U.S. Refugee Policy

Derek Cowart Juliann Tang

Nargis Sheerazie Roberto Lorenzo

CarriedoJunko Oyama

Definitions● Refugee: any person who is outside any country of such person's

nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided, and who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

● Asylee: Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals in the United States who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Background● In 1940’s, World War II- the admissions of 250,000 Europeans+

additional 400,000 admissions● In 1950’s, Communist regimes- refugees from Hungary, Yugoslavia,

Korea, China, and Cuba● In 1970’s, the fall of Saigon- South Asian refugees● Cold war

● “Refugee Act of 1980” Provided a consistent and systematic procedure for admissions and resettlement of refugees

The Federal Refugee Resettlement Program Administered by the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration

Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the Department of Homeland Security

What’s Happened…?(2005-Present)2005:

- REAL ID Act- Border Protection,

Anti-Terrorism, Illegal Immigration Control

2006: - Compromise Immigration

Reform Act- Tightening of refugee

admission

Iraqi Refugee Crisis (2007)Background

United States first reached out to the Iraqis in 1970s. However, the promises made are no longer being kept.

2007- 4 million Iraqi refugees from Iraq and other countries such as Syria and

Jordan.- Spillover has caused…

1. Destabilization to the neighbors2. The Iraqi War into a regional conflict

As a result…- largely influences to the United States and Middle East.

- September 11th attacks: Only 700 were able to resettle out of the promised 37,000 because of security reasons

Conclusion- Refugee resettlement is one of the areas in which the US

government fails to consistently address- Since 1980, refugee policy has been scarce and limited,

and almost entirely unsuccessful. - When United States, as a leader in refugee policy, reduces

their admissions level, other countries do the same.