E.g., 06/13/2026
E.g., 06/13/2026
Refugee & Asylum Policy

Refugee & Asylum Policy

Asylum Seekers
Refugees & Resettlement
_RefugeeAsylumPolicy credit

Tens of millions of people around the globe have been forcibly displaced by conflict, natural disaster, or persecution, seeking refuge either within or beyond the borders of their country. Humanitarian protection, whether for refugees, asylum seekers, or internally displaced persons (IDPs), represents a key policy area for many major immigrant-receiving countries as well as nations bordering locations where war, political upheaval, or natural disaster have disrupted daily life. The research offered here relates to the law and practice of protecting refugees and IDPs in areas of conflict as well as in industrialized nations, with a focus on secure solutions and effective institutional arrangements for comprehensive protection.

Recent Activity

A young woman with the Syrian flag painted on her cheek
Articles
June 11, 2026
Syrian Immigrants in the United States
By Kyung Ju Lee and Jeanne Batalova
The backs of two people on a motorbike; above them a sign notes the Guatemala border
Articles
May 20, 2026
How Immigration Crackdowns and Aid Cuts Are Reshaping Migration Across Central America
By Pía Riggirozzi and Natalia Cintra
Multimedia
May 18, 2026
America’s Closing Door: Where Do Cuban Migrants Go Now?
Cover image for Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees
Reports
May 2026
Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees
By  Kate Hooper, María Jesús Mora, Abigail Goldfarb and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan
Cover image for From Exile to Return
Reports
April 2026
From Exile to Return: Rebuilding Lives and States after Conflict
By  Samuel Davidoff-Gore and Susan Fratzke
A crowd in Benin City, Nigeria. (Photo: IOM/Agara Barinedum)
Articles
April 8, 2026
Nigeria Aims to Capitalize on Regional Integration amid Evolving Emigration Patterns
By Samuel Okunade
Multimedia
April 2, 2026
Why Is Immigration Policy So Hard to Get Right?
A farmer in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Articles
April 2, 2026
What Do Changes in Turkey and Syria Spell for Kurds Seeking Protection Abroad?
By Nadin Z. Tanriverdi
More
Cover image for Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees
Reports
May 2026
Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees
By  Kate Hooper, María Jesús Mora, Abigail Goldfarb and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan
Cover image for From Exile to Return
Reports
April 2026
From Exile to Return: Rebuilding Lives and States after Conflict
By  Samuel Davidoff-Gore and Susan Fratzke
Cover image for Building Refugee-Inclusive Labor Mobility Pathways
Reports
February 2026
Building Refugee-Inclusive Labor Mobility Pathways: A Visa Evaluation Framework
By  María Belén Zanzuchi, Kate Hooper and Abigail Goldfarb
Cover image for To Leave or Stay?
Reports
December 2025
To Leave or Stay? Examining the Role of Counseling and Reintegration Assistance in the Return Decision-Making of Migrants Ordered to Leave the Netherlands
By  Ravenna Sohst, Camille Le Coz and Hanne Beirens
Cover image for Breaking the Cycle of Dysfunction at the U.S. Immigration Courts
Policy Briefs
November 2025
Breaking the Cycle of Dysfunction at the U.S. Immigration Courts
By  Kathleen Bush-Joseph, Doris Meissner and Muzaffar Chishti
Cover image for Maine’s Immigrant Communities
Reports
October 2025
Maine’s Immigrant Communities: Diverse Origins, Characteristics, and Challenges
By  Valerie Lacarte and Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh
Cover image for Small Boats, Big Stakes
Policy Briefs
June 2025
Small Boats, Big Stakes: Options for a UK-EU Deal on Migration and Asylum
By  Meghan Benton, Susan Fratzke and Nurbanu Hayır
Cover image for Consideraciones clave para futuros programas de protección temporal...
Reports
June 2025
Consideraciones clave para futuros programas de protección temporal y regularización en América Latina
By  Diego Chaves-González, María Jesús Mora, Ana Alanis and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan
More
A young woman with the Syrian flag painted on her cheek
Spotlight
June 11, 2026
Syrian Immigrants in the United States

Although the Syrian immigrant population in the United States roughly doubled following the outbreak of Syria's civil war, it remains relatively small compared to both the overall U.S. immigrant population and Syrian emigration globally. This article compiles key statistics about this group.

The backs of two people on a motorbike; above them a sign notes the Guatemala border
Feature
May 20, 2026
How Immigration Crackdowns and Aid Cuts Are Reshaping Migration Across Central America

Migration patterns from and through Central America are changing in fundamental ways amid rising immigration enforcement and a reduction in global humanitarian aid. These twin developments are putting new pressures on governments in the region and reshaping migrant experiences, as this article explores.

A crowd in Benin City, Nigeria. (Photo: IOM/Agara Barinedum)
Profile
April 8, 2026
Nigeria Aims to Capitalize on Regional Integration amid Evolving Emigration Patterns

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, sits at the crossroads of the continent’s migration landscape. As both a regional immigration hub and an origin for significant emigration, the country contends with a wide range of migration issues that have evolved over time. This country profile situates Nigeria's migration trends and policies.

A farmer in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Feature
April 2, 2026
What Do Changes in Turkey and Syria Spell for Kurds Seeking Protection Abroad?

Significant shares of Syrians and Turks who have sought asylum in the European Union are of Kurdish background. How will migration be affected by the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and Turkey’s 2025 ceasefire with PKK militants? This article examines the history and context of migration dynamics involving the Kurds, and prospects for change.

People walk along an embankment in Bangladesh
Feature
March 19, 2026
“Climate Refugees” Do Not Exist as a Concept—But Countries Are Testing New Approaches to Offer Protection

While the term "climate refugee” is often used colloquially, people displaced by environmental factors are not actually eligible for refugee status on that basis. However, policymakers and advocates have begun to experiment with approaches to protection by other means. This article reviews the initiatives, including a novel visa in Australia and the ways that longstanding legal frameworks have been used to encompass people deeply affected by climate change.

More
Image of unauthorized immigrant in shackles entering plane for deportation flight
Short Reads
March 2026
U.S. Third-Country Deportation Agreements Are More About Fear than Numbers
By  Ariel G. Ruiz Soto
Syrian father holds his young son in Lebanon
Short Reads
September 2025
Mending, Not Ending, the Refugee Convention Could Save the Protection System and Restore Public Trust
By  Susan Fratzke and Meghan Benton
Fencing and a "no trespassing" sign at the U.S.-Mexico border
Short Reads
June 2025
Can Near-Historic Low Migrant Encounter Levels at the U.S.-Mexico Border Be Sustained?
By  Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh
Equipment for a USAID project in Indonesia
Short Reads
April 2025
Can Innovation Help Blunt the Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Migration Management Programs?
By  Lawrence Huang, Samuel Davidoff-Gore and Susan Fratzke
Photo of migrants in line at port of entry in Brownsville awaiting possible entry
Short Reads
February 2025
The Unauthorized Immigrant Population Expands amid Record U.S.-Mexico Border Arrivals
By  Jennifer Van Hook, Ariel G. Ruiz Soto and Julia Gelatt
Two Ukrainian women in Czechia
Short Reads
February 2025
Policy Paradox: How Robust Host-Country Support for Ukrainian Refugees Can Foster Integration and Return
By  Ravenna Sohst and Jasmijn Slootjes
President Jimmy Carter at podium
Short Reads
January 2025
Jimmy Carter and Immigration: A Wide-Ranging Legacy That Remains Relevant Today
By  Doris Meissner and Muzaffar Chishti
Three Syrian refugee women in Lebanon
Short Reads
December 2024
The Complicated Reality of Syrians’ Return
By  Samuel Davidoff-Gore and Susan Fratzke
Migrants and community members at a local clinic in Panama
Short Reads
December 2024
Legal Pathways and Enforcement: What the U.S. Safe Mobility Strategy Can Teach Europe about Migration Management
By  Susan Fratzke, Meghan Benton and Andrew Selee
Leaders at 2023 U.S.-Mexico High-Level Security Dialogue
Short Reads
October 2024
The Nascent Architecture for Managing U.S. Border Arrivals Shows Promise
By  Andrew Selee and Doris Meissner
More
Explainer_LegalImmigrationSystem Legal Immigration Pie_small
Explainers
April 2019

Explainer: How the U.S. Legal Immigration System Works

Through which visa categories can immigrants move temporarily or permanently to the United States? What are the main channels by which people come, and who can sponsor them for a green card? Are there limits on visa categories? And who is waiting in the green-card backlog? This explainer answers basic questions about temporary and permanent immigration via family, employment, humanitarian, and other channels.

Expert Q&A, Audio
May 18, 2026

America’s Closing Door: Where Do Cuban Migrants Go Now?

Cuba's collapsing economy and shrinking immigration pathways to the United States are redirecting Cuban migration flows across the Americas, as this World of Migration episode explores with María José Espinosa Carrillo, Executive Director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA).

Expert Q&A, Audio
April 2, 2026

Why Is Immigration Policy So Hard to Get Right?

Why has immigration become so politically divisive—and why is it so difficult for governments to design policies that satisfy both public concerns and economic needs?

Belén Zanzuchi speaking on Webinar
Video, Audio
February 26, 2026

Meeting Labor Skill Needs While Expanding Refugee Protection

This webinar explored labor migration pathways as a potential avenue for qualified refugees to access protection in Europe while helping meet destination countries’ skill needs. Speakers examined ways to make work visas more accessible to qualified refugees and how to remove barriers that prevent refugees from entering via the labor pathway. 

President Trump and Secretary Noem visit Alligator Alcatraz
Video, Audio
January 13, 2026

Beyond “Shock and Awe”: Immigration Actions in the First Year under Trump 2.0

MPI analysts assess the immigration actions taken during President Trump's first year back in office, detail the legal state of play, and analyze the actual effects on the labor market, U.S. communities, and future immigration to the United States.

World of Migration Episode 23
Expert Q&A, Audio
January 9, 2026

Humanitarian Assistance in a Time of Deep Foreign Aid Cuts

Foreign aid budgets have been slashed significantly by governments in the United States, Europe, and beyond, raising questions about what humanitarian assistance will look like in practice.

More

Recent Activity

Articles
June 11, 2026

Syrian Immigrants in the United States

Although the Syrian immigrant population in the United States roughly doubled following the outbreak of Syria's civil war, it remains relatively small compared to both the overall U.S. immigrant population and Syrian emigration globally. This article compiles key statistics about this group.

Articles
May 20, 2026

How Immigration Crackdowns and Aid Cuts Are Reshaping Migration Across Central America

Migration patterns from and through Central America are changing in fundamental ways amid rising immigration enforcement and a reduction in global humanitarian aid. These twin developments are putting new pressures on governments in the region and reshaping migrant experiences, as this article explores.

Expert Q&A, Audio
May 18, 2026

America’s Closing Door: Where Do Cuban Migrants Go Now?

Cuba's collapsing economy and shrinking immigration pathways to the United States are redirecting Cuban migration flows across the Americas, as this World of Migration episode explores with María José Espinosa Carrillo, Executive Director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA).

Reports
May 2026

Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees

Migrants and refugees make up notable shares of the workforce in many cities. By creating an environment in which they can find work, apply their skills, and thrive, urban areas can set themselves up to weather current and future economic changes, including the green and digital transitions. Drawing on a scan of city practices on four continents, this report examines the experiences and policy approaches of cities around the world.

Reports
April 2026

From Exile to Return: Rebuilding Lives and States after Conflict

The fall of Syria’s Assad regime has raised questions in high-income countries about when displaced Syrians will return home. Similar conversations are underway about the nearly 7 million displaced Ukrainians. This report examines the complexity of facilitating returns without imperiling reconstruction, fueling additional displacement, and uprooting well-integrated workers and members of host societies.

Articles
April 8, 2026

Nigeria Aims to Capitalize on Regional Integration amid Evolving Emigration Patterns

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, sits at the crossroads of the continent’s migration landscape. As both a regional immigration hub and an origin for significant emigration, the country contends with a wide range of migration issues that have evolved over time. This country profile situates Nigeria's migration trends and policies.

Expert Q&A, Audio
April 2, 2026

Why Is Immigration Policy So Hard to Get Right?

Why has immigration become so politically divisive—and why is it so difficult for governments to design policies that satisfy both public concerns and economic needs?

Articles
April 2, 2026

What Do Changes in Turkey and Syria Spell for Kurds Seeking Protection Abroad?

Significant shares of Syrians and Turks who have sought asylum in the European Union are of Kurdish background. How will migration be affected by the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and Turkey’s 2025 ceasefire with PKK militants? This article examines the history and context of migration dynamics involving the Kurds, and prospects for change.

More