Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is a refugee?

Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home country and who are unable to return because they are at risk for persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This definition also sometimes includes people fleeing war or other armed conflict.

People become refugees when they cross country borders. They are displaced (or Internally Displaced Persons) when forced to flee their homes but remain within their own country. There are currently over 79 million people that have been displaced from their homes by conflict. Among them are over 26 million refugees.

Asylum seekers are also seeking international protection from dangers in their home country, but they must apply for protection in the country of destination - meaning they must arrive at or cross a border in order to apply.

The term immigrant is used to describe someone who willfully traveled to another country possibly for work, school, or other.

The arrivals served by houston welcomes refugees have been granted refugee status.

+ How many refugees are coming to Houston?

The quota is determined every year by the local resettlement agencies and the federal government. The arrival of refugees is spread throughout the year with new families arriving every week.

In 2016 and 2017, Houston received between two and three thousand refugees per year. In 2018 and 2019, Houston received about one thousand refugees per year. In 2020, Houston received about six hundred and fifty refugees. In 2021, Houston received about five thousand refugees!

+ Where are refugees coming from?

Houston welcomes refugees from many nations. In the past few years, the majority of refugees to Houston are arriving from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar (Burma), and Iraq.

*Afghan and Iraqi arrivals are primarily Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders who aided U.S. forces and did so at great risk to their lives and families.

+ Is it safe to have refugees in Houston?

The process for individuals to gain refugee status in the United States is an extensive one. Worldwide, the average processing time once someone has applied for refugee status is 18 to 24 months. Every refugee admitted into the United States undergoes a thorough screening process led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the Department of Defense and the FBI prior to arrival in the U.S. Any person that has participated in war crimes or violations of humanitarian and human rights law, including the crime of terrorism, will not be given refugee status by the United States.

While this is a question worth asking, it’s important to remember that fear is never a more pragmatic response than love. Sometimes we allow ourselves to be so afraid of things we don’t even know are happening. Hope can be restored in the lives of many if we choose to allow perfect love to cast out all fear.

+ Are refugees automatically American citizens?

The status for refugees lasts for 12 months. During that time, they’re expected to work while becoming self-sufficient after six months. After the first year, refugees are required to adjust their status to that of Lawful Permanent Resident. They can then apply for citizenship after having been a resident in the United States for five years.

Refugees have the freedom to move anywhere in the United States as soon as they arrive.

+ What's the easiest way to get involved?

Welcome Kits are filled with essential items that refugees need to rebuild their lives and are a simple way to be a part of welcoming refugees to Houston. Get more information by emailing info@houstonwelcomesrefugees.com.

+ Are children allowed to serve?

We invite kids of all ages to serve! Whether it’s putting together a Welcome Kit, serving on a Move-In Team, or serving on a Welcome Team, we love teaching kids about God’s heart for welcoming the stranger. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

+ Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes! houston welcomes refugees is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You’ll receive a donation receipt when making a financial contribution or when donating Welcome Kits.