Major Administrative Agencies

The agencies responsible for managing the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program are the following:

Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), Department of State: PRM directs U.S. admission policies and coordinates the overseas processing of refugees. PRM is responsible for the transportation and initial reception and integration of refugees. It also administers U.S. funding to UNHCR and other overseas programs that assist refugees.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The Immigration and Naturalization Service ceased to exist in March 2003. Most refugee functions previously handled by INS are now in DHS/USCIS. DHS/USCIS field officers are responsible for making individual refugee status determinations abroad. Refugee Officers in the USCIS Refugee Affairs Division focus exclusively on resettlement. Other departments of USCIS are involved in conducting security clearances for refugee processing, adjusting status of refugees to permanent resident, and in naturalization.

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): ORR administers federal funding to state and local programs that assist refugees, including cash and medical assistance. They also fund special programs for social services, English language training, and employment services. Individuals granted asylum (asylees) are also eligible for ORR assistance and services. ORR also oversees programs for unaccompanied minors and foster care for refugees. ORR further funds programs for assisting children in detention and victims of torture and trafficking.