The United States has a long history of welcoming refugees fleeing persecution, conflict, and violence. Since the establishment of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in 1980, the U.S. has welcomed more than 3 million refugee children and youth under the age of 18. According to the U.S. State Department, the United States has resettled 70,000 refugees on average every year. Between 2012 and 2024, the U.S. welcomed refugees from over 140 countries around the world.  

It’s important for refugee and newcomer youth-serving providers to recognize that newcomers’ home countries are made up of many diverse communities. Children and youth from the same country may have different ethnic identities, languages, religions, cultural traditions, and lived experiences that shape their perspectives and needs.  Understanding these differences can help staff provide more culturally responsive, trauma-informed services and support. 

Explore the resources in this section to learn more about the primary countries of origin of refugees resettled in the U.S., including information on their histories of conflict and forced displacement, as well as culture.