Find answers to your questions and learn more about IOM's Travel Loans program. 

 

Does the IOM’s program for refugee travel loans provide money for refugees and migrants from Central and South America to travel to the southern border of the United States?

No, IOM does not provide money for refugees or migrants to travel to the southern border of US, nor do refugees or migrants receive any money from IOM through the travel loan program. 

How do migrants travel with these loans? Can the IOM be sure they are using safe travel means that won’t put them in danger?

Participation in the IOM loan program is offered only to refugees and SIVs who have been formally vetted, fully documented, and cleared for admission into the United States by the USG.

Refugees and SIVs do not directly receive any money or cash through the loan program. Rather, refugees sign a note promising to repay IOM the cost of their transportation once resettled in the United States through the US Refugee Admissions Program. 

IOM purchases airline tickets from accredited commercial carriers for the refugees’ international transportation to the U.S. and provides trained travel escorts, as needed, for unaccompanied minors and the medically disabled.  All refugees are greeted and receive airport assistance from IOM staff upon arrival at port of entry in the US.

IOM makes every possible effort to ensure the arrival of the USRAP refugees to the USA with safety and dignity.

Can the IOM ensure that the money given to migrants isn’t used for bribes to cross borders or other potential illegal activities?

There are no cash transactions involved in this program, at all. Only booking transportation for refugees directly by IOM and the refugees start repayment of the travel cost post arrival to the USA.