The U.S. resettles the largest number of refugees globally.
But after the September 11, 2001, attacks against the U.S., refugee admissions
dropped to the lowest level since the program began in 1980. In 2003, the U.S.
resettled only 28,422 refugees of the 70,000 authorized for admission that
year. Somali Bantu and Hmong are two large populations of refugees the U.S.
is currently resettling.
Somali Bantu arriving in Kakuma refugee camp from Dadaab camp during an October 2002 visit to Kenya by CWS-IRP affiliate staff, one of whom looks on.
Photo: Craig Thoresen/LSMS