THE MODERN AMERICAN DREAM The Refugee Resettlement Experience

THE MODERN AMERICAN DREAM The Refugee Resettlement Experience

The Refugee Experience: An Overview 1. Home Across Lands 2. Refugee Screening Process 3. Case Sample- Iraq 4. Resettlement Agencies in the US 5. Role of Resettlement Agency 6. Reception and Placement- First 90 Days 7. Resources & Opportunities 8. Questions

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

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

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

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

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) FY 2016 - USCRI resettled 12, 140 refugees and SIVs (of around 85, 000 total resettled in the US)- 578 in Albany

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

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

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

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/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/NY 4 Syrians

Get Involved- Volunteer with USCRI 1) “Patient Navigators”- driving people to doctors’ appointments and advocating for their health caredaytime availability required 1) Assistance managing front desk and drop-in issuesdaytime availability required 1) Mentoring- Be matched with a refugee family. Commitment of a minimum of two hours per week for minimum of six months

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