CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Bilbro, Katie |
|---|---|
| Title | Competing Resettlement Preferences: Which Refugees do the UNHCR and the United States Prioritize? |
| Summary | The UNHCR identifies resettlement as a key solution for refugees, yet it remains underutilized, with only about one percent of refugees under its mandate being resettled annually. As global displacement increases, the need for international solidarity and leadership in refugee resettlement grows. The wide disparity between resettlement needs and opportunities obligates the UNHCR and resettling states to establish preferences for which refugees will be prioritized for resettlement. This paper critically examines the resettlement preferences expressed by the United States, which typically resettles more refugees than any other country, against those expressed by the UNHCR. Utilizing analysis of UNHCR publications and U.S. presidential reports, this paper investigates the commonalities and differences in resettlement preferences. UNHCR’s preferences reflect both an emphasis on individual-level vulnerabilities and group referrals as a means for maximizing the total benefits of resettlement. The United States’ resettlement preferences manifest differently from one administration to another, and can be expressed in a number of ways. By evaluating these preferences and their practical outcomes, this research aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of U.S. refugee resettlement policies. |
| Supervisor | Nagy, Boldizsár |
| Department | International Relations MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/bilbro_katie.pdf |
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