1. Starting A New Life The Refugee and Immigrant Experience

2. 864 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Presenter May Shogan Director of International Exchanges and Education Department
864 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Phone: (716) Fax: (716) 2

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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)

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

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

24. 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.

25. 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)

26. 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?

27. 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

28. 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.

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