Journey Of A Refugee
Refugee Flees
Due to a well-founded fear of persecution, a refugee flees his or her country of origin. After this, one of three things will happen:
Learn More About Refugee Populations here:
1. Local Integration
Refugee stays in the country to which they fled.
Refugee stays in the country to which they fled.
2. Voluntary Repatriation
Refugee is sent back to his or her home country.
Refugee is sent back to his or her home country.
3. Resettlement
Refugee is sent to a third country to be resettled. Less than 1% of refugees are given this option.
Refugee is sent to a third country to be resettled. Less than 1% of refugees are given this option.
Resettlement Process
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE MIGRATION PROCESSING
Refugee is interviewed by US Department of Homeland Security officials to determine if he or she is eligible for resettlement. Once he or she is approved, the resettlement and placement process begins:
Refugee is interviewed by US Department of Homeland Security officials to determine if he or she is eligible for resettlement. Once he or she is approved, the resettlement and placement process begins:
1. ALLOCATED TO VOLAG
Refugee is assigned to one of 9 voluntary agencies (VOLAGs) for resettlement.
Refugee is assigned to one of 9 voluntary agencies (VOLAGs) for resettlement.
2. ALLOCATED TO RESETTLEMENT SITE
Refugee is assigned to a specific agency in a US city.
Refugee is assigned to a specific agency in a US city.
3. REFUGEE NOTIFIED OF U.S. RESETTLEMENT SITE
Refugee prepares to enter last stage of processing before arrival in US: medical examination, processing, other clearance checks. If there are medical complications, they are put on medical hold.
Refugee prepares to enter last stage of processing before arrival in US: medical examination, processing, other clearance checks. If there are medical complications, they are put on medical hold.
Preparation and Arrival
1. PROCESSING COMPLETE
Flight Booked. Resettlement agency notified of the date of arrival, usually 1-2 weeks in advance.
Flight Booked. Resettlement agency notified of the date of arrival, usually 1-2 weeks in advance.
2. RESETTLEMENT AGENCY PREPARES FOR ARRIVAL
Caseworker and volunteers assigned to the case; arrangements made for housing, furniture, and food.
Caseworker and volunteers assigned to the case; arrangements made for housing, furniture, and food.
3. REFUGEE ARRIVES IN U.S. RESETTLEMENT CITY
Caseworkers and/or sponsor family meet the refugee or family at the airport and take them to their new home.
Caseworkers and/or sponsor family meet the refugee or family at the airport and take them to their new home.
