INS FACT SHEET
May 5,1999

U.S. INS Refugee Processing for Kosovar Albanians

There are two groups of Kosovar Albanian refugees coming to the United States. One group has relatives in the United States, and the other group, priority cases, includes those without U.S. relatives and is considered vulnerable for various reasons—such as single mothers and those with medical conditions. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Department of State have prescreened the refugees coming to the United States and identified the group designation for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

Refugee processing will be in four steps. The first step is a refugee interview and screening. The second step is a security check. The third step is a medical check and sponsorship, and the fourth and final step is an admissions inspection.

INS will process both groups of refugees under the same processing standards. However, the processing location is different depending on the assigned grouping. The priority case refugees will only be partially processed in Macedonia. This group will have a refugee interview and screening in Macedonia. They will then be sent to Fort Dix in the United States for the remaining three processing steps. Those refugees with relatives in the United States will complete all four processing steps in Macedonia and will meet with their relative sponsors upon arrival in the United States.

Those refugees arriving at Fort Dix will bring with them an approved Registration for Classification as a Refugee (Form I-590). Prior to the priority case group’s arrival, INS will provide an explanation—first in English and then through an interpreter—of INS processing.

INS will conduct a primary inspection by reviewing the approved I-590 form and create an official INS file for the refugee. INS will then issue an identity card to each refugee with biographical information, a photograph, a fingerprint and identifying numbers. The card will also have a color-coded sticker that corresponds to their housing assignment. Family groups will be kept together.

This processing will occur within a few hours of the plane’s arrival. After a day of rest, INS asylum officers will interview the refugees in order to complete the paperwork associated with their application.

Interpreters will be available for the interviews. In addition, at least one interpreter will be available in each dorm.

Refugees will have freedom of movement within the village. A snow fence perimeter has been established to ensure safety and security.