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The United Nations reports that the world is facing an all-time high in the number of displaced individuals. Every day, nearly 34,000 people are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution, according to the UN's 2015 data. While there are approximately 21.3 million refugees globally, only a small percentage find resettlement in the United States. Since the establishment of the federal refugee program in 1980, the U.S. has welcomed 3 million refugees, with 85,000 arriving between October 2015 and September 2016.
The Refugee Act of 1980 introduced a structured resettlement program and set federal guidelines for the screening and admission of refugees. But how exactly does the vetting process unfold?
For most refugees attempting to enter the United States, the process spans 18 to 24 months, involving referrals from the United Nations, thorough security checks, interviews with multiple U.S. national security agencies, fingerprinting, and health evaluations. As per the State Department, 'No traveler to the United States undergoes more stringent security checks than those considered for refugee admission.'
To begin, applicants must register with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which operates in 128 countries and manages refugee camps in places such as Turkey, Jordan, Thailand, and Tanzania. Being classified as a refugee means you have fled your home country due to a genuine fear of persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, social group (e.g., being LGBT), or political beliefs. Ideally, you should have supporting documents to validate your claim, such as letters or testimony from acquaintances who understand your circumstances. Occasionally, an NGO or the U.S. consulate may refer you to the UNHCR, though this is uncommon.
UNHCR assesses refugees' eligibility, focusing on how vulnerable their situation is—such as if they are orphans, victims of torture, or have serious medical needs [PDF]. They also aim to exclude those who don’t meet refugee criteria, including war criminals. Only about 1 percent of the global refugee population is considered a “strong candidate” for resettlement in countries like the U.S. or Canada. While refugees can express a preference, they don’t have the final say in where they are resettled, though having family in a country or speaking its language may increase their chances.
After the UNHCR determines a refugee's eligibility and collects their documentation and biographical information, they are referred to one of nine Resettlement Support Centers contracted by the State Department. The center conducts an interview, adds the individual to the global refugee database, verifies their details, and sends the information to other agencies responsible for conducting background checks. These include the National Counterterrorism Center, FBI, and the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State, all of which screen for terrorism threats and criminal history. The U.S. intelligence community also reviews the applicants.
Next, the gathered information is forwarded to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, where further interviews are conducted (in the refugee’s host country) to check for discrepancies in their account. Once the Department of Homeland Security concludes that the refugee poses no national security threat, the applicant undergoes fingerprinting. These fingerprints are run through various databases, including those of the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense, to further assess potential threats.
A Syrian refugee currently residing in the United States recently shared their experience in Politico:
"Over the course of 15 months, I was interviewed five times—in person, over the phone, by both the United Nations and the United States. They inquired about my family, my political views, my hobbies, my childhood, my perspective on the U.S., and even my romantic life. Four U.S. government agencies had the chance to assess me. By the time I received my offer to resettle in the United States, the U.S. officials managing my case knew me better than my own family and friends."
Afterward, if the U.S. government determines that a refugee is eligible for resettlement, they must undergo a medical examination to ensure they won’t pose a public health risk upon arrival, along with a class to familiarize them with American culture and customs.
Once a refugee is approved, a resettlement destination is assigned by the resettlement organizations in collaboration with the State Department. Representatives from the nine resettlement agencies gather weekly to review applications and distribute refugees across the U.S.
Even after all that, there’s one final step in the vetting process: like any international traveler, refugees must pass through customs and undergo screening by TSA.
Does it seem complicated? It is. To help clarify the process, the Obama administration created an infographic on the White House website to visualize the steps:
Once refugees clear customs, representatives from local resettlement agencies are there to greet them at the airport and assist with their integration into new communities. However, the journey isn't fully complete. Ultimately, a year after resettlement, they must apply for a green card to continue their stay in the U.S.
