Refugee Resettlement Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a refugee, an asylee, and an immigrant?

When you hear people discuss refugees and immigration, there’s a lot of terminology tossed around. Many terms are used interchangeably, when they actually hold distinct differences.

A refugee is someone who is forced to flee their home due to war, violence, or persecution and seeks international protection. An official entity, like a government or the United Nations, will decide if a person meets the definition of a refugee. Those who obtain refugee status are given protection under international laws. In the U.S., refugees have the option to become permanent residents and eventually citizens.

Like refugees, internally displaced people are those who have been forcibly displaced from their home but remain in their native country.

An asylee is also someone seeking international protection but have not been approved for refugee status. An asylee must apply for protection within the destination country, meaning they must arrive at or cross the border in order to apply. Then must then prove that they meet refugee status criteria.

In contrast, an immigrant is someone who consciously decides to leave their country of residence with the intent to settle in another country. Similarly, a migrant is someone who decides to leave their home to settle in another place within their native country.

How many refugees are allowed into the United States?

Every year, the President of the United States proposes a numerical ceiling for the number of refugees allowed to be resettled into the country. That number must then be approved by Congress. Annual refugee admissions have ranged from a high of 207,116 in 1980 to a low of just over 11,000 in 2020.

How are refugees approved for resettlement in the United States?

Refugees who will need resettlement are identified by the United Nations based on their vulnerabilities and specific needs. The UN then assesses each case individually. At this point all background information is gathered and submitted to the United States to be considered for resettlement. After receiving a referral, the U.S. government intelligence agencies and Resettlement Support Centers run background checks and security clearance processes. Following that process, the Department of Homeland Security conducts in person interviews. Pre-approved applicants then undergo a medical screening to ensure they do not have any communicable diseases. Finally, approved applicants are placed with non-governmental organizations to assist in resettlement.

How are refugees resettled?

After an individual is approved for refugee status, they are matched with a refugee resettlement agency. That agency then assists the client upon arrival to the States. Refugees are assisted with integration to life in a new culture and provided with support as they strive to reach self-sufficiency.  Resettlement is handled largely by nine resettlement agencies across the country. These nine agencies have about 315 affiliates in around 180 communities around the country. Many are faith-based organizations, like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops of which CCS is a part.

Since Catholic Community Services’ Refugee Resettlement and Refugee Foster Care programs were established in the 1970s, the agency has helped resettle thousands of refugees in Utah. Currently refugees compose around 2% of Utah’s population.

Does refugee status expire?

Refugee status has no expiration and is granted indefinitely once a person has been approved. Refugees are, however, required to apply for permanent resident status after living in the United States for a year.

How do refugees and immigrants impact the economy?

Refugees, and immigrants for that matter, have a tremendously positive impact on the American economy and workforce. The American birthrate has seen a steady decline over the last few decades and reached a historic low in 2020. In a few short decades, American-born workers won’t be able to support the workforce alone. Researchers point to immigration as a key contributor in sustaining the United States’ population.

Refugees also make an impactful contribution to the economy. According to the National Immigration Forum, refugees have higher entrepreneurship rates than native-born Americans. In 2015, over 181,000 refugees generate $4.6 billion in business income. These businesses also provide jobs, goods, and services for thousands of Americans. In the state of Utah, refugees also hold around $324 million in spending power.