In the ever-changing landscape of migrant resettlement, the United States has unveiled a new refugee program in the U.S. in 2023. This measure promises to redefine how Americans engage in refugee sponsorship.
This bold initiative not only signifies a departure from traditional sponsorship models, but also embodies a new era of personalized, community-driven support. In this article, Jaskot Law tells you all the details of this new measure.
What is the new refugee program in the U.S. about?
The program is part of an initiative known as Welcome Corps in the United States. This will allow groups of five or more U.S. citizens or permanent residents to recommend an individual or family to sponsor.
In order to do so, potential sponsors must meet certain criteria and pass background checks, according to sources close to the government. Family members of refugees, religious groups, LGBT organizations and veterans, among others, are expected to participate.
Important aspects of this new refugee program in the U.S.
While this measure represents a major step forward for the screening and future of refugees in the United States, there are always issues to consider before entering the process. According to government officials, interested parties should consider the following:
- The timeline for refugees to reach the United States could be anywhere from six months to several years, according to Welcome Corps, and it is not yet clear how many applications are pending.
- To qualify under the new program, prospective refugees must have been registered with the UN by September 30, 2023, a deadline intended to discourage people from leaving home just to participate.
- Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans may apply if they meet refugee status and had pending sponsorship applications through a separate Biden “waiver” program.
- Officials of the State Department indicated that refugee numbers have been increasing and that they expect more applicants now that sponsors can choose who they want to bring into the country.
It is important to review and analyze these aspects in order to have a better view of your situation before entering into the process. From the eligibility requirements to the scope of the measure, the team at Jaskot Law can guide you to take the step with confidence.
Awaiting the new refugee program in the U.S.
While Biden already launched a private refugee program in January of this year, many people are hoping to be reunited with their families with this proposed new refugee program. This is one of the stories that hopes to benefit from this new measure:
| Mangok Bol, a 45-year-old Sudanese refugee in the United States for more than two decades, plans to use the new sponsorship program to reunite with his family. After fleeing Sudan during the civil war of the 1980s, Bol, a “Lost Boy,” settled in 2001 and then discovered that his brother and pregnant wife perished in 2014. After the tragic loss of their parents, a rival tribe kidnapped four of the seven children, which attracted the attention of then U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power. While a niece is still missing, the six survivors, now adults, reside in Kenya and Uganda and receive support from Bol. Together with a sponsorship group, he aspires to bring his brother’s children to the U.S. through the innovative program, emphasizing his paternal role. This narrative reflects the enduring impact of conflict on refugee families and the hope offered by the new initiative for reconnection. |
Conclusion
In summary, the new refugee program in the United States represents a paradigm shift in resettlement strategies. It provides Americans with the authority to choose who to sponsor to bring the country and encourages transparent communication.
This program not only meets the humanitarian needs of refugees, but also empowers citizens to actively contribute to their communities. With the guidance and advice of Jaskot Law, you can take the step towards a secure future with this new process.
Source
New U.S. refugee program lets Americans choose who to sponsor | Reuters
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a refugee stay in the United States?
The length of a refugee’s stay in the United States varies. It usually ranges from several months to years, depending on immigration status, resettlement process, and individual circumstances.
What is the main difference between asylum and refuge in the United States?
The key difference between asylum and refugee status in the United States lies in the timing of the application. Asylum is sought once in the country, while refuge is sought before arrival, usually from abroad.
What benefits are available to refugees in the United States?
Refugees in the United States can access benefits such as food assistance, medical care, and social reintegration programs. They also have the opportunity to work and seek economic stability after their arrival.
