About Refugee Resettlement

A refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.

REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROCESS

After fleeing their homes and being identified by UNHCR, refugees who are selected for referral to the U.S. are vetted by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

On average, the screening process can take anywhere from 18-24 months (and sometimes longer) depending on a refugee’s region of origin. For example, refugees from the Middle East are required to go through additional screening. After being approved, one of the nine national refugee resettlement agencies works with their local network of resettlement affiliates to place a refugee in their community.

A RETURN TO PRINCIPLES FOR KJFS

“We see this work as a return to first principles for the Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services program, which resettled Russian refugees in the 1990’s and has continued active outreach and engagement with those most in need in our community, including many new arrivals, through our food and diaper pantries,” said Molly Curren Rowles, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Alliance, “We could not be more proud and excited to work together with HIAS.  This is an important expansion of the JCA’s work, and a way to make powerful impact reflecting our values and ethical commitments.”