FACT SHEET ON THE U.S. RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM
• The Government of Nepal has agreed to allow third-country resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal with the understanding that the U.S. Government will continue to advocate for the refugee's right of return to their homeland.
• The U.S. refugee resettlement program is but one part of our overall effort to provide assistance to refugees and displaced persons around the world. Our purpose is humanitarian.
• The United States works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and host governments to resettle persons who cannot return home. Although refugees may express interest in resettlement, it is up to UNHCR to determine if resettlement is appropriate and, if so, the resettlement country to which refugees will be referred. Each resettlement country determines which refugees meet the requirements of their resettlement programs.
• Persons are approved for refugee admission to the U.S. based on the strength of their refugee claims and need for resettlement, not on qualities such as job skills or education. There is no guarantee that a resettlement application will be approved. Each case is individually interviewed by U.S. immigration authorities.
• Our program offers resettlement to all kinds of refugees; able-bodied and handicapped, healthy and ill, old and young. We do not believe resettlement in the United States is the solution for every Bhutanese refugee, and only those who freely choose resettlement in the United States would be considered.
• The United States is committed to consider for resettlement as many Bhutanese refugees in Nepal as express interest. We are not yet ready to begin interviews, but even now it is important to understand that resettlement processing takes time. It could take six months or more from the time the family has its first U.S. interview before actual travel to the United States. Once the U.S. resettlement program begins, it will operate for at least five years, depending on how many Bhutanese refugees express interest.
• Immediate families approved for U.S. resettlement are kept together. During resettlement processing, applicants are asked about other refugee relatives so that they might be resettled together, or if not, in cities near one another. Refugees are resettled in both urban and rural locations throughout the United States.
• Approved refugees are offered a brief class on American society and culture before they leave for the United States. They also undergo medical screening, and will be treated for any communicable diseases, such as TB, prior to departure.
• Each refugee is sponsored by a non-governmental organization in the United States that provides initial housing, basic furniture, food and clothing to help refugees when they first arrive. These organizations also help refugees find jobs and English classes, and enroll their children in school. Refugees can receive cash and medical assistance from the government for a limited period when they first arrive in the United States, but must find work quickly so that they can support themselves and their families.
• After one year in the United States, refugees may apply for permanent residence, and after five years, U.S. citizenship. Resettled refugees will be able to travel internationally, including to Bhutan when conditions there permit.
• If referred to the U.S. program, there is no fee or charge for applicants. Applying to this program is voluntary.
• Additional information will be provided to the refugee community in the coming months.
(This information has been intimated to the Government of Nepal.)