Is the Refugee Process Too Difficult? Not Difficult Enough? Just Right?

May 12, 2016

By Aliceson L.
The process of getting into the U.S. as a refugee, is long and strenuous. There are
various, complex steps the refugee has to take in order to be placed somewhere else. This is
why it will eliminate any chance a terrorist will make it to the U.S. by using the refugee program.
But because the process is so careful, it delays the time of resettlement for the people who
need to leave because of the situation their home country is in. I believe the process isnt too
difficult but very long instead, if the U.S. finds no red flags they are resettled. Refugees are
faced with the highest level of security checks of any traveler who is trying to enter the U.S. If
the U.S. Government have any security concerns with the individual, the process often ends
here, but if not it continues. I think the security checks and the collection of the biodata are
necessary because this eliminates any risk or danger that may happen. The security check is
repeated whenever new information pops up and that lengthens the process time, but it
provides more security. If the applicant shows no flags they are often put forward. The case is
often refugees wanting to, or having to, leave their home because they are placed in harmful
situations. These harmful situations, often noted as persecution, cause them to seek protection
within the U.S. either as an asylee or a refugee. In order for it to count as persecution, you have
to show the harm, or the fear you will face if you return. This is the U.Ss first priority, individuals
facing persecution are referred to the United States by UNHCR, or the individuals are identified
by the U.S. embassy or non-governmental organization. They perform the initial assessment,
which includes collecting their biodata and their biometrics, if they are from Syria or the middleeast. Only applicants who are seen as firm candidates for resettlement are put forward, which is
usually less than 1% of the refugee population. Although the percent is small, the amount of
refugees in the world are overbearing. According to the UNHCR, there were over 14.4 million
refugees by the end of 2014, and by the end of 2015, there were over 4.2 million Syrian
refugees. The President and the congress decides each year how many refugees they will take
in, and for 2016, the proposed number is 85,000. By the end of 2015, the amount of refugees
are equal to the ceiling amount, unlike in 2009 where the ceiling number was higher but they
didnt accept as much as the U.S. claimed they would. With over 14 million refugees, the
number the U.S. will take in is limited. The Department of State says the process can be as long
as 18-24 months to complete. But these issues have improved in recent years, and in 2014, the
Obama administration has mentioned interagency coordination and processing procedures as
one reason there has been an increase in admissions. Although I do believe the U.S.
resettlement program is tremendously long, the changes are hopefully being made to help those
who really need it. But the process needs to be cautious so they can safely resettle the refugee,
and provide a better life for them here.