14 North Korean Defectors Entered U.S. over a Year

Since October 2015 to this past month, 14 North Koreans have reportedly entered the United States as refugees, according to Voice of America.

After five North Koreans who defected the hermit country made their way to the U.S. last November, additional nine have safely arrived in the country over the next 10 months to make the U.S. their new home.

Among the 14 defectors from North Korea, 12 were women while only two were men.

Five of them were in their 40s, while three were the 30s. There were two twentysomethings and two younger than 14. Only one was between the ages of 51 and 64, as the remaining one was between 14 and 20.

Those who defected from North Korea can declare their refugee status based on the 2004 human rights law that was approved by the U.S. government to ensure human rights for people who escaped from the communist regime.

Since 2006, approximately 200 North Koreans have entered the U.S. as refugees.

Year 2008 saw the most North Koreans enter the U.S. at 37, while there were 25 in 2009. Both 2010 and 2014 had the lowest number at eight, respectively.
Refugees from North Korea are supported by the U.S. government as they prepare for new lives in a new country. After one year of residence in the U.S., they become eligible for green cards. Once they reach five years, they can receive their U.S. citizenships.