Overview
The U.S. Repatriation Program (“the Program”) was established in 1935 under Section 1113 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1313) to provide temporary assistance to U.S. citizens and their dependents who have been identified by the U.S. Department of State as having returned, or been brought from a foreign country, to the United States because of destitution, illness, war, threat of war, or a similar crisis, and because they are without resources immediately accessible to meet their needs.
The Program is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response (OHSEPR).
Each day, OHSEPR and its grantee utilize routine repatriation procedures to support U.S. citizens that are returned to the United States by the U.S. Department of State. During emergency repatriation incidents, OHSEPR leads federal planning, coordination, and execution of domestic repatriation plans and operations.
The U.S. Repatriation Program helped over 800 individuals repatriate to the United States in FY20, including unaccompanied U.S. citizen minors and those experiencing mental illness. Repatriates were able to meet their basic needs by gaining access to shelter, transportation, medical care, and more. Read more in our FY2020 U.S. Repatriation Program infographic.
5 Things to Know about the U.S. Repatriation Program
This video provides five things to know about the U.S. Repatriation Program.
Repatriate Assistance
Learn more about eligibility and assistance available to U.S. citizens and their dependents through the U.S. Repatriation Program.
Routine Repatriation
State and U.S. territorial employees can find out more about routine repatriation, including policies and forms.
Emergency Repatriation
View more information on emergency repatriation specifically for federal and state partners, including planning and reimbursement.