1 / 13

The MODERN American dream

Explore the rigorous steps involved in resettling refugees in the US, the role of agencies, resources available, and the refugee experience. Learn about the challenges and assistance provided to refugees during their journey.

jcoppedge
Download Presentation

The MODERN American dream

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The MODERN American dream The Refugee Resettlement Experience

  2. The Refugee Experience: An Overview • Home Across Lands • Refugee Screening Process • Case Sample- Iraq • Resettlement Agencies in the US • Role of Resettlement Agency • Reception and Placement- First 90 Days • Resources & Opportunities • Questions

  3. http://refugees.org/explore-the-issues/refugees-facts/

  4. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/29/us/refugee-vetting-process.html 1. Registration with the United Nations. 2. Interview with the United Nations. 3. Refugee status granted by the United Nations. 4. Referral for resettlement in the United States. 5. Interview with State Department contractors.  6. First background check. 7. Higher-level background check for some. 8. Another background check. 9. First fingerprint screening; photo taken. 10. Second fingerprint screening. 11. Third fingerprint screening. 12. Case reviewed at United States immigration headquarters. 13. Some cases referred for additional review. 14. Extensive, in-person interview with Homeland Security officer. 15. Homeland Security approval is required. 16. Screening for contagious diseases. 17. Cultural orientation class. 18. Matched with an American resettlement agency. 19. Multi-agency security check before leaving for the United States. Because of the long amount of time between the initial screening and departure, officials conduct a final check before the refugee leaves for the United States. 20. Final security check at an American airport.

  5. From Baghdad to Providence, RI • Burkan- medical commissioner for Iraqi Army- family of 3 • Fled country 2011- Suni, radiologist, many years living spent abroad • Aman, Jordan by car- registered with UNHCR within 30 days- followed by many interviews • 3 years in Jordan with protected status • 1 year completing security/background check, 4 interviews with Department of Homeland Security • Placement in Rhode Island • Travel Notice rush to complete final medical checks, cultural orientation, preparations for departure • Arrived in Providence November 2014

  6. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resource/the-us-refugee-resettlement-program-an-overviewhttps://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resource/the-us-refugee-resettlement-program-an-overview

  7. Resettlement Agencies in the US VOLAGS: • Church World Service (CWS) • Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) • Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) • Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) • International Rescue Committee (IRC) • US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) – 33 sites • Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) • United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) • World Relief Corporation (WR) FY2016- USCRI resettled 12,140 refugees and SIVs (of around 85,000 total resettled in the US)- 578 in Albany

  8. Role of Resettlement Agency Assurance and Travel Notice  Preparation for arrival Airport pick-up  Home visit  Cultural Orientation  Applying for Benefits  Medical Appointments, Education & Job Search

  9. Refugee Public Assistance -Refugee Welcome Money- $925/person -Refugee Cash Assistance- singles- $327/month -TANF- family of 3- $554/month, family of 4- $634, family of 5- $714 -Matching Grant program- Employment contingent- 6 months- rental assistance, cash assistance

  10. Resettlement Plan: Our Services • Case Management Services • Employment Services • Public Benefit Advocacy • ESL Classes • Public School Advocacy • Referrals to Legal Services • Health Services Navigation

  11. Resources State Department- Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resource/the-us-refugee-resettlement-program-an-overview US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants http://refugees.org/ http://refugees.org/field-office/albany/ New York Times: Refugees Welcome. Volunteers Embrace Congolese Family in Hudson Valley https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/31/nyregion/refugees-congolese-family-hudson-valley.html New York for Syrian Refugees https://www.facebook.com/NY4Syrians

  12. Get Involved- Volunteer with USCRI • “Patient Navigators”- driving people to doctors’ appointments and advocating for their health care- daytime availability required • Assistance managing front desk and drop-in issues- daytime availability required • Mentoring- Be matched with a refugee family- Commitment of a minimum of two hours per week for minimum of six months

  13. Contact me! Sarah Stangl Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island 401-784-8665 sstangl@diiri.org

More Related