The United States resettles more refugees than all other countries combined. Some 3 million refugees have found new homes in the United States since 1975. In 2012, the United States will welcome about 55,000 refugees from more than 60 countries.
Since 2001, the United Nations has designated June 20 as World Refugee Day. It was established, according to the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, “to honor the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.”
It is also a time to recognize their contributions to their adopted homes. Some famous refugees who resettled in the United States include world-famous scientist Albert Einstein, award-winning singer Gloria Estefan, and diplomats Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright, the first woman to become the U.S. secretary of state.