A refugee is a person who enters a foreign country for refuge from persecution or war. North America takes in a set amount of refugees every year who have access to certain resources thanks to their refugee status. Politicians and citizens often debate how many refugees should be welcomed into the US, with some people wanting to welcome them all while others want to minimize the expense. In order to properly take a stance, it's a good idea to learn the current situation.
How many refugees are allowed in America each year?
America welcomed 25,465 refugees into the country in 2022. This is an increase from 2021 when 11,411 refugees entered the country. Numbers were down in 2021 as a result of the recent pandemic. While the increase may mark the beginning of an upward trend, it's far from the 132,531 refugees who arrived in 1992 under Clinton. In all, the US has opened its borders to more than 3,000,000 refugees since 1980. However, not all refugees stay. In 2021, 340,846 refugees resided in America. There are refugees in each of the 50 states.
Where are most refugees from?
The United States accepts refugees from a wide number of countries, depending on the political landscape at that time. In 2017, most of the refugees came from China, El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala. However, there was likely an increase in the amount of Ukrainians or Russians on the list due to the active battle between the two countries. Countries going through war often seek asylum from violence, especially when civilians become targets. The US will also accept refugees seeking to escape an oppressive regime, such as the Taliban or communist China.
How much does the U.S. spend on refugee programs?
American taxpayers contribute $1.8 billion every year toward refugee benefits. While that may sound like a lot of money, it's a very small percentage of the more than $3 trillion annual budget. These programs provide housing for refugees upon arrival into the United States. They also have access to education and vocational training so that they can provide a household for themselves and their family in America after a couple of years.
Refugees pay taxes on the income they make after they arrive in America.
Refugees need help. However, the government can't take on the financial burden without assistance. Look into local charities or refugee assistance programs that can use your time or resources to transform the lives of more refugees.
