Refugee Facts

Refugees receive a loan from the Federal Government to pay for their passage to the United States. The refugee must begin to pay back the loan with monthly, interest free payments after they begin a job.

After arrival in the United States refugees that are sponsored by our agency must attend English class everyday Monday through Friday, Job Readiness classes one day a week, a week long cultural orientation, and be actively involved in the job search in order to receive their cash assistance. All adult refugees must sign a participation agreement in order to begin their cash assistance. If a client refuses to comply then the client is sanctioned from their cash assistance.

The refugee also goes through a two hour orientation with their case manager, employment counselor, and the cash assistance coordinator. During this orientation the client learns about his/her rights and responsibilities. Safety, bus routes, medical issues, and what to expect in the next few days is reviewed.

The first two weeks after arrival are very busy. Clients sign their apartment lease, apply for their Social Security cards, food stamps, and refugee Medicaid. All this is done with an interpreter. Refugee Medicaid lasts for eight months for single adults, 1 year for married clients, and up to age 19 for youth as long as the family falls below the income limit. Clients also attend a health screening appointment, usually by the second week. During this appointment clients receive immunizations, TB tests, and a general health screening. Clients are then referred to the appropriate health care providers. Refugees are not allowed into the country with active TB. If an individual has had TB and it is not active they will be allowed into the country as long as they are treated within the 1st 30 days at the local health department. The local health department receives notification of all arrivals before they arrive and works closely with the resettlement agency.