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 117 million people that have been displaced from their homes by conflict. Among them are over 43 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?

Each fiscal year, the President of the United States sets a Presidential Determination (PD) for the maximum number of refugees allowed to resettle in our country. The fiscal year runs October 1 - September 30. The FY2026 ceiling was initially set at 7,500 and increased to 17,500 in May 2026. The FY2027 ceiling remains at 17,500, substantially below the FY2025 ceiling of 125,000. In fiscal year 2026, 16,292 refugees arrived in the U.S., and Houston received more than any other U.S. city.

There is no fixed local quota, and future arrivals are difficult to predict. Since January 27, 2025, normal processing of individuals and families referred for resettlement in the United States through traditional pathways has been paused. Some people have arrived through limited exceptions or separate U.S.-directed initiatives.

Houston has a long history of welcoming refugees and remains a major resettlement hub. The city received more than 6,500 refugees in 2022, about 2,600 in 2023, and more than 5,000 in 2024. Houston Welcomes Refugees continues to serve recent arrivals, including refugees who arrived in the United States within the past five years.

+ Where are refugees coming from?

Houston welcomes refugees from many countries. In our history, HWR has served refugees and other eligible newcomers from more than 40 countries. Over the past five years, the largest groups served have come from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Venezuela, and South Africa.

+ Is it safe to have refugees in Houston?

The process for individuals to gain refugee status in the United States is an extensive one. 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 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.

+ What are your warehouse office hours?

The nature of our work with refugees means we aren't always at the warehouse or in the office. Generally, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays between 9 AM and 12 PM we have staff at the warehouse. These times are for scheduled kit drop-offs or planned deliveries. If you want to coordinate a visit, please contact info@houstonwelcomesrefugees.com.