Who are refugees?

A refugee has been forced to flee their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution due to:

• • race

  • religion

  • nationality

  • political opinion

  • membership in a particular social group

Once outside their home country, the refugee must apply to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to gain refugee status. A very small number (1%) of refugees are resettled in a 3rd country like the United States. Before arriving in the US, they go through a series of interviews and background checks, and are the most vetted immigrants to the US. Upon arrival in the US, they are eligible for employment and must apply for green cards after they've been in the US for one year.  After five years in the US, refugees are eligible for Citizenship.

To learn more about refugees, visit the UNHCR's website:

https://www.unhcr.org/