Definition

A refugee is a person outside their country of nationality who is unable or unwilling to return owing to a well‑founded fear of persecution on protected grounds (INA section 101(a)(42)). Admitted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP).

Rights

• Live and work anywhere in the United States upon arrival; employment authorisation is incident to status (no fee).
• Apply for a Social Security number immediately.
• Receive time‑limited resettlement assistance and certain federal benefits.
• Travel abroad with a Refugee Travel Document (Form I‑131) – do not use home‑country passport.

Obligations & Restrictions

• Must apply to adjust to LPR after one full year of physical presence (INA section 209(a)).
• Must notify USCIS of address changes (Form AR‑11).
• Must pay U.S. taxes; obey federal, state, and local laws.
• Must avoid voluntary re‑availment of protection of the home country, which could lead to termination.
• Cannot vote in any federal election, serve on juries, or claim certain federal benefits beyond resettlement aid.

Key Paperwork