What “Firm Resettlement” Means for Asylum Seekers

FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR May 15, 2026

What is “firm resettlement”?

It is a reason to be denied asylum.

A FOIA request was made to US-CIS, about training given to asylum officers. The agency did not answer within 20 working days, as is required by law. A Complaint was filed in court, Case No. 25-2946.

Then, many pages were released. Concerning the Third Cause of Action, the agency released training concerning “Firm Resettlement.”

An applicant can be denied asylum if he was “firmly resettled” in another country. If you are given a work permit, are free to travel, and can attend school in a country, perhaps you should stay there and not come to the United States. For example, what if Mr. A, a citizen of Somalia, lived in Kenya for five years, and then came to the United States. Was he “firmly resettled” in Kenya?

If living conditions in Kenya were “restrictive,” perhaps no firm resettlement.

Page 275 of the materials advise the asylum officers to consider:

-did “non-government actors” beat up and rob the applicant?
-was temporary housing available?
-how much employment was available?
-was it legal to own land and have a bank account?
-was it easy to travel in and out?
-was education restricted?
-was public welfare restricted?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
-Did local people or groups make you feel unsafe?
-Were you free to leave and return without problems?