How many refugees come to the US every month?
Data updated October 4, 2024
About 15.7K refugees were admitted in September 2024. The US refugee system assists individuals 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 October 2023 and September 2024, around 100K new refugees arrived in the US, compared to approximately 60K in the previous 12-month period. This was a significant increase in the number of refugees who arrived in the US.
In Sep 2024
15.7K
new refugees arrived in the US
Between Oct 2023 - Sep 2024
100K
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.
Refugee admissions vary due to international and domestic events
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
Refugee ceiling and admissions 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 admissions to the US vary widely by region
Admissions by fiscal year
In 2024, the highest percentage of refugees had come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, accounting for about 23.7% of the total that year. Other countries with high percentages of refugees included Syria, Afghanistan, and Venezuela, 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 2024
Refugee admissions by fiscal year
