A church volunteer in Columbia, South Carolina, welcomed a Congolese family into their new apartment in America. The family, consisting of a couple, their son, and the woman’s brother, fled Congo at a young age and had been living in a refugee camp in Tanzania until their recent move to the United States. The volunteers had prepared the apartment with quilts, toys, and essential items, guiding the family on how to use various features in their new home. The family expressed their gratitude and happiness for the opportunity to start a new life in America.
Under the Trump administration, refugee admissions were significantly reduced, but President Joe Biden has pledged to increase the number of refugees admitted to the country. The Biden administration has worked to streamline the screening and placement process for refugees, leading to a resurgence in refugee resettlements. If the goal of admitting 125,000 refugees this year is met, it would be the highest number of arrivals in over three decades. Despite immigration being a divisive issue, many communities and employers have welcomed refugees, recognizing the contributions they can make to the workforce.
Refugees granted entry into the United States go through a rigorous vetting process that can take years, starting with an application abroad and thorough interviews and screenings by U.S. immigration officials. Once approved, refugees are resettled in various towns across America with the assistance of resettlement agencies. These agencies provide support in finding housing, employment, and education, ultimately helping refugees integrate into their new communities and become eligible for citizenship. The Trump administration significantly reduced the refugee program, but the Biden administration has been working to reverse these cuts and increase admissions.
Refugee resettlement organizations like Lutheran Services Carolinas have seen a significant increase in the number of refugees they are assisting. The organization has opened new resettlement sites in different cities to accommodate the growing numbers. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that refugees are welcomed and supported in their new environment, guiding them through various processes such as medical appointments, government registrations, and language classes. The goal is to help refugees establish themselves and build a future in America.
In a recent English class for refugees, students learned about calendars while also gaining insights into American culture. Many refugees, like a mother from Honduras, have found hope and opportunity through the resettlement program, giving them a chance to build a better future for themselves and their children. The warm reception of refugees in states like South Carolina, once hesitant to accept them, reflects a shift in attitudes towards those seeking safety and opportunity in America. Employers, recognizing the value refugees bring to the workforce, have also embraced hiring them, providing opportunities for individuals with challenging backgrounds to thrive in their new home.
Despite challenges and uncertainties, refugee resettlement agencies continue their vital work in helping refugees rebuild their lives in America. The efforts to bring in more refugees and provide them with support have garnered nationwide support and reaffirmed the importance of the refugee resettlement program. As the Biden administration works towards meeting its refugee admission goals, the focus remains on ensuring that refugees are welcomed, supported, and integrated into American society to build a better future for themselves and their families.
