Each year thousands of persons who fear or face persecution in their country of origin seek asylum or refugee status in the United States. Those living outside the United States may be referred for refugee status, and if approved, enter the United States as refugees. Individuals already living in the United States or appearing at a U.S. port of entry may apply for asylum. This Office of Immigration Statistics Annual Flow Report provides information on the number of persons admitted to the United States as refugees or granted asylum in the United States in 2006.

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