The U.S. Refugee Program is a public/private partnership. After the U.S. State Department arranges for the safe travel of refugees, they are assisted by local resettlement agencies and refugee service providers. The State Department provides limited funds to these agencies to set up housing, look for jobs, rally private community support, and help refugees fit into their new country. 

The North Carolina Division of Social Services (DSS) also provides refugee public assistance (federally funded) through medical and cash assistance. Refugees are eligible for up to eight months after arrival in the country, and eligibility criteria parallel the state’s Medicaid and welfare programs. Applications are made at the local DSS office. 

The United States limits the number of refugees accepted for resettlement each year. Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte resettles between 300 and 350 refugees annually. Since 1975, the agency has resettled approximately 15,000 refugees representing 27 nationalities. 

Learn more about the security screening and background checks required by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the refugee resettlement process.