Eligibility for U.S. Resettlement

In order to qualify under the U.S. resettlement program a refugee normally must (a) be of a designated nationality and fall within the priority categories for that nationality in that region; or, (b) be referred by a U.S. embassy, UNHCR or a non-governmental organization (NGO); and (c) meet the U.S. definition of refugee as determined by the DHS/USCIS; and (d) not be excludable under INA Section 212(a). A practical consideration is (e) that the refugee must have access to a U.S. refugee processing post or DHS/USCIS officer and (f) not be firmly resettled in any foreign country. See the topics on the left for additional details about these criteria, including information specific to fiscal year 2013.

 

 

Photo credit: JRS USA/C. Fuchs