Q: How many refugees live in Utah?
A: In January 2013, Utah Refugee
Coalition partnered with the Refugee Services Office to estimate how
many refugees have arrived in Utah. Using data provided by Department of
Workforce Services (DWS), at least 45,000 refugees have resettled in
Utah and received DWS services since 1988, and 70% of that number are
women and children. Recent data is showing that there are approximately
60,000 refugees living in Utah, most in Salt Lake County.
Q: How does the US decide which refugees to admit?
A: The U.S. State Department and U.S.
Justice Department conduct background checks and interviews with each
refugee before they are admitted. Refugees also are given medical tests
to determine if they have any contagious diseases such as tuberculosis.
They are tested again when they arrive in the U.S. to guard against
fraudulent or false results.
Q: Who decides how many refugees can come into the US?
A: Each year, the President sets a
ceiling for refugee admissions. He bases his recommendations on
information provided by world refugee relief organizations, including
the United Nations, and in consultation with Congress as well as federal
officials who oversee refugee services. Since 2002, the ceiling has
been set at 70,000 per year.
Q: Who do I contact to find a refugee family/individual in need of mentoring?
A: You may contact Asian Association,
International Rescue Committee, Catholic Community Services, or contact
us and we will help find you find the right program.
Q: How are the refugees introduced to America?
A: Refugees are assigned a case manager
through either International Rescue Committee or Catholic Community
Services, the organization that assisted in bringing them here to
America. This case manager will assist in introducing the refugee to
America. This is also where mentors from within the community are
extremely beneficial to help the refugees integrate more successfully
into the community.
Q: What is the difference between a refugee and an immigrant?
A: Immigrants leave their homes for
economic opportunity, education and other reasons. Refugees flee their
homes because of fear of persecution and require special protection
because at the root of their exile is a serious human rights violation.
They are legally brought to the U.S. once they are defined as
“refugees.”
Q: Are refugees illegal immigrants?
A: No, refugees are not illegal
immigrants. Refugees are legally brought here to the U.S. after being
defined as a “refugee” by the United Nations High Commissioner of
Refugees. Refugees are even eligible for citizenship within 5 years of
arrival in the U.S
(Text from Refugee Action Network)
