Wyoming’s State-Level Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Wyoming has no formal refugee resettlement program or state-level support in 2025.
• Refugees can only arrive via private sponsorship or special federal exceptions in Wyoming.
• Neighboring states offer full resettlement services; Wyoming lacks state-funded refugee resources.

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker considering Wyoming in 2025, it’s important to know exactly what support, resources, and pathways are available—and which are not. Wyoming stands out as the only state in the United States 🇺🇸 without a formal refugee resettlement program. This unique situation shapes the eligibility criteria, requirements, and options for anyone hoping to resettle or seek asylum in Wyoming. Below, you’ll find clear, detailed information to help you quickly determine if you qualify for any state-level support, what the requirements are, what might disqualify you, and what alternatives exist if you are not eligible.

Eligibility for State-level refugee resettlement in Wyoming

Short Answer:
No, you cannot qualify for state-level refugee resettlement in Wyoming in 2025.

Why?
Wyoming does not have a formal refugee resettlement program. There is no state agency, coordinator, or official plan to accept or support refugees or asylum seekers through state resources. This means there are no state-run services, no official welcome centers, and no local offices of national resettlement agencies operating within Wyoming.

Detailed Requirements and Criteria

To understand what this means for eligibility, let’s break down the requirements that exist in other states and compare them to Wyoming:

In most states, to qualify for state-level refugee resettlement, you must:
– Be approved for refugee status by the federal government through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
– Arrive through a federally recognized resettlement agency (sometimes called a VOLAG).
– Be placed in a state with a formal resettlement plan and local agencies ready to help with housing, employment, language classes, and legal support.

In Wyoming:
– No state resettlement plan exists.
– No local or national resettlement agencies operate in the state.
– No state refugee coordinator or office is available.
– No state-funded services for refugees or asylum seekers are provided.

What does this mean for you?
– You cannot be directly resettled in Wyoming through the federal refugee program.
– You will not have access to state-supported integration services, such as help finding a job, learning English, or getting legal advice.
– You will not receive state-funded financial or housing assistance as a refugee or asylum seeker.

Examples:
– If you are a refugee approved by the federal government and hope to be placed in Wyoming, you will not be assigned there by any official agency.
– If you are an asylum seeker who arrives in Wyoming, you will not find any state-run programs or offices to help you with your case or daily needs.

Disqualifying Factors

Because Wyoming does not have a refugee resettlement program, the following situations will disqualify you from receiving state-level support:

• You are a refugee seeking placement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program: You will not be placed in Wyoming.
• You are an asylum seeker hoping for state-funded legal or social services: These do not exist in Wyoming.
• You are looking for state-sponsored housing, employment, or language training for refugees: None of these services are available through the state.

Alternative Options If Not Eligible

If you cannot access state-level support in Wyoming, you still have some alternatives. Here’s what you can consider:

1. Private Sponsorship Programs
– Some refugees have arrived in Wyoming through special federal programs that allow private individuals or groups to sponsor refugees. Examples include the Biden Administration’s Sponsorship Circle program and the United for Ukraine initiative.
– These programs are exceptions and do not provide the same level of support as formal resettlement agencies. You will rely on your sponsors for help with housing, daily needs, and integration.

2. Neighboring States with Resettlement Programs
– States like Colorado, Utah, and Idaho have active refugee resettlement programs. If you qualify for federal resettlement, you may be placed in one of these states, where you can access a full range of services.
– You can later move to Wyoming if you wish, but you will lose access to most resettlement services once you leave the state where you were placed.

3. Local Nonprofit Efforts
– The nonprofit group Welcome Wyoming is working to create a refugee resettlement program in the state. However, as of 2025, this effort has not resulted in any official program or services.
– You may contact Welcome Wyoming for information or advocacy, but they cannot provide the same support as a formal resettlement agency.

4. Federal Resources for Asylum Seekers
– Asylum seekers may still apply for asylum in the United States 🇺🇸, but Wyoming does not have local offices of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
– You may need to travel to other states for interviews, hearings, or legal help.
– For more information on federal refugee and asylum programs, visit the Office of Refugee Resettlement website.

How to Improve Your Chances

If you are determined to live in Wyoming as a refugee or asylum seeker, here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Seek Private Sponsorship
– Find individuals, faith groups, or community organizations in Wyoming willing to sponsor you through federal programs like the Sponsorship Circle or United for Ukraine.
– Understand that these sponsors will be your main source of support, as the state does not provide services.

2. Build Community Connections
– Reach out to local nonprofits, churches, or advocacy groups for informal support. While they cannot offer official resettlement services, they may help with basic needs, community introductions, or finding work.

3. Stay Informed About Policy Changes
– The situation in Wyoming could change if the federal refugee program resumes and state leaders approve a resettlement plan. Stay in contact with groups like Welcome Wyoming for updates.

4. Consider Neighboring States First
– If you need structured support and services, it may be better to start your new life in a neighboring state with an established refugee resettlement program. You can always move to Wyoming later if you become self-sufficient.

5. Prepare for Self-Reliance
– If you move to Wyoming, be ready to rely on yourself and your sponsors for housing, work, and daily needs. There will be no state-funded help available.

Recent Policy Context and Political Climate

Why does Wyoming have no refugee resettlement program?
– Wyoming’s political culture has long been cautious or resistant to formal refugee resettlement. While some leaders, including Governor Mark Gordon, have shown sympathy for certain groups (like Afghan allies), this has not led to any official programs or policies.
– State law requires that any refugee resettlement plan must be approved by the legislature. As of 2025, no plan has been submitted or approved.
– The federal government’s indefinite suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) since January 2025 has made it even harder for Wyoming to start a program, even if the political will existed.

What about local efforts?
– The Welcome Wyoming initiative is trying to create a state-specific model for refugee resettlement. They hope to work with national agencies and apply for federal funding through the Wilson-Fish program, which allows for alternative resettlement models in states without traditional programs.
– However, political resistance and the federal suspension of refugee admissions have stalled these efforts.

Practical Implications for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

No direct resettlement in Wyoming:
You cannot be placed in Wyoming through the federal refugee program. Only private sponsorship or special federal programs allow refugees to arrive in the state, and these are rare.

No state resources:
There are no state-funded programs for social services, employment help, language classes, or legal aid for refugees or asylum seekers.

Impact on local communities:
Wyoming misses out on the economic, cultural, and demographic benefits that come with welcoming refugees. Local communities do not receive federal funding that supports schools, health care, and other services for newcomers.

Key Stakeholders and Officials

• Governor Mark Gordon: Has shown some compassion for refugees but has not pushed for a formal program.
• Welcome Wyoming (Nonprofit): The main group advocating for refugee resettlement in the state.
• Wyoming Legislature: Must approve any resettlement plan before it can take effect.
• Federal agencies: The U.S. Department of State and the Office of Refugee Resettlement oversee refugee admissions, but Wyoming has no local affiliate agencies.

Recent Developments and Outlook

• No new state-level policy changes in 2024-2025: Wyoming has not adopted any new refugee resettlement policies or programs in the past two years.
• Federal suspension complicates prospects: The indefinite federal suspension of refugee admissions since January 2025 further delays any potential state-level program launch.
• Potential future changes: If the federal refugee program resumes and Wyoming’s political leaders change their stance, the Welcome Wyoming initiative could provide a starting point for a new program. However, there is no timeline or legislative action in place.

Summary Table: Wyoming Refugee Resettlement Status 2025

What Should You Do Next?

• If you are a refugee or asylum seeker hoping to live in Wyoming, understand that you will not have access to state-level support or services.
• If you need structured help, consider starting in a neighboring state with an active refugee resettlement program.
• If you have private sponsors in Wyoming, work closely with them and local nonprofits for any support you can find.
• Stay updated on policy changes by following groups like Welcome Wyoming and checking official sources like the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Key Takeaways

• Wyoming does not have a refugee resettlement program or state-level support for refugees or asylum seekers in 2025.
• You cannot qualify for state-run resettlement or services in Wyoming.
• Private sponsorship and informal community support are your only options for living in Wyoming as a refugee or asylum seeker.
• If you need more support, look to neighboring states with established programs.
• Stay informed about possible future changes, but be prepared for self-reliance if you choose Wyoming.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Wyoming’s lack of a refugee resettlement program is unique in the United States 🇺🇸 and is shaped by political, legal, and administrative factors. The situation could change if federal policies shift and state leaders act, but for now, refugees and asylum seekers must look elsewhere for formal support.

For more information on national refugee and asylum programs, visit the Office of Refugee Resettlement. If you are considering Wyoming, reach out to local nonprofits and sponsors for any available help, and keep an eye on policy developments that could affect your options in the future.

Learn Today

Refugee Resettlement Program → Government coordinated system to place and support refugees in certain U.S. states with services.
Private Sponsorship → A federal initiative allowing individuals or groups to support refugees without state involvement.
USRAP → U.S. Refugee Admissions Program managing federal refugee resettlement processes and placements nationwide.
Welcome Wyoming → Local nonprofit advocating for establishing refugee support programs in Wyoming.
Federal Suspension → Indefinite halt of refugee admissions by the federal government since January 2025.

This Article in a Nutshell

Wyoming uniquely lacks a refugee resettlement program, denying state services to refugees and asylum seekers. Private sponsorship and neighboring states fill this gap. No local agencies or funding exist, so refugees depend on sponsors and nonprofits, facing political and federal obstacles to formal resettlement in 2025 Wyoming.
— By VisaVerge.com