The coordination of the admission of refugees to the United States is assigned to the Department of State, which works in concert with the other key government organizations, international organizations and non-governmental partners.

U.S. Law allows for the admission of persons of special humanitarian concern who can establish that they have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

Refugees abroad may gain access to USRP through referrals by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or a petition filled by a qualifying family member who resides in the U.S. All refugees are interviewed and approved for resettlement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Once approved for resettlement, refugees destined for resettlement in South Florida are assigned to Youth Co-Op by USCRI. Youth Co-Op staff assist refugees in translating their strengths, skills and past experiences into assets in their new communities. We do this by working closely with community members and refugees’ relatives to ensure that every individual receive a personal welcome, food and shelter, community orientation, and introduction to American systems such as school, medical, legal and other institutions.