Who are refugees?

They are men, women and children fleeing war, persecution and political upheaval. They are uprooted with little warning, enduring great hardship during their flight. They become refugees when they cross borders and seek safety in another country.

How many refugees and displaced people are there?

About 80 percent of the world's refugees are women and children, who are more vulnerable to their unstable conditions. At the start of the year 2002, there were an estimated 14.5 million refugees in the world.

What are the options for resettlement?

Most refugees return to their communities when peace and stability return to their country. When conditions in countries of origin remain unstable or there is a danger of persecution upon repatriation, some refugees are able to stay in a refugee settlement in another country.

Resettlement in a third country, such as the United States, is the last option and is available to only a tiny fraction of the world's refugees. The U.S. government maintains a long-established humanitarian program that grants sanctuary to a limited number of refugees who cannot safely return home or stay in a host country.

How many refugees does the United States accept for resettlement?

The United States accepts a limited number of refugees each year. The president, in consultation with Congress, determines refugee admissions through a Presidential Determination. In 2004, 70,000 refugees were authorized to enter the United States.

How do refugees make it to the United States?

The Department of State's Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration oversees the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program through U.S. embassies worldwide.

Immigration officers travel to the country of asylum to interview refugees to determine whether or not they are refugees as defined under U.S. law. Upon completion of security and medical screening, immigration officials may approve the application for resettlement. After approval, arrangements are made for placement with a volunteer agency and travel to the United States.

What happens to refugees when they come to the United States?

Refugees must rebuild their lives from traumatic and tragic circumstances. They work, attend universities, build professions, purchase homes, rear children and contribute to their communities. Ultimately, refugees obtain citizenship and become fully participating members of society.

Many refugees arrive without any possessions and without knowing anyone. Other refugees come here to be reunited with family members. Nonprofit organizations like the International Rescue Committee help refugees find housing, learn about life and customs, secure jobs, learn English and become citizens.

What benefits do refugees receive?

The federal government provides transitional resettlement assistance to newly arrived refugees. In the first 90 days, agencies such as the IRC contract with the Department of State to provide for the refugee's food, housing, employment, medical care, counseling and other services to help the refugee make a rapid transition to economic self-sufficiency.

Source: International Rescue Committee