Policy
ORR proposes and implements national policy for the refugee resettlement program. We work continually to navigate the growing and challenging mandates of programs that serve many diverse communities. We work with our partners to identify emerging issues, draft regulations, policies and guidance, and respond to legislative, policy, and Congressional inquiries.
You can search policy resources by keywords, types, or the following topics:
ORR’s previously issued State Letters will remain in a State Letter format but can be found under these new document categories.
View ORR’s federal guidance and legislative authority.
Unaccompanied Children’s Program Policies
ORR Policy Guide: Children Entering the United States Unaccompanied describes policies for the placement, timely release and care of unaccompanied children in ORR custody.
The Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) Program Policy Guide describes policies for refugees and other eligible youth in specialized foster care.
Benefits
SNAP Work Requirements and Participation in Office of Refugee Resettlement Training Programs
Published: July 15, 2016Policy Letter 16-08: SNAP Work Requirements and Participation in Office of Refugee Resettlement Training ProgramsCategories of Guidance and Informational Documents Released by ORR
Published: November 19, 2015ORR explains new categories of guidance and informational documents issued to stakeholders and the public.Documentation Requirements for The Refugee Resettlement Program
Published: October 7, 2015ORR announces a new Documentation Guide that outlines: (1) the statuses and documents that confer eligibility for Refugee Resettlement Program benefits; (2) the
Cuban Parolee and non-Cuban Spouse or non-Cuban Child: Spouse and Child Not Eligible for ORR Benefits and Services
Published: October 19, 2007Stipulates that non-Cuban spouses and children are not eligible for ORR benefits and services unless they have another status qualifying them for ORRStatus and Documentation Requirements for The Federal Refugee Resettlement Program
Published: October 17, 2000ORR asks agencies to use the process outlined in this State Letter to determine eligibility for Refugee Resettlement Program benefits.In-Country Refugee/Parole Program for Children in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras with Parents Lawfully Present in the United States – Eligibility for ORR Benefits and Services
Published: January 7, 2015ORR discusses the Central American Minors Program or CAM program and explains the eligibility for ORR benefits and services of children entering the U.S. under
Employment
Guidance on Refugee Social Services Funding
Published: June 24, 2016Policy Letter 16-07: Guidance on Refugee Social Services FundingLGBT Resources and Information
Published: June 18, 2015ORR issues this State Letter in recognition of LGBT Pride Month and provides resources and information.Financial Capability Awareness: Information, Resources and Partnership Opportunities
Published: May 1, 2015Financial Capability Awareness: Information, Resources and Partnership Opportunities
Employment Eligibility Requirements for Asylees, Refugees, and other Populations Served by ORR
Published: March 26, 2014ORR advises refugees and the agencies that serve them about employment eligibility requirements how to take action if a work-authorized individual encountersORR Employment Outcomes: Refugee as Employee and Refugee as Self-Employed
Published: July 27, 2007Clarifies the meaning of employment to assist Refugee Service Providers to correctly report successful refugee employment outcomes.LGBT Resources and Information
Published: June 18, 2015ORR issues this State Letter in recognition of LGBT Pride Month and provides resources and information.
Health and Medical
The Role of Refugee Health Coordinators
Published: June 6, 2016The Role of Refugee Health Coordinators: Policy Letter 16-05ACA Reporting Requirements for RMA
Published: February 1, 2016Policy Letter 16-04: ACA Reporting Requirements for RMAExtension of the Waiver of RMA Financial Eligibility Standards
Published: October 2, 2015ORR is extending the waiver provided in State Letter #13-09.
Medical Assistance in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program
Published: January 29, 2015ORR provides guidance to States regarding regulations governing medical assistance for participants in the URM Program.Revised Medical Screening Guidelines for Newly Arriving Refugees
Published: July 29, 2013ORR seeks to provide States with guidance and an instrument with which to review their medical screening programs.Expansion of Medicaid Eligibility under the Affordable Care Act and Compliance with ORR Regulations at 45 CFR 400.101
Published: December 6, 2013In those states where Medicaid is being expanded, States shall make every effort to re-determine eligibility of refugees and transition refugees from RMA to
Unaccompanied Children and Youth
Documentation Requirements for The Refugee Resettlement Program
Published: October 7, 2015ORR announces a new Documentation Guide that outlines: (1) the statuses and documents that confer eligibility for Refugee Resettlement Program benefits; (2) theMedical Assistance in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program
Published: January 29, 2015ORR provides guidance to States regarding regulations governing medical assistance for participants in the URM Program.Clarification of Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Eligibility for Chafee (Independent Living) Funds and Education and Training Vouchers (ETV)
Published: November 20, 2008Clarifies that parity of service for URMs extends to Chaffee and ETC benefits.
Medical Assistance in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program
Published: January 29, 2015ORR provides guidance to States regarding regulations governing medical assistance for participants in the URM Program.Clarification of Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Eligibility for Chafee (Independent Living) Funds and Education and Training Vouchers (ETV)
Published: November 20, 2008Clarifies that parity of service for URMs extends to Chaffee and ETC benefits.Documentation Requirements for The Refugee Resettlement Program
Published: October 7, 2015ORR announces a new Documentation Guide that outlines: (1) the statuses and documents that confer eligibility for Refugee Resettlement Program benefits; (2) the
Reports
Office of Refugee Resettlement Annual Report to Congress 2015
Published: January 23, 2017The Refugee Act of 1980 (Section 413(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual reportOffice of Refugee Resettlement Annual Report to Congress 2014
Published: March 18, 2016The Refugee Act of 1980 (Section 413(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual reportCategories of Guidance and Informational Documents Released by ORR
Published: November 19, 2015ORR explains new categories of guidance and informational documents issued to stakeholders and the public.
Office of Refugee Resettlement Annual Report to Congress 2013
The Refugee Act of 1980 (Section 413(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual reportOffice of Refugee Resettlement Annual Report to Congress 2014
Published: March 18, 2016The Refugee Act of 1980 (Section 413(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual reportCategories of Guidance and Informational Documents Released by ORR
Published: November 19, 2015ORR explains new categories of guidance and informational documents issued to stakeholders and the public.