source photo: The Guardian
By Gloriose Ntirenganya
The resettlement of refugees in the USA
In the history of the United States which led the world to the refugee resettlement, the number of immigrants has dropped dramatically under former President Trump rule, whose administration imposed stringent procedures and reduced the number of refugees accepted annually as records show. In 2018 the United States fell behind Canada as the top resettlement country. Furthermore, in the fiscal year 2020, the United States resettled fewer than 12 000 refugees admitted in the United States.
President Joe Biden administration has pledged to reverse this Trump rule, is determined to rise into the United States these fiscal years, after facing widespread criticism from rights groups and members of his democratic party for initially planning to delay the move.
The Biden administration plans to increase to 62 500 the limit for refugees' resettlements which goes well over the historically low figure of 15 000 set by the Trump administration. Biden pledged 125 000 resettlement places in 2022. This decision to increase the number of refugees was taken in May 2021.
The order will allow the entry in the US of more refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Central America and lift Trump’s restrictions on resettlements for refugees from Somalia, Syria and Yemen. However the slow places of reviving the resettlement system and other challenges in the Covid19.
The Donald Trump administration refused refugees from Syria in the resettlement program in USA forever. The former President administration believed that terrorists can hide among them. President Barack Obama administration raised refugees goal to 110 000 from around the world including in particular the Syrian refugees.
Resettlement needs
In the US, the resettlement system is based under the refugee Act of 1980.
Under this statute, the Us administration must present annually a report to congress on its refugee resettlement plan and engage in a discussion with US lawmakers. The President then takes their feedback into consideration and signs an order called Presidential Determination that puts it into effect.
Refugees in the Unites State of America
Refugees must apply for a green card one year after being admitted to the United States. Asylees become eligible to adjust to the Lawful Permanent Resident status (LPRs) after one year of residence but are not required to do so. As LPRs, refugees and asylees are eligible to receive federal student financial aid, join certain branches of the US Armed forces, and return from international travel without a US entry Visa. They generally may also apply for US citizenship five years after being admitted.
Sources: Aljazeera news