Starting A New Life The Refugee and Immigrant Experience

864 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 Presenter May Shogan Director of International Exchanges and Education Department 864 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 Phone: (716) 883-1900 Fax: (716) 883-9529 WWW.IIBUFF.ORG 2

Refugees vs. Immigrants A Foreign-born individual who has been admitted to reside permanently in the United States. They usually come to the U.S. for economic reasons or to join other family members. They are not in danger. Refugees A person outside of the U.S. who seeks protection on the grounds of well founded fear of being persecuted on the basis of race, religion, political affiliation, political opinion or national origin.

Becoming an Immigrant Family reunification: Must be sponsored by a family member Employment:Labor certification process Diversity visa (Lottery) Their trip is planned; they chose their host country and they come to the U.S. with some money and some of their belongings. “Immigrants come to the United States to have a better life. Refugees come to the United States to have a life.” – Lavinia Limon, President of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Immigration Trends of the 19th and 20th Century In the 19th and the early part of the 20th centuries, the primary immigrant population in America was European, with the peak of immigration being from 1900-1930. This coincides with several key events in history. America became a world power, and a highly industrialized nation. There were strikes regarding labor laws’ and Unions got incredibly powerful (and wealthy). In 1850, 92.2% of the immigrant population was European. The total number of “foreign born” residents of the United States was 2,244,602. Now, our primary population of immigrants is from Latin America (which includes Mexico), with Asia coming in second. Immigrants did come to America in groups, due to poverty, hunger, persecution, and the idea that America offered a better way of life. NOTE BENE- Slaves were not counted as immigrants in census totals. They were recorded separately and had a separate census. The reason the number of immigrants from Africa remained low after 1865 is because after slavery was abolished and the Civil War ended, former slaves were considered American citizens, and not immigrants.

Becoming a Refugee Fleeing Seeking Legal Refugee Status Seeking Resettlement Refugees are forced to leave their country. They leave their homeland in a hurry leaving everything behind. They often don’t choose which country to be resettled in. Both immigrants and refugees are expected to navigate a foreign system without a map.

Who controlls the number of refugees coming into the U.S.? The President decides how many refugees can enter the country every year and from which countries. The number is usually around 75,000- 80,000 refugees. The following countries have resettlement programs: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Other countries accept individual refugees on an ad hoc basis

Refugees In Western New York Over the years the refugees in Western NY come from: Russia Vietnam Bosnia Congo Eritrea Ethiopia Iran Somalia Kosovo Liberia Sudan Afghanistan Rwanda Iraq Burma (Myanmar) Bhutan

Iraqi Refugees Quick Facts: The war in Iraq displaced 4 million people. 2 million have fled the country since 2003. 100,000 people leave the country every month. 40% of the middle class has left. 25% of people have PTSD. Reasons for Leaving: Ongoing sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias, along with every other religious minority group General lawlessness: robberies, kidnapping, and murders

Burmese Refugees Quick Facts: The military government of Burma is responsible for numerous human rights violations. Minority ethnic groups are routinely sent to refugee camps, since the regime has labeled them “anti-nationalists.” Some of the “legal” actions taken by this regime include: Judicial killings, disappearances, rape, torture, and incommunicado detentions.

TIMELINE OF BURMESE HISTORY Burma was freed from British colonial rule and made a republic. A military coup took control. After years of protest, democratic elections were held. The elected leader, Aung Sung Syu Kyi was under house arrest on and off for 20 yrs. Aung Sung Syu Kyi was released from house arrest. Democratic elections were held again, but the ruling military party “won” almost all of the seats. 1948 1962 1990 2010 2011

Bhutanese Refugees The History: Ethnic Nepali people migrated from Nepal to Bhutan in the late 1880s, living in the lowland Southern areas that the Bhutanese did not like. The Problem: As their numbers grew, the ethnic Nepali people kept their distinctive religion, language, dress and culture. The Bhutanese majority ethnic group, the Druks, began to see them as a threat to political and economic power.

Brief History of The Bhutanese Repression Protests erupted against the government’s rulings. Labeled ‘anti-nationalists,’ the freedom fighters were thrown in jail. 100,000 people fled or were forced to leave Bhutan and go to refugee camps in Nepal. Bhutanese citizenship law was passed, forcing people to provide evidence they were Druk not Nepali. Ethnic dress was outlawed, and the traditional Nepali language forbidden to be taught in the classroom 1985 1989 1990 1990- 1992

Stresses Experienced By Refugees: Pre- Flight During Flight and Processing Imprisonment Loss of family members Loss of home and possessions Loss of livelihood Repeated relocation Witnessing crimes against loved ones Living in hiding Famine and starvation Fear of unexpected arrest Rape or physical assault Witnessing crimes Multiple flight and escape Anxiety Robbery and attacks by others Illness or injury Malnutrition Long waits in refugee camps Fear of being forgotten Anxiety over the future

The Path of a Refugee: Persecution and Flight Flight: Fleeing your country when your life is threatened. Take only your immediate family members and the clothes you are wearing. Persecution: Living in a place where the group you belong to is being persecuted because of race, religion, ethnic affiliation, social group, or political belief.

15.1 MILLION Refugees Worldwide Becoming a refugee 15.1 MILLION Refugees Worldwide Refugees flee to save their own lives or that of a family member. According to the United Nations, “The latest figures available show that the number of refugees of concern to UNHCR stood at 10.4 million refugees at the beginning of 2011, …(with) a further 4.7 million registered” Palestinian refugees in camps in the Middle East. - They rarely know how long it will be before they can return home and have no time to plan their departure. Family records, documents. Diplomas, photos and other precious items are left behind.

The waiting begins: Life in a camp If the United Nations recognizes your need for protection, you may be given a card and allowed to live in a refugee camp. You may not even be safe there, especially if you are a woman or a child.

Refugee Camps Life was dangerous, especially venturing out to get food In Their Own Words: The Karen refugees Life in Tham Hin Camp (based on info gathered in group sessions) Life was dangerous, especially venturing out to get food Days were spent fetching water, and sneaking out to get food not supplied by UNHCR Some people snuck out to do day labor jobs (guards often came to take people to do day labor, or could also be bribed so they could sneak out) There were no rules in the camp “better to live quietly” In situations of extreme illness, they were taken to hospital in town There was no privacy – only about 20 feet of space to inhabit. You probably don’t have enough to eat; it is usually illegal for you to leave the camp, so you can’t gather food or go to work for money. You may live there for years, waiting to be interviewed by a US gov’t official. Then you wait again, to see if you get approved.

Finally – you are called back in to hear the decision on your case! Seeking Resettlement: *Only about 1% of all refugees are referred by the UNHCR for resettlement in a third country. *Of the 192 member states of the UN, 16 have established annual quotas to resettle refugees. The U.S. resettles over 50% of all refugees. * Family ties, language ability, profession and other factors are taken into consideration by the UNHCR when considering resettlement. If the answer is NO, you have other options: a) Return home, b) Stay where you are, c) Try another country. If the answer is YES, your application becomes a case, and you wait for processing to a third country

The Refugee Process Embassy Referral UN High Commission For Refugees Affidavit of relationship (family in U.S.) Embassy Referral P2 Direct Registration Class Name Check (Computer) Joint Voluntary Agency (Checks paperwork) Joint Voluntary Agency Class Refusal Denied USCIS US Citizenship & Immigration Services Approved Security Name Check Cultural Orientation Motion to: - Reconsider - Reopen INS Refugee Data Center Assurance International Organization For Migrants (Travel loan) Medical USA

Voluntary Agencies in the U.S. Church World Service (CWS) Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society/ Episcopal Migration Ministries (DFMS/EMM) Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) Hebrew Immigrant Aid society (HIAS) United States Commission For Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) International Rescue Committee Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) United States Catholic Conference (USCC) World Relief Corporation (WRC)

Resettlement Agencies in Buffalo International Institute of Buffalo Journey’s End Catholic Charities Jewish Family Services

Refugee Resettlement in the US - Pre-travel Activities Assurance Process Medical Clearance Security Clearance Cultural Orientation - Travel to the US - US Arrival and Reception

Coming to America After passing medical and security clearances, then refugees are eligible to fly to the U.S. They may only have a day or two notice that they are leaving. Resettlement agencies ‘assure’ the case in advance, but may only have a couple days notice that a family is coming and needs a new home.

Services and Benefits Provided No Interest travel loan to come to the U.S. 8 months Refugee cash Assistance (RCA) and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Food Stamps Basic needs such as initial housing, furnishings, food, clothing Community orientation Social Security Cards School Registration for children Referrals for medical appointments and other supportive service needs Employment Services English language classes Case management (Through local agency and caseworkers) Other services depending upon location and local capacity Adjustment of status from refugee to legal permanent resident (In 1 year)

Stresses Experienced By Refugees After arrival in the U.S. Unmet expectations Low economic & social status Language barrier Bad news from home Discrimination / racial insults Values conflict Transportation limitations Social isolation Identity issues Role loss/ ambiguity/ reversal Unemployment/ underemployment Family reunification Sex ratio inequities Inadequate housing Legal status questions Secondary migration Intergenerational conflict Neighborhood violence Poor physical and mental health Maintaining own culture, and values while adjusting to new country. Worrying about family members back home Dealing with the language barrier Role reversal in the family . Loosing their support system and depending on total strangers. Having to accept entry level jobs, even though they might have been professionals in their own country. Even though they were farmers before, they would NOT like to farm now: prefer mechanic jobs or cleaning jobs- entry level Children’s Education Placement by age vs. ability or education level New and unfamiliar education system How can we be sure our kids are learning and getting the best education How can we make a connection between parents and teachers Jobs, Money and Adult Ed What are our options? 2) What about job upgrades?/Jobs within our skill set? 3) We need improved ESL after we go to work 4) I was a professional in my home country, do I have to start with an entry level job now? HOUSING We need to know how to live in and use an American apartment) How can we ever afford a home? How do we complain to the landlord if we can’t speak English and will we get in trouble?

Adjustment Stages: Adjustment Stages: Stage One: Excitement or “Honeymoon period” Stage Two: Withdrawal Stage Three: Adjustment Stage Four: Enthusiasm Positive feelings of new culture Nervous, anxious, and critical of new culture Better understanding and acceptance of new culture, and less isolation Enjoy and function well in new culture. Adopt certain behaviors from new culture

Facts Refugees are legally permitted to enter the United States. After one year in the United States refugees must file to change their immigration status to “Legal Permanent Resident”. After five years in the United States they may apply for citizenship.

“Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may not remember, involve me and I’ll understand” - Native American Proverb