Outlines the conditions and expectations for resettlement to the United States as offered to Bhutanese refugees living in Nepali camps. The government of Nepal agreed to allow U.S. resettlement on the condition that repatriation to Bhutan will also be pursued. The resettlement process is coordinated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and is available to Bhutanese refugees who express an interest and meet the requirements of the program. Each applicant is individually reviewed in a process taking as much as six months by U.S. immigration authorities who base their approval on the strength of the applicant’s refugee claims and resettlement need, not on job skills or education. Upon arrival, nongovernmental agencies will help refugees find housing, basic furniture, food, clothing, employment, English language classes, and schools for children. Government stipends and medical assistance will be available for a limited time, but independent financial support is mandatory. After one year, permanent residency applications can be submitted and after five years of residence, permanent citizenship can be obtained.
