How Do Refugees 
Get Here?




Homeland
The flight begins in a refugee's 
homeland.  Persecuted because of 
religious beliefs, ethnic background 
or political activities, and fearing for 
their lives, refugees sneak across the 
border — usually under cover of 
darkness and often dodging bullets 
and guards.  Some are caught and 
deported back to the country they 
were fleeing, others die in the 
attempt, but the lucky ones escape.




Transit Country
The next step for most refugees is a 
lengthy wait (up to several years) in 
a transit country.  Some refugees are 
held in camps.  Others are closely 
watched and subject to harassment.  
All refugees are held in "limbo" 
until a new country agrees to give 
them a permanent home.
  


Finally, some refugees receive the 
long-awaited news — acceptance by 
another country.  Voluntary 
agencies such as the Hebrew 
Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) or 
the International Rescue Committee 
(IRC) arrange travel from the transit 
country to the permanent host 
country.  Refugees headed to the 
U.S. pay transportation costs with 
money borrowed from a revolving 
loan fund, savings, or with financial 
assistance from their relatives.



Arrival in the United States
The U.S. admits about 75,000 – 
100,000 refugees each year.  The 
exact number is determined 
annually by Congress and is 
divided among regions of the 
world.  Each arriving refugee is 
assigned a "voluntary agency."  
These agencies provide a basic 
group of services during the 
refugee's first 90 days in the U.S.

Unfortunately, most arriving 
refugees do not receive a personal 
welcome from their new 
community.  They must make the 
difficult adjustment alone –with 
limited help from government and 
voluntary agencies.  By 
welcoming a refugee immediately 
after they arrive, you establish 
trust and demonstrate sincerity.



What can I do to help?
Most importantly, newly arrived 
refugees need encouragement and 
emotional support.  Try to establish 
sincere bonds of friendship with 
them as soon as possible.  Reassure 
them that after their long struggle, 
that they will be able to be 
successful and happy in their new 
home.  Be a good friend.



Interview
The United Nations High 
Commissioner for Refugees 
(UNHCR) interviews all refugees, 
and the United States. Immigration 
and Naturalization Service (INS) 
interviews those refugees who 
may be headed for the United 
States. Only those who can prove 
they are escaping persecution are 
eligible to find freedom in a new 
country.




The U.S. Bahá'í Refugee Office 
can be reached at:
Tel.:  (847) 733-3525   
Fax:  (847) 
733-3545 E-mail:  
USBRO@usbnc.org




Adapted from materials provided by Exodus 
World Service