Refugee and Asylee Services in Missouri

What refugee and asylee services are available in Missouri?

There are a variety of services available to refugees and asylees residing in Missouri, including access to medical care, housing assistance, employment services, English language classes and other educational opportunities, access to legal services, and support from resettlement organizations. Refugee and asylee-specific services are offered by the Missouri Department of Social Services, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, resettlement organizations, non-profit organizations, and other state and local resources.

Is there a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Missouri?

Yes, there is a Missouri Office for Refugees (MOR) located in St. Louis, MO. The MOR provides services to refugees and asylees, such as case management and services to help them become self-sufficient in the United States.

How do I apply for refugee status in Missouri?

In order to apply for refugee status in Missouri, you must first contact the Refugee Resettlement Program in the state. The program’s purpose is to provide assistance to refugees who have been granted admission to the U.S. You can contact the Refugee Resettlement Program in Missouri by calling them at 1-888-404-8472 or by visiting their website at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/state/mo.

Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Missouri?

Yes, there are several organizations that provide assistance to asylees in Missouri. These include:

1. International Institute of St. Louis- Offers assistance in the areas of employment, education, healthcare, immigration services, and other social services.

2. Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates (MIRA)- Offers legal services and advocacy for immigrants and refugees in Missouri.

3. Catholic Charities of St. Louis- Provides legal assistance, counseling, and other services to immigrants and refugees in the area.

4. Refugee and Immigrant Services of Catholic Charities- Provides educational, medical, employment, housing and other social services to immigrants and refugees.

5. Missouri Coalition for Immigrant Rights- Advocates for the rights of immigrants and refugees in Missouri through legal assistance, advocacy, education, and outreach.

What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Missouri?

1. Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) – Refugee Services
2. United States Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
4. Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates (MIRA)
5. International Institute of St. Louis
6. Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
7. Catholic Charities of St. Louis
8. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Can I get legal assistance for my asylum case in Missouri?

Yes, you can get legal assistance for your asylum case in Missouri. There are many organizations and law firms that provide legal assistance to asylum seekers. Some of these organizations and law firms provide free or low-cost services. You can contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association to find a qualified lawyer in your area to assist you with your asylum case.

What benefits are available for refugees in Missouri?

There are a variety of benefits available for refugees in Missouri. These include access to cash assistance, health care, education, employment services, housing assistance, food assistance, and English language instruction. Refugees may also be eligible for other forms of benefits from local organizations and charities, such as transportation or legal aid. Refugees who have been granted asylum also have access to permanent residency status and the ability to apply for naturalization after five years.

Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Missouri?

Yes, there are language assistance programs for refugees in Missouri. The Refugee Services of Missouri organization provides language assistance programs that include English language classes, interpretation, and translation services. Refugee Services of Missouri also offers employment assistance programs, case management, and resources for refugees. Additionally, the International Institute of St. Louis provides similar language assistance programs, as well as job search assistance and other services.

Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Missouri?

Yes, all refugees who are lawfully present in the United States are eligible to receive healthcare services from the Missouri HealthNet program. This program provides healthcare services to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements, including income limits. Refugees may also be eligible to receive other forms of assistance from local, state, and federal programs. For additional information, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Refugee Health Program at (573) 751-6247.

What employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Missouri?

Refugees and asylees in Missouri have access to many employment services through the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, which administers a range of employment programs through state-sponsored agencies and partner organizations. This includes job search assistance, job readiness skills training, job placement services, career exploration and counseling, occupational skills training, vocational education services, and other specialized employment services as needed. The Division also provides grants to private organizations that seek to assist refugees and asylees in Missouri with employment. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible for other employment resources such as the Refugee Employment Program (REP) administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA) administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the Refugee Social Services Program (RSSP) administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Missouri?

Yes, there are housing assistance programs for refugees in Missouri. The state offers a variety of programs designed to provide housing assistance and support services to refugees. These include rental assistance, homebuyer assistance, and homeless prevention services. Many of these programs are administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services. For more information, visit the department’s website or contact your local refugee resettlement agency.

How can I sponsor a refugee family in Missouri?

If you are interested in sponsoring a refugee family in Missouri, the best place to start is by contacting one of the refugee resettlement agencies in the state. These agencies are responsible for helping refugees who have recently arrived in the United States to find housing, employment, and other services. You can find more information and contact details for Missouri’s refugee resettlement agencies on the Refugees International website: https://refugeesinternational.org/where-we-work/missouri/.

What educational resources are available for refugee children in Missouri?

1. International Institute of St. Louis: The International Institute of St. Louis offers a variety of educational and cultural support services for refugees and immigrants in the St. Louis area, including English language classes, after-school tutoring and career guidance. They also offer specialized programs for refugee children, such as youth leadership development and summer camps.

2. Catholic Charities of St. Louis: Catholic Charities of St. Louis provides educational assistance to refugees, including free tutoring, GED preparation, and specialized ESL classes. They also offer youth mentoring programs and after-school activities for refugee children.

3. Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates: Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates provides legal assistance, advocacy, and education for refugees and immigrants in the state of Missouri. They offer a variety of educational resources for refugee children, including bilingual books and materials, after-school enrichment activities, and job-readiness skills training.

4. International Institute of Kansas City: The International Institute of Kansas City provides educational resources to refugees in the Kansas City area, including ESL classes, after-school tutoring, and career guidance services. They also offer specialized programs for refugee children, such as youth leadership development and summer camps.

Are there community integration programs for asylees in Missouri?

Yes, there are several community integration programs for asylees in Missouri. These programs provide assistance with finding housing, jobs, and other forms of support. Organizations such as Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) of St. Louis and Global Community Outreach (GCO) are particularly active in this area. Additionally, the Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS) has an office in St. Louis that provides assistance with community integration for asylees.

How long does the asylum application process take in Missouri?

The asylum application process in Missouri can take up to 6 months from the time the application is filed. The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of resources.

Is there a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Missouri?

Yes, the Missouri Migrant and Refugee Services (MMRS) provides a toll-free helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in the state: 1-800-482-6030.

Can I apply for public assistance as a refugee in Missouri?

Yes, you can apply for public assistance as a refugee in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Social Services provides financial assistance for refugees and other immigrants in the form of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits, Medicaid, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. You must be a legally admitted refugee or asylee to be eligible for these programs. To apply, contact your local Family Support Division office.

What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Missouri?

1. Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates (MIRA) provides culturally-sensitive, comprehensive orientation programs for refugee and immigrant communities in the state of Missouri. The program focuses on providing assistance with basic needs, community integration, and adjustment to life in the U.S. MIRA also provides legal services, advocacy, and case management to refugee and immigrant populations.

2. Lutheran Family and Children Services of Missouri provides a Cultural Orientation and Assimilation Program to help refugees adjust to life in the United States. The program offers one-on-one tutoring, assistance with job skills, educational classes, and mentoring opportunities.

3. St. Louis Refugee & Immigrant Services provides cultural orientation workshops to help refugees gain the knowledge and skills they need to transition smoothly into American culture. The workshops cover topics such as employment resources, legal rights, transportation options, healthcare, education, and interpersonal communication.

4. International Institute of St. Louis offers a class that is designed specifically for newly arrived refugees called Cultural Orientation for Refugees (COR). The class focuses on acclimating refugees to their new home in St. Louis by providing information about language training, health care resources, job search skills, and cultural integration support services.

Can refugees work immediately upon arrival in Missouri?

Yes, refugees can begin working immediately upon arrival in Missouri. To do so, they must have received employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In order to receive such authorization, refugees must have been lawfully admitted into the United States with refugee or asylee status.

Are there social support programs for asylees in Missouri?

Yes, there are social support programs for asylees in Missouri. The International Institute of St. Louis offers a range of services for refugees and asylees, including legal assistance, social services, cultural orientation, employment services, and language classes. Additionally, the Missouri Office of Refugee Administration can provide assistance with finding housing, medical care, and other social services.