Individuals seeking refuge in the United States must receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for consideration as a refugee.

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the referral criteria priorities currently in use is as follows:

• Priority 1: Cases that are identified and referred to the program by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a United States Embassy, or a designated non-governmental organization (NGO).
• Priority 2: Groups of special humanitarian concern identified by the U.S. refugee program.
• Priority 3: Family reunification cases (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of persons lawfully admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees or permanent residents (green card holders) or U.S. citizens who previously had refugee or asylum status). For information on the current nationalities eligible for Priority 3 processing, see the U.S. Department of State page.

Refugees must generally be outside their country of origin, but the USRAP can process some individuals in their home countries if authorized by the President.

If a refugee receives a referral, you will receive assistance in filling out your application and then an interview will take place abroad by a USCIS officer who will decide whether you are eligible for refugee resettlement.

A specially-trained USCIS officer conducting the interview will determine your eligibility. Refugee status is determined on a case-by-case basis.

People come to the United States seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or fear they will suffer because of race, religion, nationality, participating in a social group or their political views.

The Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, is the application to apply for Asylum. If you are eligible for Asylum you may be permitted to remain in the U.S., file form I-589, within one year of your arrival to the U.S. There is no fee for Asylum applicants.
Your spouse and children in the U.S. may be included on your application at the time you file form I-589 or any time until a final decision is made on application. Children must be under 21 and unmarried.

You can find more information about the Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal at USCIS.

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