How many refugees come to the US each month?
Around 6,400 people in April 2024. The US refugee system helps people fleeing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a social group to resettle in the US. Unlike asylum seekers who apply for protection after arriving in the US or at its borders, refugees apply from outside the country. If approved, they undergo security screenings and health checks before being resettled by various agencies.
Between May 2023 and April 2024, around 90,300 new refugees arrived in the US, compared to approximately 39,500 in the previous 12-month period. This is more than double the number of refugees.
In Apr 2024
6.4K
new refugees arrived in the US
Between May 2023 - Apr 2024
90.3K
new refugees arrived in the US
Refugee admissions to the United States have fluctuated in response to both international and domestic events. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, refugee arrivals declined as the US government implemented stringent security measures. Similarly, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 led to a drop in arrivals due to global travel restrictions and health concerns.
Monthly refugee arrivals are on the rise
Refugees admitted to the United States are subject to an annual maximum number, known as the “ceiling.” This ceiling, or upper limit, is determined per fiscal year, which runs from October to September. The ceiling is set by the president in consultation with Congress, specifically through discussions with the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. This process, mandated by the Refugee Act of 1980, ensures that the US refugee admissions program remains responsive to global humanitarian needs while taking domestic considerations into account.
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Initially set high in the 1980s, refugee ceilings have fluctuated over the decades due to various administrations' policies. These ceilings can also be adjusted mid-fiscal year, particularly when a new president has been sworn in. For instance, in 2017, President Obama set a ceiling of 110,000, but President Trump reduced it to 50,000 through an executive order after taking office. Similarly, in 2021, the ceiling was initially set at 15,000, but President Biden later increased it to 62,500.
The refugee ceiling is decided with presidential leadership
By fiscal year
The US sets different ceiling limits for refugee admissions from various world regions, which influences the number of refugees admitted from each area. These limits are determined based on global humanitarian needs, foreign policy considerations, and specific crises in different regions. Factors such as conflict intensity, displacement trends, and international agreements play a role in shaping these decisions, leading to fluctuations in admission rates over time.
Refugee arrivals to the US vary widely by region
By fiscal year
The highest percentage of refugees came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, accounting for about 36% of the total. Other countries with high percentages of refugees include Syria, Afghanistan, and Burma, likely due to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in these regions. The US collaborates with the United Nations and other international organizations to identify and process refugees in need of resettlement, ensuring that those from the most affected regions receive priority based on humanitarian needs and the capacity to provide support.
The largest group of refugees came from Dem. Rep. Congo in 2023
By fiscal year
