Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions.

Can a former refugee become a U.S. diplomat?

Yes. Foreign Service members must be U.S. citizens, and naturalized citizens are fully eligible. See The Path to the Foreign Service.

Who is included on this site?

People who came to the United States as refugees or asylees, or who fled persecution as children, and later served at the Department of State or as U.S. ambassadors. Each must have a published source telling their story.

Have any refugees become Secretary of State?

Yes. Madeleine Albright came as a refugee from Czechoslovakia, and Henry Kissinger fled Nazi Germany with his family.

Are there Lao American diplomats?

Yes. Songkane Sackaly came from Laos as a refugee and became a Foreign Service Officer. See also Second Generation.

Is this an official government website?

No. It is an independent tribute and is not affiliated with the Department of State.