Latest News
Refugees to U.S., Michigan: Some facts
Refugees seeking resettlement in the U.S. must get a referral, usually from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or sometimes from a U.S. embassy or a nongovernmental organization in which employees have been trained to handle refugee referrals. In some cases, such as those of people who seek to be reunited with close relatives who are already refugees in the U.S., refugees can apply for resettlement without a referral.
Refugees trying to get into the U.S. are processed by the Department of State, which funds nine resettlement support centers around the world.
Applicants' registration is the first of a multi-step process that includes interviews with state department and Homeland Security personnel, security checks by several federal departments, including the FBI, the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, fingerprint collection and screenings, a cultural orientation class and a medical check. Resettlement applicants are rejected if they do not pass the security and medical screenings.
Refugees' travel to the U.S. is booked through the International Organization for Migration, which provides loans to cover airfare. According to a state department spokesman, the average IOM loan is $1,100 and the average monthly loan payment is $85. Loan repayments, the spokesman said, are funneled back into the program to help other refugees
Donate Now
Recent Posts
