What refugee and asylee services are available in Washington?

1. Refugee and Asylee Cash Assistance: This program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible refugee and asylee individuals, families, and unaccompanied minors.

2. Refugee and Asylee Employment Services: This program helps refugees and asylees to become self-sufficient through job training, job search programs, and other employment services.

3. Refugee Resettlement Program: This program is designed to help refugees transition into life in the United States with support services such as language instruction, employment assistance, housing placement, and social service referrals.

4. Refugee Medical Assistance Program: This program provides medical coverage for refugees in Washington for up to eight months after their arrival in the United States.

5. Refugee Education Services: This program helps immigrants and refugees gain access to educational opportunities in the United States. The program provides support for English language instruction, GED preparation, support for college entrance exams, college placement, and after-school programming.

6. Asylee Outreach Program: This program provides holistic case management services to asylees in Washington who are transitioning into their new home state. Services include specialized legal assistance, cultural orientation, case management, referrals to social services, and support with naturalization applications.

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

Yes. Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network is a statewide organization providing resources for refugees and asylees in Washington. They offer various services such as legal assistance, advocacy, and resources.

How do I apply for refugee status in Washington?

To apply for refugee status in Washington, you must first contact the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The ORR will provide you with information about the process and help you to determine if you are eligible for refugee status. After determining that you are eligible, you must submit a completed application to the ORR. Once the application is received, an interview will be scheduled to determine if you qualify for refugee status. After the interview, a decision will be made on your application.

Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Washington?

Yes, there are several organizations offering assistance to asylees in Washington. These include Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest, Church World Service, and the International Rescue Committee. Additionally, there is the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, which is a statewide network of organizations providing direct services to immigrants in Washington State.

What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Washington?

1. Washington State Refugee and Asylee Services (RSW)
2. U.S. Department of State Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)
3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
4. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
5. Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest (RISNW)
6. World Relief Seattle

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

Yes, you can get legal assistance for your asylum case in Washington. There are numerous organizations and legal aid clinics that provide free or low-cost legal services to individuals with asylum applications. You may want to contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, the Washington State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, or the American Immigration Lawyers Association to help you find a qualified immigration attorney. Additionally, the American Bar Association’s Immigration Justice Project can provide free legal assistance if you are considered low-income.

What benefits are available for refugees in Washington?

Washington State provides several social services designed to help refugees settle and become thriving members of the community. These include:

– Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), a financial assistance program that helps cover basic needs for eligible refugees within their first 8 months of arrival in the U.S.

– Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), a health care program that provides coverage for medical and dental services to eligible refugees within the 8-month period of eligibility for RCA.

– WorkFirst Refugee Services, a program that provides employment assistance to eligible refugees in Washington State.

– Refugee Resettlement Services, which provide support services, including case management, English language instruction, job placement, and support with naturalization and cultural adjustment.

– Refugee Food Assistance Program (RFAP), which provides food assistance to eligible refugees for up to 8 months after they arrive in Washington.

– English Language Learner Programs, which provide instruction in English language skills and cultural orientation to help refugees adjust to life in the United States.

– Refugee Mental Health Services, which provide mental health assessment and counseling for eligible refugees.

Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Washington?

Yes, there are language assistance programs available for refugees in Washington State. The Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest (RISNW) provides language assistance programs to help refugees learn English and other languages. Services include ESL classes, bilingual childcare, and interpretation and translation services. There are also a number of other organizations that provide language assistance services to refugees in Washington, including the International Rescue Committee, World Relief Seattle, and Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.

Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Washington?

Yes, refugees are eligible for healthcare services in Washington. Refugees are eligible for Washington Apple Health, which is the state’s Medicaid program. This program offers healthcare for low-income individuals and families. In addition to this, refugees may also be eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), which is a program funded by the federal government that provides medical assistance to newly arrived refugees. Refugees may also be eligible for other health services through community health centers and other organizations.

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

1. Refugee and Asylee Employment Services: This program provides employment services to all refugees and asylees in Washington. Services include job search assistance, job placement, career exploration, training, and referrals to other services.

2. Refugee Health Promotion Program: This program provides comprehensive health promotion services to refugees in Washington. Services include assessments, health education, health screenings, referrals to medical providers and other services.

3. Refugee Women’s Health Promotion Program: This program provides health promotion services to refugee women in Washington. Services include health education workshops, assessments, health screenings, referrals to medical providers and other services.

4. Refugee Workforce Development Program: This program provides employment services to refugees and asylees in Washington. Services include job training, job placement, career exploration, and referrals to other services.

5. Refugee Youth Employment Program: This program provides employment services to refugee youth in Washington. Services include job search assistance, job placement, career exploration, and access to summer jobs and internships.

6. Refugee Social Services Program: This program provides social services to refugees and asylees in Washington. Services include legal assistance, financial coaching, case management, and access to housing resources.

Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Washington?

Yes, there are housing assistance programs for refugees in Washington. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services offers a Refugee Cash Assistance program that provides cash assistance and other services to eligible refugees. Other organizations such as World Relief Seattle and the International Rescue Committee also offer housing assistance to refugees in the state.

How can I sponsor a refugee family in Washington?

The best way to sponsor a refugee family in Washington is to contact a local resettlement agency. The nine resettlement agencies that work with the U.S. Department of State in Washington are: Catholic Charities Spokane, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, World Relief Seattle, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Seattle, Jewish Family Service of Seattle, Refugee Women’s Alliance, Tacoma Refugee Connections, Church World Service—Immigration and Refugee Program, and Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. These agencies can provide information on how to sponsor a refugee family in Washington.

What educational resources are available for refugee children in Washington?

1. Refugee Education Program (REEP): REEP offers free education and language classes to refugee children in Washington. The program offers language classes in English, Spanish, French, Somali, and Arabic.

2. Seattle Public Schools Refugee Support: Seattle Public Schools offers refugee support services to help refugee children transition into school life in the United States. The program includes assistance with enrolling in school, navigating school systems, and understanding the US education system.

3. Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA): ReWA helps refugee women and children transition to life in Washington. The organization provides educational support such as English language classes, career training, and parenting support.

4. World Relief Seattle: World Relief Seattle provides support for refugees in Washington by offering educational programs, job training classes, and other resources. The organization also connects families to schools and offers after-school programs for refugee children.

Are there community integration programs for asylees in Washington?

Yes, there are community integration programs for asylees in Washington State. The Refugee and Immigrant Services program at the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Affairs provides services to refugees and asylees to help them integrate into their new communities and acquire the skills necessary to be self-sufficient. The program also offers employment services, language and vocational training, health care, education, and other support.

How long does the asylum application process take in Washington?

The asylum application process in Washington can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the current backlog of applications. Generally, the asylum application process will involve initial screening by USCIS, an interview with an immigration officer, and a decision by an immigration judge. The entire process typically takes anywhere from 6-12 months.

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

Yes, there is a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Washington. The Refugee and Asylee Helpline is a free telephone service provided by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The helpline provides assistance in English and Spanish to refugees, asylees, and their families. The number is 1-877-284-4447.

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

Yes, refugees may apply for public assistance programs in Washington. Refugees may be eligible for cash and medical assistance, including programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid, as well as food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and free and reduced-price school meals. To apply for these programs, contact your local Department of Social and Health Services office.

What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Washington?

1. Western Washington Refugee Resettlement Program: This program offers comprehensive cultural orientation for refugees in Washington by providing case management, resettlement services, and educational programs. It also provides integration services including job counseling, cultural orientation, health and safety classes, English as a Second Language courses, and more.

2. City of Seattle Cultural Orientation Program: This program is designed to help refugees resettled in Seattle to understand and adjust to their new environment. It provides cultural orientation classes, community resources, and assistance with job placement, health care, education, housing, and other resettlement services.

3. Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA): ReWA provides culturally sensitive services to refugee women and families in Washington State, including comprehensive case management and cultural orientation services. It also offers classes on parenting skills, job training, computer skills, English language learning, and more.

4. RefugeePower: RefugeePower is a program that provides comprehensive cultural orientation to refugees in Washington State. It focuses on helping refugees to understand the culture of the United States and the local communities they settle in, as well as providing support with job placement and other services.

Can refugees work immediately upon arrival in Washington?

No, refugees must first obtain the appropriate permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can begin working in Washington. They must have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to be able to legally work in the state.

Are there social support programs for asylees in Washington?

Yes, there are social support programs for asylees in Washington. The state of Washington offers a variety of services and programs for asylees. These include:

– Refugee Cash Assistance Program: Provides financial assistance to asylees in Washington who have legal permanent residence status.
– Refugee Social Services Program: Offers a wide range of services and support to refugees, including job training, employment services, nutrition assistance, housing resources, English language classes, and legal assistance.
– Refugee Resettlement Program: Assists asylees with transitioning into their new community by helping them find housing, employment, and access to other social services.
– Asylee Support Program: Provides assistance to asylees with navigating the immigration system and obtaining legal services.
– Refugee and Immigrant Services Program (RISP): Offers resettlement services to refugees and asylees in Washington including medical assistance, case management, job placement, and educational opportunities.