Overseas Processing Entity

The ongoing social, economic and political situation in Burma has forced thousands of families out of their homes and across the border to Thailand in search of safety, food, education and the possibility of freedom.  Of the three durable solutions potentially available to refugees (repatriation back to the country of origin, local integration in secondary country, or permanent resettlement in a third country), only the third option is presently viable for refugees currently living in Thailand. Since its opening in 2005, the Overseas Processing Entity (OPE) has facilitated United States resettlement for over 10,000 refugees from the Southeast Asia region. How We Help

OPE assists refugees in completing applications for consideration by Department of Homeland Security staff and also gathers information for organizations in the United States who offer sponsorship arrangements for those granted admission. Through a multimedia campaign, OPE educates refugees inside the camps about the possibility of resettlement to the US.

OPE primarily assists refugees in Thailand but also assists asylum seekers in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia. The activities of the OPE are funded by the US Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.

News & Multimedia:

Photo gallery - Leaving behind a life in limbo
Laura Bush visit to OPE