Refugees and Immigrants

Note: This presentation does not have an audio component—all necessary information is included on the slides.

Who are undocumented immigrants?

Facts about undocumented immigrants

11.5 to 12 million undocumented immigrants lived in the U.S.• 2/3 of that population had been living in the

U.S for 10 years or less. The majority of “new arrivals” are young, have

few years of schooling, and speak little English. Most are employed in low paying jobs requiring

very little skill. Almost two-thirds of the undocumented

population lives in just six states: California (26 %), Texas (12 %), Florida (10 %) New York (8 %), Illinois (4 %), and New Jersey (4 %)

Myths and Facts• Myth: Undocumented immigrants come to the U.S. to get

welfare Facts:

Most come exclusively to work 90% worked, a higher rate than U.S. citizens and legal immigrants! Are ineligible for welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid

• Myth: Undocumented immigrants all crossed the Mexican border Facts:

60-75% of 10 million undocumented immigrants crossed the Mexican border illegally and w/o inspection

25-40% entered legally and either overstayed visas or violated terms of their admission

• Myth: Undocumented immigrants are all single men Facts:

40% of the adults are women 54% of men live “in married couples or other families” Less than ½ are single and unattached

Myths about undocumented immigrants

• Myth: Most children of the undocumented are “unauthorized” Fact: 2/3 of children with undocumented parents are U.S.

citizens who live in mixed-status families• Myth: A large number of school children are undocumented

Fact: In 2000, 1.5% of elementary, and 3% of secondary children were undocumented

• Myth: Undocumented immigrants do not pay taxes Fact: Social Security Administration estimates that ¾ of

undocumented immigrants pay payroll taxes and contribute $6-7 billion in Social Security that they will be unable to claim.

Who are refugees?

Refugee: Definition: Refugee, person who has fled or been

expelled from his or her country of origin because of natural catastrophe, war or military occupation, or fear of religious, racial, or political persecution.

How One Becomes a Refugee:Live in a place where people are persecuted because of their race, religion, ethnic affiliation, social group, or political belief. Belong to one of these groups.

Flee your country when your life is threatened. Take only your immediate family members and the clothes you are wearing.

Find your way to the relative safety of a neighboring country.

Apply to the UNHCR, United Nations High Commission for refugees, for protection.

If the UN recognizes your need for protection, you may be given a card and allowed to live in a refugee camp. You may not even be safe there as these often isn’t security within the camp. You probably aren’t allowed to work in the asylum country and are therefore dependent on the UN and NGOs to provide food, medical care and education.

Main Countries of Resettlement of Refugees in 2006

United States 41,300 Australia 13,400 Canada 10,700 Sweden 2,400 Norway 1,000 New Zealand 700

Refugee Statistics

The US averages 40,000 to 50,000 refugees each year.

Texas became home to almost 4,000 last year. Dallas gained over 1,200 refugees last year. The top five groups originated from Somalia,

Cuba, Sudan, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Citizenship/Rights of Refugees Refugees have all the same rights as U.S.

citizens except that they are unable to vote or hold public office. They must adhere to all the same laws as U.S. citizens.

Refugees arrive with I-94 cards, this serves as their proof of residency and their birth certificate.

1 year after arrival to the U.S. the refugee can apply for a green card, usually with the assistance of their resettlement agency.

5 years from their date of arrival refugee may apply for citizenship. They must pass a written and oral test.

Resettlement Agencies All refugees entering the U.S. go

through a resettlement agency Resettlement agencies pick up the

refugee from the airport and arrange for their basic needs to be met, housing, food, medical and clothing.

Basic role of a resettlement agency is to get the refugee client self sufficient within 90 to 180 days.

Housing Challenges Unfavorable living

conditions such as living with relatives

Refugees often have to move from place to place

Refugee Services in Dallas Texas

Communication Challenges Numerous languages, not all adequately represented

• Many services only translate three to five languages.

Daily tasks impeded• Doctor visits• Grocery store outings • Needing bus information or being lost• Helping children with school

Use of family/friends is the primary source of information• The longest residence become the greatest source.• Can lead to misinformation

Word of mouth is also utilized• Oral cultures, need factual information within the communities

Education Challenges The majority of

refugee students have never been in a formal classroom• Lacking basic skills• Non-English

speaking• Reading, writing,

math• Attention span

Refugee Parental Involvement• Parents are not used

to being involved in the school system

• Children often begin speaking English before their parents which can create stress

• Language barriers keep parents from being involved

Health Challenges Access to Healthcare

• Financial• Transportation• Communication

Hostility from host community Distrust of Medical providers Differing cultural Understanding of

illness and health care systems

Health Challenges Mental Health

Issues• Mental Health

problems comprise the main health issue s which refugees face

• Anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder

• Torture trauma• Life events

More Refugee Information: www.refugee.org www.churchworldservice.org www.lirs.org www.state.gov www.irc.org www.unhcr.org www.cal.org