LSS Refugee Services:
Refugee Myths and Facts
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Myth: Refugees can return to their home countries at any time.
Fact: Refugees have fled persecution in their home countries. Prior to arriving in the United States, all refugees have proven to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that they qualify to come to the Unites States as refugees. Therefore, they meet the definition of a refugee: someone who cannot return home due to a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Myth: Refugees bring diseases into the United States.
Fact: Refugees are medically screened by health care professionals prior to their arrival in the United States. During this screening process, refugees receive medical attention for any conditions they may have and for any conditions that may constitute a public health concern. A refugee may only travel to the United States after receiving a medical clearance. Upon arrival, refugees continue to receive medical assistance, including any immunizations and follow-up attention as needed.
Myth: Refugees come to the United States, live on public assistance, and take our jobs.
Fact: The vast majority of refugees want to become employed as soon as possible upon their arrival in the United States. Refugees work hard, pay taxes, and seek the American Dream. Refugees have strong family values and revitalize cities and communities. Refugees enrich neighborhoods and communities around the nation by their cultural diversity and desire to work hard in a nation that has given them a new life. Refugees often take jobs in sectors in need of unskilled labor, such as the food industry, factories, warehouses, and factories. Refugees, by doing so, have a positive impact on the American economy.
Myth: Refugees are a security threat to the United States, particularly after the events of September, 2001.
Fact: All refugees are required to receive stringent security clearances by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Refugees are the most scrutinized of all immigrants in the United States, often waiting for years to receive these security clearances. Upon arrival in the United States, refugees embrace their new country and feel a special gratitude towards America for giving them a new start on life.
