Each year, the United States welcomes tens of thousands of refugees who have undergone extensive vetting and assessment of their fears of persecution. The U.S. Department of State resettles these refugees to cities throughout the country where they revitalize local communities and economies, and reduce local crime rates.  

On April 25, the Council filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with the Department of State to obtain locational and demographic data on refugees admitted to the United States. This data—some of which was previously available to the public online—will allow the Council to update its reporting on the benefits of refugee resettlement and pursue additional research on refugee contributions to the vibrancy and prosperity of American communities. The data will also improve the Council’s responses to questions from communities seeking to better welcome and support their new refugee neighbors.  

Having received no response from the Department of State, the Council filed this litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to compel the agency to release the data.