Admission of refugees

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Immigration in the U.S.
DACA and DAPA
Admission of refugees
Birthright citizenship

The admission of refugees into the United States for resettlement is primarily the responsibility of the federal government and the executive branch. The process for resettling refugees in the United States involves collaboration between the United Nations (UN) and the U.S. Department of State. The UN is primarily responsible for referring refugee cases to the State Department, which then oversees the security screening process and coordinates with other organizations to provide resettlement services for admitted refugees.

On March 6, 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order, which—among other provisions—suspended refugee admissions to the United States for 120 days to allow for a review of national security measures. After the order was blocked with a preliminary injunction by a federal district court in March 2017, the Supreme Court on June 26, 2017, partially lifted the injunction and allowed the suspension on the admission of refugees to be enforced, except for individuals with a bona fide relationship with the United States. The executive order's suspension on refugee admissions expired on October 24, 2017.

HIGHLIGHTS

President Trump's March 6 executive order also reduced the number of refugee admissions for fiscal year 2017 to the ceiling specified in the Refugee Act—50,000 per year. Each fiscal year, the president may raise this limit if it is deemed necessary. Former President Barack Obama had previously established a limit of 110,000 refugees for admission in fiscal year 2017.

Refugee admissions are allocated by geographical region. For fiscal year 2017, the greatest number of allocations were reserved for the Near East and South Asia region.

In 2015, most refugees admitted into the United States came from Burma: 18,386, or 26.3 percent of total admissions.

Process

The flag of the United Nations

The process for admitting refugees into the United States begins with the United Nations (UN). After fleeing to a new country, refugees typically must register with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which then makes a determination for the next course of action. The UN may decide to return refugees to their home countries, integrate them into the country to which they have fled, or resettle them in a different country.

If the UN decides to refer a refugee to the United States for resettlement, the refugee's case is sent to one of nine Resettlement Support Centers around the world managed by the U.S. Department of State. The RSC collects information from the refugee and sends it to the Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for security screening. An agent from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also conducts an in-person interview with the refugee.

After reviewing the results of the security screening and the interview, USCIS makes a determination on whether to admit the refugee. Those who are approved undergo a medical screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis prior to entry. The refugee is provided with a sponsor through a resettlement agency within the United States that helps the refugee assimilate into American life. Refugees typically receive cultural orientation and public assistance in order to help them get acclimated.

During fiscal year 2015, 69,933 refugees were admitted into the United States. For fiscal year 2016, President Barack Obama (D) raised the limit for refugee admissions to 85,000. For fiscal year 2017, Obama raised the limit to 110,000 refugees. Refugee admissions are also allocated by region; for 2017, Obama established the following regional allocations:

Regional allocations for refugee admissions, 2017
Region	Number
Africa	35,000
East Asia	12,000
Europe and Central Asia	4,000
Latin America and the Caribbean	5,000
Near East and South Asia	40,000
Unallocated Reserve	14,000
Source: The White House, "Presidential Determination -- Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2017"

Statistics

According to the Migration Policy Institute, in 2015, out of 1 million new permanent residents (Green Card holders), 14 percent entered the United States as refugees. Below is a table with figures on total refugee admissions between fiscal years 2007 and 2015.

Annual refugee admissions, fiscal years 2007-2015
Category	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Limit	70,000	80,000	80,000	80,000	80,000	76,000	70,000	70,000	70,000
Admissions	48,282	60,191	74,654	73,311	56,424	58,238	69,926	69,987	69,933
Source: U.S. Department of State, "Refugee Admissions Statistics"

Below is a column chart and table with figures on the top ten origin countries of refugee admissions for the years 2015, 2014, and 2013. The chart contains only the nine countries that were in the top ten each year; this excludes Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Syria. The percentage figure in the table represents the percentage of total refugee admissions that came from each country.

Annual refugee admissions by country, 2013-2015
2015			2014			2013
Country	Number	Percent	Country	Number	Percent	Country	Number	Percent
Burma	18,386	26.3%	Iraq	19,769	28.2%	Iraq	19,488	27.9%
Iraq	12,676	18.1%	Burma	14,598	20.9%	Burma	16,299	23.3%
Somalia	8,858	12.7%	Somalia	9,000	12.9%	Bhutan	9,134	13.1%
Dem. Rep. Congo	7,876	11.3%	Bhutan	8,434	12.1%	Somalia	7,608	10.9%
Bhutan	5,775	8.3%	Dem. Rep. Congo	4,540	6.5%	Cuba	4,205	6.0%
Iran	3,109	4.4%	Cuba	4,062	5.8%	Iran	2,578	3.7%
Syria	1,682	2.4%	Iran	2,846	4.1%	Dem. Rep. Congo	2,563	3.7%
Eritrea	1,596	2.3%	Eritrea	1,488	2.1%	Sudan	2,160	3.1%
Sudan	1,578	2.3%	Sudan	1,315	1.9%	Eritrea	1,824	2.6%
Cuba	1,527	2.2%	Afghanistan	753	1.1%	Ethiopia	765	1.1%
Source: Migration Policy Institute, "Refugees and Asylees in the United States"

Legal authority

The federal government is responsible for setting and enforcing most immigration policy, particularly regarding who is admitted into the country. The executive branch, in particular, has wide authority over immigration policy. The Refugee Act of 1980 authorized the president to admit refugees who face "persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion," especially if it involves an "unforeseen emergency refugee situation." Although the Refugee Act limited the number of refugee admissions to 50,000 per year, the president may raise this limit before the start of the fiscal year. Federal authority over immigration law was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2012 decision, Arizona v. United States.

States have debated whether they could reject the resettlement of refugees within their borders, and state officials responsible for refugee resettlement may attempt to slow the process or make their state unattractive for refugees. For example, states may decide to freeze the state-level benefits offered to refugees for assimilation purposes. According to Kathleen Newland, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, "States do have a role in the refugee resettlement process post admission, and it would certainly be possible for them to obstruct the resettlement process." Jack Chin, a professor at the University of California Davis School of Law, agrees:

“	My suspicion is that if a state was firmly opposed to having Syrian refugees in their borders then as an initial matter, the government might choose to put them somewhere else.	”
—Prof. Jack Chin, UC Davis School of Law

Noteworthy events

President Donald Trump's executive order

See also: Donald Trump's immigration executive order issued March 6, 2017

On March 6, 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order, Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States, that rescinded and replaced his January 27 executive order of the same name. The order suspended for 90 days entry into the United States for individuals from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The order also suspended refugee admissions to the United States for 120 days while the process was reviewed for additional national security measures that could be implemented. The order was set to go into effect on March 16, 2017.

Differences from the January 27 order included removing Iraq from the list of countries subject to the entry suspension, specifying that current visa holders were not affected, removing the indefinite suspension on admitting Syrian refugees, and allowing entry for refugees who had already been granted asylum.

On June 26, 2017, the Supreme Court partially lifted the injunction against the order and agreed to review the case. The court allowed the suspension on entry to the United States and on the admission of refugees to be enforced, except for individuals with a bona fide relationship with the United States. This would include, for example, those with a familial relationship to someone in the United States or someone with an offer of employment. The administration set the order to go into partial effect on June 29, 2017, at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Syrian refugees

See also: U.S. governors and their responses to Syrian refugees

Between 2011, when the armed conflict in Syria began, and 2016, the United Nations estimated that more than 12 million people (including more than 5 million children) within the country were displaced. At least four million of those individuals left their country to seek refuge in the Middle East and Europe. Prior to September 2015, fewer than 2,000 Syrians had been accepted for resettlement in the United States since 2011. In September 2015, the Obama administration offered to take in as many as 10,000 Syrian refugees over the following year. Following the announcement, states debated whether they could reject resettlement of refugees once the federal government has agreed to allow them to come to the United States. In November 2015, governors in 31 states released statements opposing refugee resettlement in their states. Governors in 15 other states released statements of support for refugee resettlement.

State gubernatorial statements on Syrian refugees

State	Governor	Statement
Alabama	Robert Bentley (R)	"I will oppose any attempt to relocate Syrian refugees to Alabama through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As your Governor, I will not stand complicit to a policy that places the citizens of Alabama in harm’s way. ... I will not place Alabamians at even the slightest, possible risk of an attack on our people."
Alaska	Bill Walker (R)	Walker said he would not block refugee relocation. "My highest concern is the safety of all Alaskans, and I appreciate the work being done by Catholic Social Services to help refugees settle in our state and become valuable members of our community. ... I am committed to working with the federal government to ensure the highest level of safety for the citizens of Alaska and the United States, and I want to make sure Alaska officials play a role in refugee relocations efforts in our state." Note: The governor did not specify how many refugees Alaska would accept, but the state receives an average of 120 refugees from war-torn countries each year.
Arizona	Doug Ducey (R)	"Given the horrifying events in Paris last week, I am calling for an immediate halt in the placement of any new refugees in Arizona. As governor, I am invoking our state's right under 8 USC, Section 1522 (a), to receive immediate consultation by federal authorities per the United States Refugee Act... I also call on Congress and the President to immediately amend federal law to provide states greater oversight and authority in the administration of the placement of refugees. These acts serve as a reminder that the world remains at war with radical Islamic terrorists. Our national leaders must react with the urgency and leadership that every American expects to protect our citizens." Note: Through late September, Arizona had accepted 112 Syrian refugees in 2015.
Arkansas	Asa Hutchinson (R)	"As governor, I oppose any facility or installation in Arkansas being used as a Syrian refugee center. Many of the Syrian refugees are fleeing violence in their own country but Europe, Asia or Africa are logically the best places for resettlement or for temporary asylum. Syria is a war torn country and the United States will support our European friends in fighting ISIL in Syria and elsewhere; however, this is not the right strategy for the United States to become a permanent place of relocation. Again, I will oppose Arkansas being used as such a relocation center. The hardships facing these refugees and their families are beyond most of our understanding, and my thoughts and prayers are with them, but I will not support a policy that is not the best solution and that poses risk to Arkansans."
California	Jerry Brown (D)	“I intend to work closely with the President so that he can both uphold America’s traditional role as a place of asylum, but also ensure that anyone seeking refuge in America is fully vetted in a sophisticated and utterly reliable way. You can be sure that we will do everything in our power to protect the people of our state.”
Colorado	John Hickenlooper (D)	"Our first priority remains the safety of our residents. We will work with the federal government and Homeland Security to ensure the national verification processes for refugees are as stringent as possible. We can protect our security and provide a place where the world's most vulnerable can rebuild their lives."
Connecticut	Dannel P. Malloy (D)	"[I]f refugees — many who are children fleeing a horrific, war-torn country — seek and are granted asylum after a rigorous security process, we should and will welcome them in Connecticut."
Delaware	Jack Markell (D)	"We should rally around the President's call for compassion for a suffering population that wants nothing more than a safe place to rebuild their lives from the rubble of war."
Florida	Rick Scott (R)	Scott wants Congress "to take immediate and aggressive action" to prevent President Barack Obama and his administration from using federal tax dollars to fund the relocation of 425 Syrian refugees to Florida.
Georgia	Nathan Deal (R)	"We think it’s appropriate for us to take care of our people here in Georgia." Note: Governor Deal also requested confirmation of the backgrounds of 59 Syrian refugees who had already resettled in Georgia.
Hawaii	David Ige (D)	"Hawaii is the Aloha State, known for its tradition of welcoming all people with tolerance and mutual respect. ... I am confident that our state will work closely with the federal government to ensure that appropriate resources and support are available before any refugees arrive in Hawaii."
Idaho	Butch Otter (R)	"It makes no sense under the best of circumstances for the United States to allow people into our country who have the avowed desire to harm our communities, our institutions and our people."
Illinois	Bruce Rauner (R)	"Our nation and our state have a shared history of providing safe haven for those displaced by conflict, but the news surrounding the Paris terror attacks reminds us of the all-too-real security threats facing America. We must find a way to balance our tradition as a state welcoming of refugees while ensuring the safety and security of our citizens. ...[T]he state of Illinois will temporarily suspend accepting new Syrian refugees and consider all of our legal options pending a full review of our country’s acceptance and security processes by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Indiana	Mike Pence (R)	According to The Indianapolis Star, Gov. Pence was directing all state agencies to stop resettling Syrian refugees in Indiana until the federal government could provide assurances that "proper security measures are in place." He said that his "first responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of all Hoosiers." Note: About 40 Syrian refugees have resettled in Indiana since 2010.
Iowa	Terry Branstad (R)	"Until a thorough and thoughtful review is conducted by the intelligence community and the safety of Iowans can be assured, the federal government should not resettle any Syrian refugees in Iowa.”
Kansas	Sam Brownback (R)	“My first priority as Governor is the safety of all Kansans. We must take immediate action to ensure terrorists do not enter the nation or our state under the guise of refugee resettlement. ... I have therefore directed all state agencies, departments, boards or commissions not to participate or assist in the relocation of Syrian refugees to Kansas."
Kentucky	Steve Beshear (D)	Gov. Beshear said the commonwealth would continue to welcome all refugees that were screened and vetted. "As long as I'm governor, we're going to be looking at the Syrian refugee problem on a case-by-case basis," Beshear said. "There are thousands of these families that are victims of terrorism and are fleeing terrorism and are just looking for a safe haven. And obviously the United States is gonna be a part of that effort." Note: Governor-elect Matt Bevin (R) takes office December 8, 2015. He said, "I am joining with other governors across the country in opposing the resettlement of Syrian nationals until we can better determine the full extent of any risks to our citizens."
Louisiana	Bobby Jindal(R)	"It is irresponsible and severely disconcerting to place individuals, who may have ties to ISIS, in a state without the state's knowledge or involvement. ... It would be prudent to pause the process of refugees coming to the United States. Authorities need to investigate what happened in Europe before this problem comes to the United States."
Maine	Paul LePage (R)	"To bring Syrian refugees into our country without knowing who they are is to invite an attack on American soil just like the one we saw in Paris last week and in New York City on 9/11. That is why I adamantly oppose any attempt by the federal government to place Syrian refugees in Maine, and will take every lawful measure in my power to prevent it from happening.”
Maryland	Larry Hogan (R)	"As governor of Maryland, the safety and security of Marylanders remains my first priority. Following the terrorist attacks on Paris just four days ago, and after careful consideration, I am now requesting that federal authorities cease any additional settlements of refugees from Syria in Maryland until the U.S. government can provide appropriate assurances that refugees from Syria pose no threat to public safety." Note: Hogan spokesman Matthew A. Clark said that Maryland received 7,384 refugees between the middle of 2011 and June 30, 2015, including 37 from Syria.
Massachusetts	Charles D. Baker (R)	"I’m not interested in accepting refugees from Syria. I would need to know a lot more than I know now before I would agree to do anything. ... My view on this is that the safety and security of the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is my highest priority. ... I’m always going to be at least willing to hear what the federal government has to say. ... Hearing what they have to say doesn’t mean saying yes.”
Michigan	Rick Snyder (R)	Governor Snyder said the state would "put on hold our efforts to accept new refugees. ... Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration. But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents."
Minnesota	Mark Dayton (D)	"My first priority is to protect the safety of the people of Minnesota. I have been assured by the White House that all refugees are subject to the highest level of security checks of any category of traveler to the United States."
Mississippi	Phil Bryant (R)	Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant wrote on Facebook that he was working with the state's homeland security department to "determine the current status of any Syrian refugees that may be brought to our state in the near future. I will do everything humanly possible to stop any plans from the Obama administration to put Syrian refugees in Mississippi. The policy of bringing these individuals into the country is not only misguided, it is extremely dangerous. I'll be notifying President Obama of my decision today to resist this potential action."
Missouri	Jay Nixon (D)	"The safety of Missourians is my highest priority, and the terrorists who were involved in planning and perpetrating the attacks in Paris must be caught and brought to justice. The screening process for refugees is the responsibility of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and I call on our federal partners to implement the strongest possible safeguards to protect our state and nation.”
Montana	Steve Bullock (D)	"Montana has a process in place for considering refugee settlement requests. We are reviewing those protocols to ensure that if a request comes (that) we take all appropriate steps to ensure that the safety of Montanans will not be jeopardized by their placement. If there are safety concerns about any refugees that are requesting settlement, they will be denied.”
Nebraska	Pete Ricketts (R)	"Nebraska is a welcoming place for families seeking a home to live, work, and raise a family. While I understand the danger and persecution many are facing in the Middle East, it is important that our state and our nation consider the safety and security of Nebraskans and Americans first in any refugee resettlement efforts. The terrorist attacks that occurred over the weekend in Paris are a solemn reminder of the reach and strength of ISIS and their agents."
Nevada	Brian Sandoval (R)	"I am specifically concerned about the background checks performed for Syrian refugees sent to Nevada for resettlement, and would appreciate further guidance on the benefits eligibility of such persons while they reside here. We must balance our nation's role as an international leader with the safety and security of our citizens and visitors."
New Hampshire	Maggie Hassan (D)	The governor's spokesman said Hassan “has always made clear that we must ensure robust refugee screening to protect American citizens, and believes that we must know more of the facts about those who carried out the Paris terrorist attacks and have strong assurances of safety from our intelligence officials before we admit refugees from Syria into the United States.”
New Jersey	Chris Christie (R)	"I do not trust this administration to effectively vet the people who are supposed to be coming in in order to protect the safety and security of the American people, so I would not permit them in. ... I don't think that orphans under 5 should be admitted to the United States at this point."
New Mexico	Susana Martinez (R)	Press secretary Michael Lonergan wrote that the governor "strongly opposes the Obama Administration’s plan to accept more Syrian refugees until there is a very clear plan in place to properly vet and place the refugees, and the voices of governors and the public can be heard. The Governor’s top priority is keeping New Mexico’s families safe. In light of the attacks in Paris, she has directed all relevant state agencies to work closely with federal authorities to help prevent and respond to threats of any nature."
New York	Andrew Cuomo (D)	“The day America says close the gates, build the wall, then I say take down the Statue of Liberty because you’ve gone to a different place.”
North Carolina	Pat McCrory (R)	“I am now requesting that the president and the federal government cease sending refugees from Syria to North Carolina until we are thoroughly satisfied with the effectiveness of the federal background checks and security checks on such refugees entering our country."
North Dakota	Jack Dalrymple (R)	"Ensuring the safety and security of North Dakotans, as well as all Americans, is a top priority for us all, and so I urge the administration to halt the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the U.S. until the system has been reviewed and we can be assured that our citizens will be safe.”
Ohio	John Kasich (R)	Jim Lynch, a spokesman for Ohio Gov. John Kasich, issued this statement: "The governor doesn't believe the U.S. should accept additional Syrian refugees because security and safety issues cannot be adequately addressed. The governor is writing to the President to ask him to stop, and to ask him to stop resettling them in Ohio. We are also looking at what additional steps Ohio can take to stop resettlement of these refugees."
Oklahoma	Mary Fallin (R)	“The Obama administration needs to assure the public that the background checks they are doing are rigorous, and that American lives will not be endangered in the process. Until then, I call on the Obama administration to suspend any Syrian refugees into the United States. During these uncertain times, the Obama administration needs to make sure those entering the United States are not terrorists. ... Oklahomans have welcomed refugees escaping religious persecution for many years and will continue to do so.”
Oregon	Kate Brown (D)	"Clearly, Oregon will continue to accept refugees. They seek safe haven and we will continue to open the doors of opportunity for them. ... The words on the Statue of Liberty apply in Oregon just as they do in every other state."
Pennsylvania	Tom Wolf (D)	"I believe we can keep Pennsylvania safe while also ensuring that Pennsylvania stays true to its values and builds on its rich history of accepting immigrants and refugees from around the world. These two goals are not mutually exclusive. As millions in Syria face violence, persecution and death, we should continue to help those who we can while taking care to protect our commonwealth and our country, just as have done for hundreds of years. To reject only Syrian refugees could embolden the message of those who seek to inspire violence by saying that we, as Americans, do not have compassion or care for specific groups of people in the world facing religious persecution."
Rhode Island	Gina Raimondo (D)	"We haven't received any requests to assist the settlement of refugees from Syria, so there's nothing to decide at the moment. If a request is made, we will coordinate closely with the White House and with the State Police. Anything Rhode Island may do in the future to support our nation's efforts to respond to this humanitarian crisis and help those in need must include robust background checks and security procedures to keep Rhode Islanders safe."
South Carolina	Nikki Haley (R)	"After reviewing recent public statements and personally speaking today with intelligence officials, it is my understanding that while our national security agencies are working tirelessly to vet potential refugees, there remain gaps in available intelligence for those fleeing Syria. This lack of historical and verifiable intelligence with many Syrian refugees makes it difficult, if not impossible, to thoroughly vet individuals seeking to enter the United States as a refugee. Therefore, until I can be assured that all potential refugees from Syria have no ties to terrorist organizations, I am requesting that the State Department not resettle any Syrian refugees in South Carolina."
South Dakota	Dennis Daugaard (R)	The governor's chief of staff, Tony Venhuizen, said, "South Dakota has not received any Syrian refugees, and we do not believe we are going to. If that changes, the governor would explore the state's options, but it is not at all clear that the state has any say over this."
Tennessee	Bill Haslam (R)	"We are currently working to get specifics from the U.S. Department of State on the status of any Syrian refugees currently slated to come to Tennessee. While screening, acceptance and placement is legally under the authority of the federal government, they have said in the past they would be open to cooperating with receiving states. Today I’m asking the federal government to suspend placements in Tennessee until states can become more of a partner in the vetting process."
Texas	Greg Abbott (R)	In a letter sent to the president, the governor wrote, "Given the tragic attack in Paris and the threats we have already seen in Texas, coupled with the FBI director's acknowledgment that we do not have the information necessary to effectively vet Syrian nationals, Texas cannot participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees -- any one of whom could be connected to terrorism -- being resettled in Texas."
Utah	Gary Herbert (R)	"Governors really don't have the ability to stop refugees from coming into their states, in spite the rhetoric we hear out there. Let's get on the prevention side and make sure that the federal government, which has the number one responsibility, is doing all they can to prevent terrorists from coming into our country."
Vermont	Peter Shumlin (D)	“What has this country become? Where have we left our values, our sense of morality and our sense of justice and the right thing to do?”
Virginia	Terry McAuliffe (D)	A statement from the governor's office said, "The Governor and his public safety team are in constant communication with federal authorities about all refugee resettlements, including those involving refugees from Syria. Every refugee who is settled in the U.S. undergoes intensive security screening. ... Nothing is more important to the Governor and his team than keeping Virginians safe."
Washington	Jay Inslee (D)	"I stand firmly with President Obama who said [Monday] morning. We do not close our hearts to these victims of such violence and somehow start equating the issue of refugees with the issue of terrorism."
West Virginia	Earl Ray Tomblin (D)	Note: Governor Tomblin's stance on Syrian refugees remains unknown.
Wisconsin	Scott Walker (R)	"With this in mind, I am calling upon the President to immediately suspend the program pending a full review of its security and acceptance procedures. The State of Wisconsin will not accept new Syrian refugees. There may be those who will try to take advantage of the generosity of our country and the ability to move freely within our borders through this federal resettlement program, and we must ensure we are doing all we can to safeguard the security of Americans."
Wyoming	Matt Mead (R)	“No state should have to endure the threat of terrorists entering our borders. In light of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, I have joined other governors in demanding the refugee process be halted until it is guaranteed to provide the security demanded by Wyoming and United States citizens."

See also

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  Immigration in the U.S.

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  Immigration policy under the Trump administration

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  115th Congress on immigration