Summary: The federal government helps to resettle refugees for up to 36 months after they enter the United States. This assistance can include cash payments and medical assistance. Between 1985 and 1992, federal assistance for refugee resettlement decreased and the time period for cash and medical assistance was reduced, while the number of refugees being admitted rose. This report discusses (1) the extent to which Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds to states for refugee cash and medical assistance went unused in fiscal years 1991 and 1992, (2) the cause of any residual surplus for HHS funds for such assistance in those years and GAO's views on the reasonableness of the cause, (3) whether refugees could have received cash and medical assistance for a longer period of time than they did, (4) GAO's views on the reasonableness of HHS' proposed changes to federal regulations on the eligibility period for cash and medical aid, and (5) the extent to which HHS matching funds to voluntary agencies were unused in fiscal years 1991 and 1992 and the explanation for any surplus. GAO also provides information on how HHS determined the eligibility period for fiscal years 1991 and 1992.
