How does the refugee resettlement process work?
The refugee resettlement process usually proceeds according to the steps outlined below, with the exception of a few newly established special circumstances in which Iraqis can bypass UNHCR. For a more detailed explanation of the resettlement process, click here. 1) Iraqi leaves Iraq to qualify for refugee status. 2) Iraqi registers as a refugee with UNHCR. 3) Iraqi undergoes 3 interviews with UNHCR over period of many months. 4) Iraqis recommended by UNHCR go on to interview with US State Department. 5) Iraqis cleared by State go on to interview with Homeland Security. 6) Iraqis cleared by DHS wait for bureaucracy to okay IOM to administer ticket. 7) Iraqi receives flight ticket from IOM and flies to the United States. 8) Iraqi case outsourced to local NGO to administer minimal refugee assistance. 9) After 6 months, Iraqi begins paying back cost of the flight ticket to IOM.
