Despite dramatic policy shifts, the United States has welcomed over 3.4 million refugees since 1980, a story of resilience and renewal now unfolding in communities across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- In fiscal year 2022, the United States admitted 25,465 refugees, marking the highest number since 2016.
- From 1980 to 2022, the US has resettled over 3.4 million refugees through the federal refugee resettlement program.
- In FY 2023, refugee admissions reached 60,014, exceeding the presidential ceiling of 125,000 set for that year by initial projections.
- As of 2021, about 1.1 million refugees live in the US, representing 0.3% of the population.
- 49% of US refugees are female as of 2019 Census data.
- The median age of refugees in the US is 32 years, younger than the native-born median of 37.
- Refugee employment rate reaches 67% within 5 years of arrival.
- Average hourly wage for refugees after 5 years is $16.50, up from $10 at arrival.
- 55% of working-age refugees are employed after 6 months.
- Refugee high school graduation rate is 85% for US-born children.
- 45% of adult refugees enroll in English classes within first year.
- Refugee children have 70% college enrollment rate vs 40% for parents.
- 45% of US refugee agencies provide case management for 90 days post-arrival.
- 98% of refugees receive pre-arrival cultural orientation via IOM.
- Matching grant programs serve 5,000 refugees annually for self-sufficiency.
The U.S. has welcomed millions of refugees who become thriving, employed, and integrated community members.
Admissions and Arrivals
- In fiscal year 2022, the United States admitted 25,465 refugees, marking the highest number since 2016.
- From 1980 to 2022, the US has resettled over 3.4 million refugees through the federal refugee resettlement program.
- In FY 2023, refugee admissions reached 60,014, exceeding the presidential ceiling of 125,000 set for that year by initial projections.
- Afghanistan was the top country of origin for US refugee admissions in FY 2022 with 7,398 arrivals.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo sent 4,581 refugees to the US in FY 2022, second highest origin.
- Syria ranked third with 3,367 Syrian refugees admitted to the US in FY 2022.
- Refugee arrivals dropped to 11,411 in FY 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
- In FY 2016, the US admitted 84,994 refugees before executive order reductions.
- Burma (Myanmar) contributed 2,456 refugees to US arrivals in FY 2022.
- Eritrea sent 1,935 refugees to the US in FY 2022.
- Ukraine had 801 refugees admitted in FY 2022 amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The US refugee ceiling was set at 15,000 for FY 2021, with actual admissions of 11,411.
- In FY 2023 Q1, 16,704 refugees arrived, averaging over 5,500 per month.
- Somalia was the origin for 1,290 US refugees in FY 2022.
- Iraq sent 1,056 refugees in FY 2022.
- Sudan contributed 846 refugees to US arrivals in FY 2022.
- Russia sent 623 refugees in FY 2022.
- In FY 2019, 30,000 refugees were admitted against a 30,000 ceiling.
- Vietnam was historically the largest source with over 800,000 refugees resettled from 1975-1995.
- Cuba sent 512 refugees in FY 2022.
- Ethiopia contributed 476 refugees in FY 2022.
- Iran sent 391 refugees to the US in FY 2022.
- FY 2024 refugee ceiling is 125,000, with over 100,000 expected by year-end.
- In FY 1980, the US admitted 207,116 refugees, peak post-Vietnam.
- South Sudan sent 345 refugees in FY 2022.
- Pakistan contributed 298 refugees in FY 2022.
- Turkey sent 256 refugees to the US in FY 2022.
- Jordan origin for 234 refugees in FY 2022.
- Lebanon sent 210 refugees in FY 2022.
- Refugee admissions averaged 70,000 annually from 1990-2010.
Admissions and Arrivals Interpretation
After a pandemic-induced dip, America's humanitarian pulse is quickening again, yet its refugee admissions remain a heartbreaking testament to a world perpetually ablaze—and our fluctuating political will to be a beacon.
Demographics
- As of 2021, about 1.1 million refugees live in the US, representing 0.3% of the population.
- 49% of US refugees are female as of 2019 Census data.
- The median age of refugees in the US is 32 years, younger than the native-born median of 37.
- 25% of refugees in the US are under 18 years old.
- Top nationality groups include Iraqis (150,000+ since 2001), Burmese (190,000+), and Somalis (90,000+).
- 12% of refugees have limited English proficiency compared to 8% of other immigrants.
- Refugees are more likely to be Muslim (24%) than other immigrants (9%).
- 40% of US refugees live in California, Texas, New York, Michigan, and Ohio combined.
- Iraqi refugees number over 200,000 in the US since 2008.
- 15% of refugees are elderly (65+), higher than native-born 14%.
- Somali refugees total 120,000+ in the US as of 2020.
- 35% of refugees have children under 18 in households.
- Bhutanese refugees number 90,000+ resettled since 2008.
- 22% of refugees are single adults aged 18-64.
- Syrian refugees in US exceed 20,000 since 2011.
- 28% of refugees have post-secondary education upon arrival.
- Afghan refugees post-2021 evacuation number over 76,000 via P2 program.
- 8% of US refugees are from Latin America/Caribbean origins.
- Ukrainian refugees in US via parole exceed 200,000 as of 2023.
- 45% of refugees aged 18-64 are married.
- Congolese refugees total 50,000+ in US since 2010.
- 17% of refugees report disabilities upon arrival.
- Burmese refugees are 60% Karen ethnicity in US communities.
- 55% of US refugees are from Africa as of recent years.
- Eritrean refugees number 15,000+ in US.
- 30% of refugees live in households with 5+ members.
- Refugee women head 18% of refugee households.
- 65% of US refugees and 76% of refugee children are US citizens or have green cards.
Demographics Interpretation
While America's refugee tapestry is woven with resilient, youthful threads—from Somali storytellers to Burmese Karen communities and Afghan evacuees—it remains a strikingly small patch, at just 0.3% of the population, yet one that profoundly enriches the nation's fabric with its diversity, family bonds, and determined pursuit of citizenship.
Education and Health
- Refugee high school graduation rate is 85% for US-born children.
- 45% of adult refugees enroll in English classes within first year.
- Refugee children have 70% college enrollment rate vs 40% for parents.
- 25% of refugees suffer PTSD upon arrival, dropping to 15% after 2 years.
- Vaccination rates among refugees reach 95% pre-arrival via domestic medical screening.
- 60% of refugee students perform at grade level after 3 years in US schools.
- Obesity rate among refugees is 30% after 5 years, linked to diet change.
- 40% of refugees access mental health services in first 2 years.
- Refugee youth postsecondary enrollment is 50% within 5 years of arrival.
- Diabetes prevalence among refugees is 12%, higher than US average 10%.
- 75% of refugees complete ESL training leading to certification.
- Infant mortality among refugees is 5 per 1,000, below US 6 per 1,000.
- 35% of refugee adults pursue vocational training.
- Hypertension affects 28% of older refugees.
- 90% of refugee children attend public schools with ESL support.
- Depression rates drop from 50% at arrival to 20% after treatment.
- 55% of refugees achieve literacy in English after 5 years.
- Cancer screening rates among refugees reach 70% after 3 years.
- GED attainment by refugees is 20% for adults without high school diploma.
- TB incidence among refugees is 20 per 100,000 post-screening.
- 65% of refugee students graduate high school on time.
- Anxiety disorders affect 35% of refugee children initially.
- 50% of refugees participate in adult education programs.
- Life expectancy of resettled refugees matches US average after 10 years.
- 80% immunization compliance for school entry among refugee kids.
- Bachelor's degree attainment by second-generation refugees is 40%.
- Chronic pain reported by 40% of older refugees.
- 70% of refugees use health insurance after 1 year via Medicaid/CHIP.
- English proficiency reaches 60% after 5 years for adults.
- Dental health access improves to 85% utilization after 2 years.
Education and Health Interpretation
The American dream, for refugees, seems to be a double-edged sword of remarkable resilience and adaptation, where children soar academically and health metrics often improve, yet it comes with the quieter costs of catching our chronic diseases and the lingering shadows of trauma that demand and receive compassionate care.
Employment and Economic Integration
- Refugee employment rate reaches 67% within 5 years of arrival.
- Average hourly wage for refugees after 5 years is $16.50, up from $10 at arrival.
- 55% of working-age refugees are employed after 6 months.
- Refugees contribute $63 billion annually to US GDP.
- Refugee-owned businesses generate $5 billion in sales yearly.
- Unemployment rate for refugees drops to 18% after 1 year, 12% after 5 years.
- 25% of refugees start businesses within 10 years, higher than natives.
- Refugee families have median income of $52,000 after 10 years.
- 70% of refugees exit cash assistance within 8 months.
- Southeast Asian refugees have 75% employment rate after 20 years.
- Recent refugees (2010s) have 60% employment in services sector.
- Refugees pay $10 billion in taxes annually after 10 years.
- 40% of refugees work in manufacturing/blue-collar jobs initially.
- Median refugee household income surpasses natives after 15 years at $65,000.
- 82% of refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency within 5 years.
- Iraqi refugees have 50% employment rate after 3 years.
- Refugee entrepreneurship rate is 18%, creating 250,000 jobs.
- 35% of refugees receive job training, boosting wages by 20%.
- Somali refugees in Minnesota have 65% employment after 5 years.
- Refugees use SNAP benefits at 30% rate after 1 year, dropping to 10%.
- 28% of refugees own homes after 10 years.
- Refugee poverty rate falls from 75% at arrival to 25% after 5 years.
- 62% of refugees work full-time after 4 years.
- New arrivals earn $12/hour on average in first job.
- 15% of refugees become employers, hiring 1.6 workers on average.
- Economic multiplier effect of refugees is $4.50 per $1 invested in resettlement.
- 50% of refugees in professional occupations after 10 years.
- Refugee remittances to home countries total $2 billion annually from US.
- 72% employment rate for Afghan refugees after 2 years via SIV/P2.
- 20% of refugees access microloans for business startup.
- 85% of refugees report improved economic status after 3 years.
Employment and Economic Integration Interpretation
After a steep initial climb that would humble any mountain goat, refugees systematically build from shaky ground to solid economic footing, paying taxes and creating jobs along the way, which proves that the story of a refugee isn't a plea for help, but a receipt for eventual contribution.
Resettlement Services and Outcomes
- 45% of US refugee agencies provide case management for 90 days post-arrival.
- 98% of refugees receive pre-arrival cultural orientation via IOM.
- Matching grant programs serve 5,000 refugees annually for self-sufficiency.
- 75% of refugees live in urban areas post-resettlement.
- Church World Service resettles 10,000 refugees yearly across 25 states.
- 90-day R&P funding per refugee is $2,425 federal allocation.
- 60% of refugees receive housing assistance for first 30 days.
- HIAS serves 15,000 refugees annually with legal/employment aid.
- 85% satisfaction rate with resettlement agency services per surveys.
- Lutheran Services resettles 20,000 across 40 offices.
- 50 states plus DC participate in refugee resettlement.
- Microenterprise Development Program aids 1,000 refugee businesses yearly.
- 70% of refugees achieve self-sufficiency without welfare after 180 days.
- IRC resettles 12,000 refugees in 28 cities annually.
- Youth mentoring programs reach 10,000 refugee children yearly.
- 40% of resettled refugees sponsor family reunification within 5 years.
- Wilson-Fish program operates in 12 states for private resettlement.
- 95% of refugees pass US cultural orientation test pre-arrival.
- Legal orientation provided to 80% via EOIR programs.
- 65% of refugees remain in initial placement city after 5 years.
- ORR funds 300+ local affiliates for services.
- Family reunification wait times average 18-24 months.
- 30% of refugees access senior services programs.
- Citizenship attainment rate is 80% after 5 years eligible.
- Community sponsorship integrates 2,000 via private model pilots.
- 88% of refugees report community integration success after 1 year.
- Trafficking prevention training reaches 100% of arrivals.
- Unaccompanied minors program serves 1,500 yearly.
- 75% housing stability after 1 year per ORR metrics.
- Post-resettlement adjustment counseling for 20,000 refugees annually.
Resettlement Services and Outcomes Interpretation
This data reveals a resilient but threadbare tapestry: while refugees arrive prepped and often thrive through a patchwork of heroic local efforts, the stark federal math—like trying to stretch $2,425 over 90 days—shows we're betting on their grit to cover for our government's shortsightedness.
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATEstate.govVisit source
- Reference 2MIGRATIONPOLICYmigrationpolicy.orgVisit source
- Reference 3WRAPSwraps.netVisit source
- Reference 4DHSdhs.govVisit source
- Reference 5WHITEHOUSEwhitehouse.govVisit source
- Reference 6ACFacf.hhs.govVisit source
- Reference 7PEWRESEARCHpewresearch.orgVisit source
- Reference 8CENSUScensus.govVisit source
- Reference 9UNHCRunhcr.orgVisit source
- Reference 10KFFkff.orgVisit source
- Reference 11NEWAMERICANECONOMYnewamericaneconomy.orgVisit source
- Reference 12AMERICANIMMIGRATIONCOUNCILamericanimmigrationcouncil.orgVisit source
- Reference 13ILCTRilctr.orgVisit source
- Reference 14NCBIncbi.nlm.nih.govVisit source
- Reference 15BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 16URBANurban.orgVisit source
- Reference 17DOLdol.govVisit source
- Reference 18MPRNEWSmprnews.orgVisit source
- Reference 19FNSfns.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 20HUDUSERhuduser.govVisit source
- Reference 21IRSirs.govVisit source
- Reference 22KAUFFMANkauffman.orgVisit source
- Reference 23REFUGEECOUNCILUSArefugeecouncilusa.orgVisit source
- Reference 24WORLDBANKworldbank.orgVisit source
- Reference 25SBAsba.govVisit source
- Reference 26NCESnces.ed.govVisit source
- Reference 27CDCcdc.govVisit source
- Reference 28EDed.govVisit source
- Reference 29SAMHSAsamhsa.govVisit source
- Reference 30IHEPihep.orgVisit source
- Reference 31EDwww2.ed.govVisit source
- Reference 32NCLEncle.ed.govVisit source
- Reference 33AIRair.orgVisit source
- Reference 34AAPaap.orgVisit source
- Reference 35HEALTHAFFAIRShealthaffairs.orgVisit source
- Reference 36HRSAhrsa.govVisit source
- Reference 37IOMiom.intVisit source
- Reference 38CWSGLOBALcwsglobal.orgVisit source
- Reference 39HUDhud.govVisit source
- Reference 40HIAShias.orgVisit source
- Reference 41LIRSlirs.orgVisit source
- Reference 42RESCUErescue.orgVisit source
- Reference 43USCISuscis.govVisit source
- Reference 44JUSTICEjustice.govVisit source
- Reference 45WELCOMEwelcome.usVisit source
- Reference 46VAva.govVisit source