The Countries That Are Sending the Most Refugees to New Mexico in 2023

In 2023, New Mexico ranked sixth among U.S. states in refugee arrivals, welcoming 112 refugees from October to December, according to data from The Refugee Processing Center. These refugees, originating mainly from Latin America and Africa, sought asylum due to reasons such as violence, persecution, and economic hardship.

Here are the top five countries contributing to refugee arrivals in New Mexico during 2023:

1. Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo, plagued by civil wars and human rights violations, tops the list with 44 arrivals from October to December. In the fiscal year 2023, the U.S. resettled over 3,800 Congolese refugees, with Kentucky, Texas, and New York being the primary destination states.

2. Colombia

Colombia is the second-largest source country, with 26 refugees arriving in New Mexico from October to December. The long-running armed conflict in Colombia has displaced millions, and the U.S. admitted over 1,000 Colombian refugees in the fiscal year 2023, with Florida, Texas, and New York as major destinations.

3. Venezuela

Venezuela ranks third, contributing 23 refugees in the specified period. The country’s political and economic crisis has led to widespread migration, and the U.S. accepted over 800 Venezuelan refugees in 2023, with Florida, Texas, and New York being prominent destination states.

4. Syria

Syria is the fourth-largest source country, with 14 refugees arriving in New Mexico from October to December. The civil war in Syria has displaced millions, and in the fiscal year 2023, the U.S. admitted over 2,400 Syrian refugees, with New York, California, and Texas as the top destination states.

5. Afghanistan

Afghanistan ranks fifth, with 12 refugees arriving in New Mexico during the specified period. Decades of war and instability, intensified post the U.S. and NATO troop withdrawal in 2021, have led to the displacement of millions. In 2023, the U.S. resettled over 1,600 Afghan refugees, with California, Texas, and Virginia as primary destination states.

Conclusion

New Mexico has demonstrated solidarity and compassion by providing assistance and opportunities for refugees in 2023. While the state has played a crucial role, the global refugee crisis persists, emphasizing the need for continued support and increased refugee admissions and resettlement programs by the U.S. and other nations.