How does refugee resettlement in the U.S. work? What happens when you are a refugee in the USA? Learn about arriving in the USA as a refugee and find information that will help you understand about life in the U.S.
Arriving in the United States
When you first arrive in the U.S., you will probably be greeted at the airport by volunteers from your resettlement agency. They will take you to your new home. The organization that is helping you only has a small amount of money to find you a place to live. So your home might be a small apartment. It might only have a few things in it. American families probably donated household items, such as a bed and table, for your apartment.
You will have to learn how to use the new items in your apartment – for example, your fridge, microwave and washing machine. Your resettlement agency volunteer will show you how.
Your caseworker
After you arrive, you will be assigned to a caseworker. This person will help you adjust to the USA. Your caseworker will probably be very busy helping other families, too. Your caseworker must follow the many rules of refugee resettlement in the U.S. It is important to maintain a good relationship with your caseworker.
You will have to complete a lot of paperwork. This paperwork is required for you to receive money. Depending on what state you live in, you will receive a small amount of money for your family. This might be called Refugee Cash Assistance or it might be called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. You will probably also receive something called “food stamps” or SNAP. This is to pay for groceries. You can learn more about the benefits you might receive as well as public benefits.
Medical exams
Everyone in your family will have to get medical examinations. This is a requirement for refugee resettlement in the U.S. You probably had a medical exam before you came to the U.S. You and your children may have to get vaccinations to prevent you from getting diseases. You can learn more about healthcare in the USA. If you have a medical problem, you should see a doctor during the first eight months you are in the USA, because you have good medical insurance.
قانوني مرسته، د انګلیسي ټولګي، روغتون، د استوګنې ځای مرسته، او نور ومومئ. د ګوګل نقشې سره او په متحده ایالاتو کې د مهاجرینو لپاره د خدماتو لیست لټون وکړئ.
Enrolling your children in school
If you have children, you must enroll them in school. You can read this page on public schools to learn more about US schools. Most states require children ages 5 to 18 to attend school.
You may want, or need, to send younger children to preschool. There are also free programs called HeadStart and early Headstart for children who are too young for school.
Finding a job
Your resettlement agency and case manager will help you get a job. As a refugee, you can start working immediately by showing the entry stamp on your passport. The goal of the US resettlement program is “self-sufficiency.” This means the government wants you to get a job as soon as you can. You will probably be required to take the first job you are offered. You might not want to have this job. It is important to remember that you can keep looking for a better job. You can learn more about finding a job or getting a better job.
Getting a Social Security number
You also have to apply for a Social Security number. Your caseworker will probably help you do this. This is a number that shows you can live in the USA. When you work, some of your money is taken out of your paycheck as taxes and some for social security.
Learn how to drive
You will need to learn how to take the bus or how to drive. In the USA, you must pass a test and earn your driver’s license in order to drive. You also have to pay for your car, insurance for your car, and the cost of maintenance.
Learn English
It is very important that you focus on learning English. This is probably the most important thing you can do to help your family succeed. Your resettlement agency will probably sign you up for English classes. You can also take English classes online or find classes at other places in your community. It is also important to try to help your kids learn your native language.
Adjust to American culture
During all of this time, you will also be learning to adapt to American culture. You may face culture shock. It is important that you remember your culture is valuable and that you bring lots of assets with you to the United States. You can help teach Americans about your culture.
After one year, get a green card
One year after you have arrived in the U.S., you can apply for permanent residency (a green card). Your caseworker will probably help you apply.
After the first year, you will probably stop seeing your caseworker. But, there are still lots of other organizations and people that can help you in the US. If you need help finding programs in your community, you can search in FindHello to find resources and services near you.
Moving to a new city
Sometimes, refugees decide they do not like the city they were resettled and they want to move to a new city. While there can be benefits to this if you can move closer to family or friends or somewhere with a good job, it can also be very hard. It is important to know that when you move, you have to reapply for your benefits. If you are thinking about moving to a new place, please read this page on moving to a new city before you move.
Finish high school and earn a GED diploma
In your first year after resettlement in America, you may want to finish your education to get a better job, especially if you did not finish high school in your country. We have a free online class to help you earn your high school diploma. You can also learn more about college and other educational opportunities in the USA.
Bring your family to the USA
After resettlement in America, you may decide to apply to bring other family members to the USA. In general, you need to apply to do this within the first two years you come to the USA. Read about family reunification or talk to your caseworker about it.
The information on this page comes from UNHCR and other trusted sources. It is intended for guidance and is updated as often as possible. USAHello does not give legal advice, nor are any of our materials intended to be taken as legal advice. If you are looking for a free or low-cost lawyer or legal help, we can help you find free and low-cost legal services.
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