Which act governs refugee admissions to the United States?

• A. The Refugee Act
• B. The Immigration Act
• C. The Nationality Act
• D. The Homeland Security Act

Answer: (A)

Refugee admissions are guided by the Refugee Act of 1980. This law created the formal U.S. refugee admissions program and integrated refugees into the immigration system by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a distinct refugee category. It sets the annual cap on how many refugees can be admitted, and it outlines the process for screening and resettlement, involving coordination among the State Department and other agencies (with support from health and social services as needed). The other acts address broader areas—general immigration policy, citizenship and nationality, or federal agency reorganization after 9/11—but they do not establish the specialized refugee admissions program.