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It is estimated that there are currently 10,000 refugees from Burma and Thai refugee camps in the U.S.A., although the number continues to grow rapidly.
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Some Burmese Karen in refugee camps in Thailand are eligible for resettlement to third countries, including the U.S.A., in a program sponsored by the United Nations. Once approved for relocation, these families and individuals go through a rapid (weeks-to-months) orientation including immunization clinics and some minimal English language training.
Karen refugees are currently in 40 of the 50 US states, with some states having larger polulations than others. Within a short space of time (approximately 3-6 months) the Karen must find suitable accommodation, learn English, secure permanent employment and understand all that is expected of law-abiding citizens in the U.S.A.
Relocated Karen refugees face particular challenges in relocating from rural areas of Burma and Thailand to highly industrialized and developed countries like the U.S.A. They are required to overcome these challenges in that short time frame and acclimate themselves enough to become self-sufficient.
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