The dynamic trend of refugee admission in the United States (2012 to 2024)

Key takeaways:

  • From 2012 to 2024, the refugee population in the United States increased by approximately 66%, growing from 262,006 to 435,333.
  • The overall trend indicates steady growth in the number of refugees in America, despite a brief period of stabilisation during 2020-2021.
  • The years from 2022 to 2024 demonstrate a significant rise, with annual totals increasing by more than 72,000 refugees during this time frame.
  • The figure for 2024, at 435,333 refugees, represents the highest number of refugees recorded from 2012 to 2024.

In 2012, the United States granted refuge to 262,006 individuals under the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The early years showed modest increases, with the number growing to 267,214 by 2014. By 2017, the refugee count rose to 287,135, reflecting a 9.9% increase from 2012.

 

A significant shift occurred between 2017 and 2019 when the refugee population under UNHCR's mandate increased substantially to 341,715. The period of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) recorded a slight decline in the number of refugees, with numbers stabilising around 340,000. However, this decline was temporary as 2022 and 2023 recorded an increase of about 70,000 combined. The refugee population reached 435,333 by the end of 2024, the highest number recorded in the United States from 2012 to 2024.

Source:

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Period:

2012-2024
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