The Pros And Cons Of Refugee Resettlement

Refugee Resettlement is a collaborative process between countries, international organizations and non governmental organizations (NGOs) that give refugees the chance to start a new life in a stable country. (Miliband, 2016) The UNHRC is the international body that serves as a gateway to resettlement while receiving nations maintain their own security, vetting and resettlement processes. No country is legally obliged to resettle refugees, therefore there are only a limited number of countries that offer refugee resettlement and between these countries, there is significant variation in resettlement policies. (UNHCR, 2016) Resettlement requires collaboration and investments at an early stage (establishing infrastructure, processes and relationships

Resettled individuals are met upon arrival at a port of entry and transported to their permanent accommodation. Local service providers are responsible for ensuring primary basic needs are met, i.e. food, toiletries, additional clothing (where necessary), an initial cash allowance to meet living costs and a briefing pack (providing practical information). Once settled, additional support that lasts 1 year is provided i.e. local community information and services. A case worker is appointed to each family to provide support, enable an assessment of needs and assistance in accessing

Refugee Admissions Program in conjunction with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are the organizations responsible for resettlement activities; in addition, Non-governmental organizations play a major role in domestic resettlement activities along with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in overseeing this processing. At U.S. port of entry, refugees with travel papers prepared by the RSC are admitted by DHS officials and authorized employment. Initial reception and placement of refugees is carried out by sponsoring agencies in cooperation with DOS who provide services. Sponsors are required to ensure that refugees’ basic needs are met: initial housing, essential supplies, food allowance, and clothing for a minimum of 30 – 90 days after arrival, they also provide assistance to access benefits and services, assistance with enrollment in English language training, transportation to job interviews and job training, and orientation about services available in the community (employment opportunities, vocational training, education, language classes, personal budgeting, safety, legal requirements, and health care). (UNHRC,