Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scope of the refugee crisis?
According to the UN Refugee Agency, there are currently 65.3 million displaced people and 21.3 million refugees worldwide, surpassing the record set in World War II. The civil war in Syria is responsible for the recent significant increase in refugees, including many of whom are now seeking to enter Western Europe. In 2015 alone, over a million refugees arrived at Greece and Italy’s shores after undertaking a dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea. Refugees also hail from other nations including Afghanistan, Somalia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, South Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria and Ukraine.
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.
More than half of all refugees worldwide come from just three countries: Syria, Afghanistan and South Sudan. (USA for UNHCR)
More than half of all refugees worldwide come from just three countries: Syria, Afghanistan and South Sudan. (USA for UNHCR)
Are the terms ‘refugee’ and ‘migrant’ interchangeable?
No. Although it is becoming increasingly common to see the terms ‘refugee’ and ‘migrant’ used interchangeably in media and public discussions, there is a crucial legal difference between the two. Confusing them can lead to problems for refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as misunderstandings in discussions of asylum and migration. (UNHCR)
What is unique about refugees?
Refugees are specifically defined and protected in international law. Refugees are people outside their country of origin because of feared persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order, and who, as a result, require ‘international protection’. Their situation is often so perilous and intolerable, that they cross national borders to seek safety in nearby countries, and thus become internationally recognized as ‘refugees’ with access to assistance from states, UNHCR, and relevant organizations. They are so recognized precisely because it is too dangerous for them to return home, and they therefore need sanctuary elsewhere. These are people for whom denial of asylum has potentially deadly consequences. (UNHCR)
Where can I find more facts and Statistics about refugees?
Visit the UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) website - http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html
Does Catholic Charities only help Catholic Refugees?
The majority of the refugees that Catholic Charities helps are not catholic. They do not ask nor know the religion of the refugees they help resettle until the refugee chooses to share their religious information with Catholic Charities after they have arrived in the United States.
What is the Resettlement Process in the United States Like?
Refugee resettlement to the U.S. is traditionally offered to the most vulnerable refugee cases including women and children at risk, women heads of households, the elderly, survivors of violence and torture and those with acute medical needs. The process of refugee resettlement to the U.S. is a lengthy and thorough process that takes approximately two to ten years and involves numerous U.S. governmental agencies. Refugees do not choose the country in which they would like to live. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency identifies the most vulnerable refugees for resettlement and then makes recommendations to select countries. Once a refugee is recommended to the U.S. for resettlement, the U.S. government conducts a thorough vetting of each applicant.
How are refugees vetted by the UNited States?
According to the Department of State, “refugees are screened more carefully than any other type of traveler to the U.S.” At any step in this vigorous process, admission can be denied.
- Refugees are usually referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which then transfers initial documents and biographical information to a Resettlement Support Center (RSC), funded by the Department of State. After in-depth interviews, the RSC cross references and verifies the information.
- Next, at least five U.S. national security agencies screen the applicant, checking for security threats.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reviews screening results, conducts in-person interviews and collects biometric data. If new information is discovered, additional security checks are conducted. Once DHS adjudicates the case, the decision is entered into the Worldwide Refugee Admission Processing System (WRAPS).
- During biometric security checks, fingerprints are matched to databases maintained by the FBI, the DHS, and the Department of Defense, looking for problematic connections.
- If an applicant has passed all prior screenings, he or she completes a cultural orientation class and a medical check. All information is again entered in WRAPS, and the process continues.
- If no disqualifying information is discovered, representatives from each of the nine domestic resettlement agencies meet to determine where to resettle each refugee. The International Organization for Migration books travel, and all applicants are screened by U.S. Customs and the Transportation Security Administrations. Only applicants with no security concerns continue their travel.
- Upon arrival in the U.S., representatives from local resettlement agencies welcome refugees at the airport and help them settle into their new communities. (Source: https://www.state.gov/j/prm/ra/admissions)
Are refugees living in the United States mostly working or unemployed?
The U.S. refugee resettlement system emphasizes self-sufficiency through employment, and most refugees are employed. The high employment of refugees increases their tax payments and other economic contributions, while decreasing their dependency on public assistance and services over the long run. (Source: MPI Migration Fact Sheet)
Do refugees come to the United States with low levels of education?
Refugees are more likely to have a high school degree than other immigrants, and just as likely as the U.S. born to have graduated from college. (Source: MPI Migration Fact Sheet)
Do refugees depend on public benefits?
Although many refugees initially depend on public benefits, most quickly become self-sufficient. During their first five years in the United States, refugees are more likely than other immigrants and the U.S. born to receive public benefits. But benefits usage declines with length of residence, and after ten years, most of this gap closes. (Source: MPI Migration Fact Sheet)
Do refugees improve their economic position after they are resettled?
Refugees’ incomes rise over time, almost reaching parity with the U.S. born. Refugees generally arrive with very limited resources; many arrive penniless. Over time, however, they find jobs, advance economically, and become self-sufficient. (Source: MPI Migration Fact Sheet)