RESPONSE TO FORMER EMBASSY EMPLOYEE'S

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 103713

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2017
TAGS: PREF PINR APER RS
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO FORMER EMBASSY EMPLOYEE'S
NON-CREDIBLE CLAIM FOR REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT

REF: A. MOSCOW 3445

B. 03 STATE 326428

C. STATE 54846

D. PRM PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT 2007-1

Classified By: EUR DAS David Kramer per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) The United States Refugee Admissions Program allows
for the consideration of individuals referred by Posts, and
all Posts are authorized and encouraged to identify and refer
appropriate applicants for possible refugee resettlement.
Post must use its discretion in making referrals and has the
authority to determine whether or not an individual should be
referred.


2. (C) Post referrals should be for individuals who are
known to the Post or in whom the U.S. has a special
humanitarian concern and who the Post believes have valid
reasons to fear harm on account of race, religion,
nationality, membership in a particular social group or
political opinion. (REF B) The Department notes that, as the
subject individuals are Russian citizens currently in Russia,
they would only be given access to the USRAP following an
official referral cable submitted by Post and concurrence by
PRM and DHS/USCIS officers in Washington. (Refs B and D).


3. (C) Post's decision not to submit an Embassy referral
would not preclude the possible consideration of these
individuals for refugee resettlement should they be referred
by a UNHCR office outside Russia. Post's decision would also
not preclude other governments from providing asylum or
refugee resettlement. Should the Kalashnikovs approach other
U.S. missions seeking resettlement or assistance as refugees,
they may be referred to UNHCR or local authorities, as
appropriate.


4. (C) The Department recognizes that it is within Post's
discretionary authority to take the approach outlined in
Reftel A, to "convey to the Kalashnikovs that we cannot refer
them to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and intend to
stop any further contact with them."
RICE