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
1In fiscal year 2022, the United States admitted 25,465 refugees, marking the highest number since 2016.
Verified2From 1980 to 2022, the US has resettled over 3.4 million refugees through the federal refugee resettlement program.
Verified3In FY 2023, refugee admissions reached 60,014, exceeding the presidential ceiling of 125,000 set for that year by initial projections.
Verified4Afghanistan was the top country of origin for US refugee admissions in FY 2022 with 7,398 arrivals.
Directional5The Democratic Republic of Congo sent 4,581 refugees to the US in FY 2022, second highest origin.
Single source6Syria ranked third with 3,367 Syrian refugees admitted to the US in FY 2022.
Verified7Refugee arrivals dropped to 11,411 in FY 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Verified8In FY 2016, the US admitted 84,994 refugees before executive order reductions.
Verified9Burma (Myanmar) contributed 2,456 refugees to US arrivals in FY 2022.
Directional10Eritrea sent 1,935 refugees to the US in FY 2022.
Single source11Ukraine had 801 refugees admitted in FY 2022 amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Verified12The US refugee ceiling was set at 15,000 for FY 2021, with actual admissions of 11,411.
Verified13In FY 2023 Q1, 16,704 refugees arrived, averaging over 5,500 per month.
Verified14Somalia was the origin for 1,290 US refugees in FY 2022.
Directional15Iraq sent 1,056 refugees in FY 2022.
Single source16Sudan contributed 846 refugees to US arrivals in FY 2022.
Verified17Russia sent 623 refugees in FY 2022.
Verified18In FY 2019, 30,000 refugees were admitted against a 30,000 ceiling.
Verified19Vietnam was historically the largest source with over 800,000 refugees resettled from 1975-1995.
Directional20Cuba sent 512 refugees in FY 2022.
Single source21Ethiopia contributed 476 refugees in FY 2022.
Verified22Iran sent 391 refugees to the US in FY 2022.
Verified23FY 2024 refugee ceiling is 125,000, with over 100,000 expected by year-end.
Verified24In FY 1980, the US admitted 207,116 refugees, peak post-Vietnam.
Directional25South Sudan sent 345 refugees in FY 2022.
Single source26Pakistan contributed 298 refugees in FY 2022.
Verified27Turkey sent 256 refugees to the US in FY 2022.
Verified28Jordan origin for 234 refugees in FY 2022.
Verified29Lebanon sent 210 refugees in FY 2022.
Directional30Refugee admissions averaged 70,000 annually from 1990-2010.
Single sourceAdmissions 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
1As of 2021, about 1.1 million refugees live in the US, representing 0.3% of the population.
Verified249% of US refugees are female as of 2019 Census data.
Verified3The median age of refugees in the US is 32 years, younger than the native-born median of 37.
Verified425% of refugees in the US are under 18 years old.
Directional5Top nationality groups include Iraqis (150,000+ since 2001), Burmese (190,000+), and Somalis (90,000+).
Single source612% of refugees have limited English proficiency compared to 8% of other immigrants.
Verified7Refugees are more likely to be Muslim (24%) than other immigrants (9%).
Verified840% of US refugees live in California, Texas, New York, Michigan, and Ohio combined.
Verified9Iraqi refugees number over 200,000 in the US since 2008.
Directional1015% of refugees are elderly (65+), higher than native-born 14%.
Single source11Somali refugees total 120,000+ in the US as of 2020.
Verified1235% of refugees have children under 18 in households.
Verified13Bhutanese refugees number 90,000+ resettled since 2008.
Verified1422% of refugees are single adults aged 18-64.
Directional15Syrian refugees in US exceed 20,000 since 2011.
Single source1628% of refugees have post-secondary education upon arrival.
Verified17Afghan refugees post-2021 evacuation number over 76,000 via P2 program.
Verified188% of US refugees are from Latin America/Caribbean origins.
Verified19Ukrainian refugees in US via parole exceed 200,000 as of 2023.
Directional2045% of refugees aged 18-64 are married.
Single source21Congolese refugees total 50,000+ in US since 2010.
Verified2217% of refugees report disabilities upon arrival.
Verified23Burmese refugees are 60% Karen ethnicity in US communities.
Verified2455% of US refugees are from Africa as of recent years.
Directional25Eritrean refugees number 15,000+ in US.
Single source2630% of refugees live in households with 5+ members.
Verified27Refugee women head 18% of refugee households.
Verified2865% of US refugees and 76% of refugee children are US citizens or have green cards.
VerifiedDemographics 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
1Refugee high school graduation rate is 85% for US-born children.
Verified245% of adult refugees enroll in English classes within first year.
Verified3Refugee children have 70% college enrollment rate vs 40% for parents.
Verified425% of refugees suffer PTSD upon arrival, dropping to 15% after 2 years.
Directional5Vaccination rates among refugees reach 95% pre-arrival via domestic medical screening.
Single source660% of refugee students perform at grade level after 3 years in US schools.
Verified7Obesity rate among refugees is 30% after 5 years, linked to diet change.
Verified840% of refugees access mental health services in first 2 years.
Verified9Refugee youth postsecondary enrollment is 50% within 5 years of arrival.
Directional10Diabetes prevalence among refugees is 12%, higher than US average 10%.
Single source1175% of refugees complete ESL training leading to certification.
Verified12Infant mortality among refugees is 5 per 1,000, below US 6 per 1,000.
Verified1335% of refugee adults pursue vocational training.
Verified14Hypertension affects 28% of older refugees.
Directional1590% of refugee children attend public schools with ESL support.
Single source16Depression rates drop from 50% at arrival to 20% after treatment.
Verified1755% of refugees achieve literacy in English after 5 years.
Verified18Cancer screening rates among refugees reach 70% after 3 years.
Verified19GED attainment by refugees is 20% for adults without high school diploma.
Directional20TB incidence among refugees is 20 per 100,000 post-screening.
Single source2165% of refugee students graduate high school on time.
Verified22Anxiety disorders affect 35% of refugee children initially.
Verified2350% of refugees participate in adult education programs.
Verified24Life expectancy of resettled refugees matches US average after 10 years.
Directional2580% immunization compliance for school entry among refugee kids.
Single source26Bachelor's degree attainment by second-generation refugees is 40%.
Verified27Chronic pain reported by 40% of older refugees.
Verified2870% of refugees use health insurance after 1 year via Medicaid/CHIP.
Verified29English proficiency reaches 60% after 5 years for adults.
Directional30Dental health access improves to 85% utilization after 2 years.
Single sourceEducation 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
1Refugee employment rate reaches 67% within 5 years of arrival.
Verified2Average hourly wage for refugees after 5 years is $16.50, up from $10 at arrival.
Verified355% of working-age refugees are employed after 6 months.
Verified4Refugees contribute $63 billion annually to US GDP.
Directional5Refugee-owned businesses generate $5 billion in sales yearly.
Single source6Unemployment rate for refugees drops to 18% after 1 year, 12% after 5 years.
Verified725% of refugees start businesses within 10 years, higher than natives.
Verified8Refugee families have median income of $52,000 after 10 years.
Verified970% of refugees exit cash assistance within 8 months.
Directional10Southeast Asian refugees have 75% employment rate after 20 years.
Single source11Recent refugees (2010s) have 60% employment in services sector.
Verified12Refugees pay $10 billion in taxes annually after 10 years.
Verified1340% of refugees work in manufacturing/blue-collar jobs initially.
Verified14Median refugee household income surpasses natives after 15 years at $65,000.
Directional1582% of refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency within 5 years.
Single source16Iraqi refugees have 50% employment rate after 3 years.
Verified17Refugee entrepreneurship rate is 18%, creating 250,000 jobs.
Verified1835% of refugees receive job training, boosting wages by 20%.
Verified19Somali refugees in Minnesota have 65% employment after 5 years.
Directional20Refugees use SNAP benefits at 30% rate after 1 year, dropping to 10%.
Single source2128% of refugees own homes after 10 years.
Verified22Refugee poverty rate falls from 75% at arrival to 25% after 5 years.
Verified2362% of refugees work full-time after 4 years.
Verified24New arrivals earn $12/hour on average in first job.
Directional2515% of refugees become employers, hiring 1.6 workers on average.
Single source26Economic multiplier effect of refugees is $4.50 per $1 invested in resettlement.
Verified2750% of refugees in professional occupations after 10 years.
Verified28Refugee remittances to home countries total $2 billion annually from US.
Verified2972% employment rate for Afghan refugees after 2 years via SIV/P2.
Directional3020% of refugees access microloans for business startup.
Single source3185% of refugees report improved economic status after 3 years.
VerifiedEmployment 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
145% of US refugee agencies provide case management for 90 days post-arrival.
Verified298% of refugees receive pre-arrival cultural orientation via IOM.
Verified3Matching grant programs serve 5,000 refugees annually for self-sufficiency.
Verified475% of refugees live in urban areas post-resettlement.
Directional5Church World Service resettles 10,000 refugees yearly across 25 states.
Single source690-day R&P funding per refugee is $2,425 federal allocation.
Verified760% of refugees receive housing assistance for first 30 days.
Verified8HIAS serves 15,000 refugees annually with legal/employment aid.
Verified985% satisfaction rate with resettlement agency services per surveys.
Directional10Lutheran Services resettles 20,000 across 40 offices.
Single source1150 states plus DC participate in refugee resettlement.
Verified12Microenterprise Development Program aids 1,000 refugee businesses yearly.
Verified1370% of refugees achieve self-sufficiency without welfare after 180 days.
Verified14IRC resettles 12,000 refugees in 28 cities annually.
Directional15Youth mentoring programs reach 10,000 refugee children yearly.
Single source1640% of resettled refugees sponsor family reunification within 5 years.
Verified17Wilson-Fish program operates in 12 states for private resettlement.
Verified1895% of refugees pass US cultural orientation test pre-arrival.
Verified19Legal orientation provided to 80% via EOIR programs.
Directional2065% of refugees remain in initial placement city after 5 years.
Single source21ORR funds 300+ local affiliates for services.
Verified22Family reunification wait times average 18-24 months.
Verified2330% of refugees access senior services programs.
Verified24Citizenship attainment rate is 80% after 5 years eligible.
Directional25Community sponsorship integrates 2,000 via private model pilots.
Single source2688% of refugees report community integration success after 1 year.
Verified27Trafficking prevention training reaches 100% of arrivals.
Verified28Unaccompanied minors program serves 1,500 yearly.
Verified2975% housing stability after 1 year per ORR metrics.
Directional30Post-resettlement adjustment counseling for 20,000 refugees annually.
Single sourceResettlement 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.
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