1.     Has the US started using community sponsorship to resettle refugees? 

Yes, Community sponsorship is a model of refugee resettlement in which individuals or groups of people from a community come together to sponsor a refugee family or individual, providing them with financial, social, and emotional support as they adjust to their new lives in the United States. 

In February 2021, the Biden administration issued an executive order that directed the U.S. Department of State to consult with national resettlement agencies and other stakeholders to identify opportunities to expand the use of community sponsorship in the U.S. refugee resettlement program. The order specifically called for the development of a pilot program for community sponsorship, and for the evaluation of the effectiveness of such programs in promoting refugee integration and community engagement. 

In late 2021, as part of the effort to resettle upwards of 100,000 Afghans, the Biden administration announced plans to expand the use of community sponsorship in the U.S. After years of atrophy due to dramatically reduced refugee arrivals, community sponsorship proved critical to successfully resettling so many in a short 10-month period. Then, as now, the goal was to provide more pathways for refugees to be resettled in the U.S. and to build stronger connections between refugees and the communities where they are resettled. 

   This initiative continues today as the Welcome Corps.

    https://www.state.gov/launch-of-the-welcome-corps-private-sponsorship-of-refugees-2/#:~:text=The%20Welcome%20Corps%20creates%20new,for%20volunteering%20with%20resettlement%20agencies.

Fact Sheet - Launch of Welcome Corps- Private Sponsorship of Refugees - United States Department of State

The Department of State, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, is pleased to announce the creation of the Welcome Corps, a new private sponsorship program that empowers everyday Americans to play a leading role in welcoming refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and supporting their resettlement and integration […]

www.state.gov

2.     Do refugees, supported by communities, do better than refugees supported by resettlement agencies? 

It's difficult to make a blanket statement about whether refugees supported by communities do better than refugees supported by resettlement agencies, as the effectiveness of both models of support can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific needs and circumstances of the refugees involved. However, studies have shown that community sponsorship programs can be effective in promoting refugee integration and self-sufficiency. 

One advantage of community sponsorship is that it allows refugees to form close connections with members of their sponsoring community, which can provide emotional and social support as well as practical assistance with tasks like finding housing, navigating healthcare systems, and finding employment. Another advantage of community sponsorship is that it can be more flexible and responsive to the specific needs of the refugees involved, as the sponsor group can tailor their support to the individual or family they are sponsoring. 

That being said, resettlement agencies often have more experience than individual community groups, and can provide support to refugees who may have more complex needs or who require specialized services.  

Overall, both community sponsorship and resettlement agency support can be effective in promoting the successful integration of refugees in their new communities, and the best approach may depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the refugees involved. Our approach is to partner, and bring the best of both to our sponsee's. 

3.     What are the challenges of community sponsorship for refugee resettlement? 

While community sponsorship can be an effective model for refugee resettlement, it is not without its challenges. Some of the main challenges include: 

1. Finding and recruiting sponsors: One of the biggest challenges of community sponsorship is finding and recruiting sponsors who are willing and able to take on the responsibilities of supporting a refugee or family. This can be especially difficult in areas with low levels of refugee resettlement or where there is a lack of awareness about community sponsorship. 

2. Ensuring adequate support and resources: Sponsors may not have the necessary resources or expertise to provide comprehensive support to refugees. It is important to ensure that sponsors receive adequate training and support to help them fulfill their responsibilities effectively. 

3. Organization: ensuring that too much responsibility doesn’t fall on too few. Indeed, this, more than anything, constitutes the biggest obstacle to committing to resettle a family. Which is why we have positioned coalition and partnership with a resettlement agency as our model. 

4. Ensuring the safety and security of refugees: Community sponsorship requires close interaction between refugees and their sponsors, which can pose safety and security risks to the families supported if not managed properly. It is important to have appropriate safeguards in place to protect the safety and privacy of refugees. 

5. Navigating legal and administrative processes: Community sponsors may need to navigate complex legal, regulatory and administrative processes, such as applying for social security numbers, social services and work permits, accessing healthcare, and enrolling in school. Sponsors may require support and guidance from resettlement agencies or other experts to navigate these processes effectively. 

6. Providing long-term support: Community sponsorship typically involves a commitment to support refugees for a period of at least one year, and often longer. Sponsors may need to develop plans to ensure that refugees can continue to access support and resources after the initial sponsorship period ends. 

4.     How will IRRC be engaging the broader community? 

Our membership and supporters represent faith-based organizations in Westport, Fairfield and Norwalk. We plan to provide bi-monthly updates to our members/supporters. Additionally, we hope to document our family’s journey in a way that we can share with the larger community. And position this as a learning and giving experience for the entire community. 

5.     Is there a brief summary of the Syrian refugee crisis?  (also see our Syrian Refugee Crisis FAQ Page)

The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the largest and most protracted refugee crises in the world today. It began in 2011, when anti-government protests erupted in Syria, leading to a brutal and ongoing conflict between the government and opposition forces. Since the start of the conflict, more than 5.6 million Syrians have fled their homes and sought refuge in neighboring countries, primarily Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. An additional 6.7 million Syrians are internally displaced within the country. 

The crisis has had a devastating impact on the Syrian people, with many facing violence, displacement, and deprivation. Syrian refugees often face significant challenges in accessing basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Many also face discrimination and xenophobia in their host countries. The crisis has also had significant regional and global implications, with neighboring countries struggling to cope with the influx of refugees and international organizations and governments working to provide humanitarian assistance and support to those affected. 

Despite ongoing efforts to address the crisis, many challenges remain. The conflict in Syria continues, and the humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons remain significant. The crisis underscores the importance of effective responses to forced displacement and the need for sustained international support for refugees and host communities. 

6.     What is the value to the US of refugee resettlement? 

Refugee resettlement can provide a number of important benefits to the United States, both in terms of humanitarian values and broader economic and social impacts. Here are a few key ways in which refugee resettlement can bring value to the US: 

1. Demonstrating humanitarian leadership: The US has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and providing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution and conflict. Resettlement demonstrates the US's commitment to humanitarian values and sends a powerful message to the world about the importance of protecting the most vulnerable. 

2. Boosting the economy: Refugees can contribute to the US economy through employment, entrepreneurship, and consumer spending. A 2017 report by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that refugees who arrived in the US as adults had high rates of entrepreneurship, with 15.5% starting their own businesses, and that refugees had a positive impact on the local economies of the cities where they settled. 

3. Enhancing cultural diversity: Refugee resettlement can enrich the cultural fabric of communities by introducing new perspectives, traditions, and experiences. Refugees bring diverse skills, knowledge, and experiences to the US, which can contribute to a more vibrant and dynamic society. 

4. Filling critical workforce gaps: Refugees can help to fill critical gaps in the US labor market, particularly in industries and sectors where there is a shortage of workers. Resettled refugees can be particularly valuable in industries like healthcare, where there is a high demand for skilled workers. 

5. Supporting national security: Resettlement can help to advance US national security interests by providing a safe and secure pathway for vulnerable populations. Resettlement also supports stability in regions affected by conflict and displacement, which can help to prevent the spread of extremism and terrorism. 
   
   Overall, refugee resettlement can bring significant value to the US, both in terms of humanitarian values and broader economic and social impacts. 

7.     What is the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker? And why does it matter? 

A refugee is someone who has fled their home country due to persecution, war, or violence, apply from outside their home and future host country, and are given legal status by a government or international organization such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). A refugee typically cannot return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. 

An asylum seeker, on the other hand, is someone who has left their home country and seeks protection from inside their preferred host country, but has not yet been granted legal status as a refugee. Once arriving, an asylum seeker must apply for asylum and go through a legal process to prove that they meet the legal definition of a refugee. 

The distinction between refugees and asylum seekers matters because it determines the legal status and rights of the individual. Refugees who are granted legal status are entitled to all the rights and privileges of a US citizen; including the right to protection, assistance, access to healthcare, education, and employment. Refugees receive a Green Card within the first year of arrival. And can apply for citizenship within 5 years after that. Asylum seekers, on the other hand, do not have legal status and may face restrictions on their movement, employment, and access to services. Up to, and including, deportation. 

Additionally, the process for obtaining refugee status is often more rigorous and time-consuming than the process for applying for asylum. Asylum seekers may face a lengthy and complex legal process, which can involve interviews, background checks, and appeals, before their application is approved or denied. 

In summary, the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker is mainly a legal one, with refugees having been granted legal status and asylum seekers still in the process of seeking legal protection. Understanding this distinction is important for ensuring that individuals who have fled persecution or violence receive the protection and assistance they need to rebuild their lives. 

8.     Where do refugees come from? 

A look at the map of where refugees come from, and their number, provides a glimpse into global events and the U.S.’s role in those events. Refugees arriving in the U.S. reached their peak in 1980 (200,000) in response to the massive refugee migration from Vietnam and Cambodia. The 1990s saw a majority of refugees come from Europe - largely driven by those fleeing political turmoil in the former Soviet Union and the former Yugoslavia. Today the top 5 countries of origin are Syria, Ukraine Afghanistan, South Sudan and Burma/Myanmar. 

In response to these humanitarian crisis, the Biden administration has proposed to significantly increase the number of refugees the United States accepts each year—from 12,500 in 2019/20 to 125,000 in 2022/23. After digesting the large influx of Afghans in 2021/22, it should be no surprise to see the mix of nationalities change to more broadly represent the global humanitarian crisis as a whole.  

Today, Syrian refugees make up the largest share of refugee arrivals to the US. You may recall, the Syrian refugee crisis is what prompted 31 Governors in 2015 to protest against Syrian refugee resettlement. At that time, our governor (Dannel Malloy) was awarded the Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award for standing up for refugee resettlement, including Syrian refugees. Of which IRRC was a part. Our first sponsor family was a Syrian family of four, in 2016!

9.     How are refugees vetted? 

Refugees seeking resettlement in the United States go through a thorough vetting process to ensure national security and the well-being of both the refugees and the host country. The process involves multiple steps and various government agencies. It often takes >5 years from start to finish. Here is a general overview of the refugee vetting process in the US: 

1. Registration with the United Nations: Refugees initially register with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or other designated organizations. The UNHCR conducts interviews and collects information about the refugee's background, persecution claims, and any other relevant details. 

2. Referral for Resettlement: After registration, some refugees may be referred by the UNHCR to the United States for resettlement based on specific criteria, such as vulnerability or family ties. 

3. Resettlement Support Center (RSC): Once referred for resettlement, the refugee's case is assigned to a Resettlement Support Center (RSC), which is usually an organization contracted by the U.S. Department of State. The RSC conducts further interviews, collects additional information, and prepares the case for consideration by U.S. authorities. 

4. Application and Interview: The refugee applicant, with the assistance of the RSC, submits an application for resettlement to the U.S. government. This application includes extensive biographical information, such as personal history, family members, education, work experience, and reasons for seeking resettlement. 

5. Security Checks and Screening: The applicant undergoes rigorous security checks conducted by multiple U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Defense. Biometric data, such as fingerprints, is collected and checked against various databases. 

6. In-person Interview: If the security checks are cleared, the applicant is interviewed by specially trained officers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The interview aims to assess the credibility of the refugee's claims, gather additional information, and determine their eligibility for resettlement. 

7. Medical Examination: Refugees undergo a medical examination to identify any health conditions and ensure they do not pose a public health risk. This examination is performed by authorized physicians and clinics. 

8. Cultural Orientation and Pre-Departure Training: Approved refugees attend cultural orientation classes to familiarize themselves with the U.S. culture, society, and expectations. They also receive information about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the available support services upon arrival. 

9. Approval and Placement: After successfully completing the vetting process, the refugee may receive approval for resettlement in the United States. At this stage, the U.S. Department of State works with various organizations to determine the refugee's destination within the country. 

It's important to note that the vetting process for refugees is comprehensive and designed to ensure the safety and security of both the refugees and the United States.  

10.  Where are these refugees settled? 

The placement of refugees is coordinated by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with nine national resettlement agencies, also known as Voluntary Agencies (VOLAGs), which work with local affiliate agencies across the country. These agencies provide essential support and services to refugees upon their arrival and help them integrate into their new communities. 

The resettlement agencies consider several factors when determining the location for refugee placement, including family ties, ethnic or cultural communities, and employment opportunities. They strive to ensure that refugees are placed in areas where they can access necessary services, find employment, and establish a support network.

While refugees may be initially placed in specific locations, they have the freedom to relocate within the United States after their arrival. Refugees often move to areas where they have existing family or community connections or where they believe they can find better opportunities. 

It's important to note that refugee resettlement is a collaborative effort between the federal government, resettlement agencies, and local communities across the United States.