/applying-for-resettlement-in-the-u-s-as-a-refugee.html","title":{"rendered":"Refugee Resettlement in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Refugee resettlement<\/span> is a humanitarian process that offers protection and a new start for individuals forced to flee their home countries<\/span> due to war, violence, or persecution. Overseen in coordination with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees<\/span> (UNHCR<\/span>), the U.S. resettlement program identifies the most vulnerable refugees who cannot safely return home or locally integrate, and provides them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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

This article explains the resettlement process<\/span> and the opportunities associated with refugee resettlement<\/span>.<\/p>\n

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

What Is a Refugee?<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0refugee\u00a0is a\u00a0person forced to flee their country of origin<\/span><\/a> because of war, violence, or well-founded fear of persecution<\/span>. This fear of persecution is often rooted in:<\/p>\n