What refugee and asylee services are available in Oklahoma?
1. Refugee and Asylee Resettlement Services: Services are available in Oklahoma through the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Tulsa office, which provides assistance with housing, education, employment, medical care, English language instruction, and case management for refugees and asylees.2. Legal Assistance: The Oklahoma Office of Refugee Services (ORS) provides legal assistance for refugees and asylees, including help with applying for citizenship and navigating immigration court proceedings.
3. Mental Health: The ORS funds mental health services for refugees and asylees through programs like the Mental Health and Wellness Initiative Program. This program offers individual and group counseling to address post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health concerns associated with resettlement.
4. Financial Resources: ORS provides cash assistance to refugees and asylees in need of emergency funds for housing, food, and other essential needs.
5. Employment Services: ORS assists refugees and asylees in finding employment by providing job search assistance, job readiness training, and job placement assistance.
Is there a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Oklahoma?
Yes, the Oklahoma Office of Refugee Services provides services to refugees and asylees in Oklahoma. The office is part of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). It offers a variety of services to newcomers, including case management, employment and training assistance, housing assistance, and other support services. The office also works with local agencies to identify and address refugee-specific needs in the community.How do I apply for refugee status in Oklahoma?
You must make an application for refugee status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can apply online, by mail, or in person at a USCIS office. You will need to provide documentation, such as birth certificates, passports, immunization records, and other official documents to prove your identity and eligibility. You can find more information about the refugee application process on the USCIS website.Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Oklahoma?
Yes. Organizations offering asylee assistance in Oklahoma include AsylumConnect, World Relief Tulsa, International Rescue Committee in Oklahoma, and American Refugee Committee. Additionally, numerous local refugee resettlement organizations, churches, and other nonprofits in Oklahoma offer asylee assistance.What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for providing refugee and asylee services in Oklahoma. The agency administers the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) and Refugee Social Services (RSS) programs. DHS also works in partnership with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide refugee and asylee services.Can I get legal assistance for my asylum case in Oklahoma?
Yes, you can get legal assistance for your asylum case in Oklahoma. There are several organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to immigrants, including those seeking asylum in Oklahoma. These organizations include the OKC Metro Immigration Legal Services (MILS), Catholic Charities of Tulsa, and the Tulsa Immigration Assistance Center. Additionally, you may be able to find a private attorney in your area who specializes in immigration law and can help you with your asylum case.What benefits are available for refugees in Oklahoma?
1. Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): Refugee Cash Assistance provides monthly cash payments to refugees who meet eligibility requirements and are not eligible for any other form of cash assistance.2. Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA): Refugee Medical Assistance provides free or reduced-cost medical care to refugees who meet eligibility requirements.
3. Refugee Social Services (RSS): Refugee Social Services provide individual and family counseling, job training, English language classes, and other support services to help refugees adjust to life in the United States.
4. Refugee Education Assistance Program (REAP): The Refugee Education Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help refugees pay for tuition and educational expenses at accredited Oklahoma colleges and universities.
5. Refugee Employment Services (RES): Refugee Employment Services helps refugees find and keep employment in Oklahoma by helping them with resume writing, job search techniques, and other employment services.
Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are language assistance programs for refugees in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) provides English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to refugees and other non-native English-speaking individuals. The ESL classes are offered at the Oklahoma City Refugee Resettlement Center and other locations throughout the state. Additionally, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) of Oklahoma City provides language instruction to refugees and other immigrants. The IRC offers a variety of language classes, including English, French, Arabic, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Oklahoma?
Yes, refugees in Oklahoma are eligible for healthcare services through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The refugee services program offers a range of healthcare services, including medical assistance, behavioral health, and preventive health. Additionally, refugees may be eligible for Medicaid health insurance coverage. Refugees can access these services through the local DHS office or by contacting the Refugee Health Coordinator at 1-877-318-5857.What employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, refugees and asylees can access a variety of employment services, including:1. Oklahoma Refugee Employment Program – This program provides job search assistance, career counseling, job referral and placement, support services, and job training to refugees.
2. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) – ESOL classes help refugees and asylees improve their English language skills, which can be key to obtaining and maintaining employment.
3. Refugee Resettlement Program – This program offers support services to help refugees transition to life in Oklahoma. Services include employment assistance, English language classes, housing assistance, transportation assistance, and more.
4. CareerTech – The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education offers a variety of job training programs for refugees and asylees in a variety of fields.
5. Immigration Services – Numerous organizations in Oklahoma offer a range of services related to immigration, including legal assistance and free immigration consultations.
Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are housing assistance programs for refugees in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) offers financial assistance to refugees, asylees, and other eligible immigrants through the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program. The program provides financial assistance for essential living expenses such as rent, utilities, and food. Additionally, the Community Action Program of Oklahoma County (CAPOC) assists refugees in finding housing and provides referrals to other housing assistance programs.How can I sponsor a refugee family in Oklahoma?
There are several organizations in Oklahoma that you can contact to sponsor a refugee family. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest resettlement agencies in the US and has offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. You can contact the IRC to discuss sponsorship of a refugee family. Other organizations that provide sponsorship services include Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, World Relief, and the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. You can also reach out to local faith-based organizations that may have an active resettlement program.What educational resources are available for refugee children in Oklahoma?
1. Refugee Center Online: Refugee Center Online is a comprehensive resource center offering a range of educational and legal services to refugees in Oklahoma. The center provides educational materials, refugee rights information, and job placement assistance.2. Refugee Education Network: The Refugee Education Network provides financial assistance and support for refugee students in Oklahoma. They offer scholarships, tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and academic advising for students in need.
3. Refugee Community Centers: Several refugee community centers exist in Oklahoma, offering programs and services for refugee families. These centers can provide assistance with education, employment, and financial planning.
4. Oklahoma State Department of Education: The Oklahoma State Department of Education provides resources for refugee families, including English as a second language (ESL) classes and information on state curriculum requirements.
5. United Way of Central Oklahoma: United Way of Central Oklahoma has a number of programs and resources to help refugees, including job skills training and mentoring programs.
Are there community integration programs for asylees in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are community integration programs for asylees in Oklahoma. These programs are provided by agencies such as the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City, and the International Rescue Committee. These programs provide services such as job placement assistance, English language classes, cultural orientation, and access to health care.How long does the asylum application process take in Oklahoma?
The length of the asylum application process in Oklahoma can vary depending on individual circumstances and is difficult to predict. Generally, it can take anywhere between six months to several years for an asylum application to be decided on.Is there a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Oklahoma?
Yes, the Oklahoma Office of Refugee Services provides a toll-free Refugee Hotline for refugees and asylees in Oklahoma for questions about services. The number is 1-800-375-0853.Can I apply for public assistance as a refugee in Oklahoma?
Yes, refugees in Oklahoma can apply for public assistance. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has various programs to assist refugees, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). The Federal Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program is also available to eligible refugees in Oklahoma. To apply for any of these programs, contact the OKDHS office nearest to you.What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Oklahoma?
1. Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City offers the “Cultural Orientation Program” for refugees in Oklahoma. The program includes classes, workshops and activities designed to help refugees adjust to their new lives in the United States.2. The International Rescue Committee in Tulsa provides “Cultural Orientation Training” to newly-arrived refugees. The program aims to introduce refugees to the customs, norms and laws of their new home in Oklahoma.
3. The Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma in Oklahoma City also has a “Cultural Orientation Program” for refugees. This program teaches refugees about cultural adaptation, communication, and life skills needed to transition into life in Oklahoma.
4. The Compassionate Friends of Tulsa provides a “Cultural Orientation Workshop” designed to assist refugees in adjusting to life in the U.S. The workshop covers topics such as cultural identity, communication skills, and community resources.