HomeEspañol …Assistance to released political prisoners from Nicaragua — FAQs and resources
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Office for Population, Refugees and Migration (in English)
September 5, 2024
On September 5, 2024, the United States Government achieved the release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners (in English), including lay Catholics, human rights defenders and 13 people affiliated with “Mountain Gateway,” a faith-based organization based in Texas. In collaboration with the White House, USAID, and the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department facilitated their relocation to Guatemala. There, the United States and its humanitarian partners are helping them begin to rebuild their lives, whether through refugee resettlement in the United States or partner countries, family reunification, or other protection options. We are grateful to Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and his Administration for working with us to welcome these individuals and for continuing to demonstrate democratic leadership in the region.
For more information, friends, family, civil society organizations and others offering support can contact [email protected]or review the FAQs listed below. Media may contact [email protected] to request information.
Part 1: Frequently Asked Questions about Options for Individuals Released from Nicaragua
1st question: What is the Refugee Admissions Program in the United States?
- The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) (in English) is a durable solution for individuals with humanitarian protection needs who have left their country due to persecution for a protected reason, are unable to return home in safety, and are in need of permanent resettlement in a third country because they are unable to remain in the country in which they currently reside. It is managed by the U.S. Department of State in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Those admitted to the United States as refugees are eligible to receive U.S. Government-funded resettlement assistance.(in English).
- Processing for refugee status requires a rigorous security investigation, a refugee status adjudication interview, and a medical examination. Applicants approved for admission to the United States are assigned to a resettlement agency or private sponsor group in the United States and travel arrangements are made.
2nd Question: What other options are available?
- Former political prisoners will be given full counseling on the options available to them. This could include refugee resettlement in the United States or another resettlement partner country. There may also be opportunities for family reunification or other protection offers in third countries. Some of these individuals may also ultimately opt for local integration in Guatemala to the extent that this option is available under Guatemalan law.
3rd Question: How can I find out if my friend or loved one has been released?
- Due to privacy and security considerations we do not share or confirm specific details about released individuals.
Part 2: How can you help?
- Guatemala’s generosity in receiving the released political prisoners has enabled them to leave their traumatic imprisonment and move to a safe partner country, where they can make decisions about their future more freely. We refer you to the Government of Guatemala for further information.
- To support those seeking resettlement in the United States and other resettled refugees, visit the website of the Refugee Resettlement Office (ORR) to learn about resettlement resources and contacts in your state. resettlement agencies (in English) operate in communities across the United States and are contracted by the U.S. Government to help refugees integrate and thrive in their new communities.
- Those interested in supporting refugees who have recently arrived in the United States can:
- Contact local resettlement agencies to support their work in welcoming and caring for these newly arrived individuals and families (some refer to this as “co-sponsorship”)
- Donate money, household goods, or your time to help resettlement agencies maintain their programs.
- Help secure housing for refugees, either by acting as a landlord or by helping new arrivals and resettlement agencies establish contacts with landlords willing to rent to refugees.
- Hire refugees in your workplace or contact resettlement agencies to learn more about hiring refugees.
- Please continue to visit this page for up-to-date information on how you can support refugees in your community.
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This translation is provided as a courtesy and only the original English source should be considered authoritative.
