What refugee and asylee services are available in Connecticut?
There are a number of refugee and asylee services available in Connecticut. These include services provided by the Connecticut Office for Refugees, the International Institute of Connecticut, the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition, and the Connecticut Alliance for Refugees and Immigrants. These organizations provide services such as financial assistance, housing assistance, job training, legal services, language classes, and other supportive services to refugees and asylees in Connecticut.Is there a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Connecticut?
Yes, there is a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Connecticut. The International Institute of Connecticut, located in Bridgeport, provides assistance to refugees and asylees from around the world who are living in the state. The Institute offers services like resettlement, English classes, job training and placement, immigration services, and more.How do I apply for refugee status in Connecticut?
In order to apply for refugee status in Connecticut, you must first contact the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to complete the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (Form I-589) and submit it to USCIS along with any necessary supporting documents. Depending on your particular situation, you may also need to submit an application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) or an application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Form I-821D). After submitting these forms, your application will be reviewed by USCIS and you may need to attend an interview. After your application is processed, if you are approved, you will receive refugee status in Connecticut.Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Connecticut?
Yes. There are a number of organizations in Connecticut that offer support and assistance to asylees. These include the International Institute of Connecticut, the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition, the Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Center, the New Haven Legal Assistance Association, and the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project.What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Connecticut?
1. Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT DSS): Provides case management, access to medical coverage, employment services, housing assistance and other social services for refugees and asylees.2. Connecticut Office of Refugee and Immigrant Services (CORIS): Provides specialized services to assist refugees in becoming self-sufficient and integrating into their new communities.
3. Connecticut Legal Services (CLS): Provides free legal assistance in refugee and asylum cases.
4. Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF): Provides language access services, mental health and medical assistance for refugees and asylees.
5. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Federal agency responsible for approving family reunification petitions for refugees and asylees.
Can I get legal assistance for my asylum case in Connecticut?
Yes, you can get legal assistance for your asylum case in Connecticut. There are many organizations in the state that provide free or reduced-fee legal assistance to those who are seeking asylum. These organizations include the Connecticut Immigrant Rights Alliance, the International Institute of Connecticut, and the International Refugee Assistance Project. Additionally, you can contact the Connecticut Bar Association for a referral to a lawyer in your area who may be able to provide you with assistance.What benefits are available for refugees in Connecticut?
1. Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): This program provides eligible refugees with monthly cash assistance payments to help meet their basic needs.2. Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA): This program provides eligible refugees with medical coverage for a limited period of time.
3. English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes: The Connecticut Department of Education provides free ESL classes for refugees.
4. Refugee Resettlement Assistance Program (RRAP): This program provides eligible refugees with short-term rental assistance and other supportive services to help them adjust to life in Connecticut.
5. Refugee Social Services: Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) offers a variety of social services to refugees, including job training, counseling, and medical support.
6. Food Stamps: Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) offers food stamps to eligible refugees.
7. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program provides eligible refugees with cash assistance and other supportive services to help them become self-sufficient.
8. Employment Services: The Connecticut Department of Labor offers employment services to refugees, including job search assistance and training programs.
Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Connecticut?
Yes, there are language assistance programs for refugees in Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Social Services provides language assistance and interpreters for refugees seeking services. The organization also provides language access plans for the state’s refugee population and offers a range of language services, including translation, interpretation, cultural competency training, and language access plan development. Languages that are spoken by the refugee population in Connecticut include Arabic, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Russian, Nepali, Swahili, Chinese, Burmese, and other languages.Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Connecticut?
Yes. Refugees may receive healthcare services in Connecticut. Refugees may qualify for free or reduced fee healthcare through the Connecticut Medicaid program. Refugees can also access healthcare services through federally funded Refugee Medical Assistance programs and local health departments. In addition, many community-based organizations offer healthcare services to refugees and other immigrants.What employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Connecticut?
Connecticut has a variety of employment services available to refugees and asylees, including refugee employment programs, job search assistance, career counseling, language assistance, job training, and more.1. Refugee Employment Program: The Refugee Employment Program (REP) is funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and administered by the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL). The goal of the REP is to help refugees and asylees become employed as soon as possible after arrival. The REP provides individualized employment services such as job search assistance, career counseling, and language assistance.
2. Job Search Assistance: The CTDOL provides job search assistance to refugees and asylees through their America’s Job Centers. This includes providing information about job openings, helping them to develop resumes and prepare for interviews, and giving them access to job banks.
3. Job Training: The CTDOL provides job training services to refugees and asylees through various programs. These include Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants for job training and support services, as well as the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP).
4. Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are an important part of the refugee resettlement process in Connecticut. Organizations like Catholic Charities and Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) offer volunteer opportunities for refugees and asylees to help them gain experience in different areas.
5. English Language Classes: Several organizations in Connecticut offer English language classes for refugees and asylees. These include Community Renewal Team’s Language Bank, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, Catholic Charities of Fairfield County’s ESL classes, New Haven Adult Education Center, and more.
Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Connecticut?
Yes, there are several housing assistance programs for refugees in Connecticut. The State of Connecticut Department of Housing offers a variety of housing assistance programs for refugees, including the Refugee Resettlement Program which provides temporary housing assistance for refugees for up to 12 months after their arrival in the U.S., and the Refugee Rental Assistance Program which provides rental assistance to refugees for up to five years. Additionally, Catholic Charities of Fairfield County operates a Refugee Resettlement Program which provides housing and other social services to refugees in Fairfield County. Other organizations that provide housing assistance for refugees in Connecticut include the International Institute of Connecticut, Junta for Progressive Action, and United Action Connecticut.How can I sponsor a refugee family in Connecticut?
Sponsoring a refugee family in Connecticut is possible through several organizations and resettlement agencies. These organizations provide support to refugees throughout the resettlement process, including assistance with housing, employment, healthcare, language support, and more. Organizations such as the International Institute of Connecticut, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), and Catholic Charities provide these services. You can contact these or other organizations directly to learn more about how to sponsor a refugee family.What educational resources are available for refugee children in Connecticut?
1. International Institute of Connecticut: The International Institute of Connecticut works to improve the lives of refugees and immigrants in the state by offering a variety of services. They provide educational assistance, such as English language classes, citizenship preparation, high school equivalency programs, and more. They also provide case management services to help refugees adjust to life in the US.2. Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford: Catholic Charities provides refugee resettlement services, including educational assistance such as language classes, cultural orientation, job training, and referrals to other services. They also provide after school tutoring and summer enrichment programs to help children adjust to life in the US.
3. Connecticut State Department of Education: The Connecticut State Department of Education provides resources for refugee and immigrant students, including bilingual/multilingual support services, English Language Learner programming, and special education services. They also offer a variety of grants and programs to help support refugee students in the state.
4. World Education Services: World Education Services offers a variety of services for refugee students, including assessments of foreign academic credentials, admissions guidance, career counseling, and more. They also provide scholarship opportunities for refugees who wish to pursue higher education in the US.
Are there community integration programs for asylees in Connecticut?
Yes, there are several community integration programs for asylees in Connecticut. The International Institute of Connecticut provides case management, employment services, and access to educational opportunities. Other organizations such as the Connecticut Immigrant Rights Alliance, Catholic Charities, and Centro San Juan Diego provide legal assistance, language classes, and other social services.How long does the asylum application process take in Connecticut?
The exact length of the asylum application process in Connecticut depends on individual circumstances, and the availability of legal representation. In general, it can take up to one year for an asylum application to be processed and a decision to be made.Is there a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Connecticut?
Yes, the Office of Refugee and Immigration Services (ORIS) helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Connecticut is 1-800-203-1234.Can I apply for public assistance as a refugee in Connecticut?
Yes, refugees who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for public assistance in Connecticut. Eligibility requirements and specific instructions for applying can be found on the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services website.What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Connecticut?
1. Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS): IRIS provides comprehensive resettlement services to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants in Connecticut. Their services include cultural orientation programs that include language lessons, employment readiness training, healthcare navigation, and other support services.2. New Haven Adult Education Center: This center offers a variety of cultural orientation courses for refugees and immigrants in Connecticut. The courses cover topics such as U.S. culture and customs, English as a Second Language (ESL), and job readiness skills. In addition, the center offers field trips to local attractions and half-day workshops to help refugees learn more about their new home state.
3. Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI): This organization provides free or low-cost cultural orientation classes that cover U.S. laws and customs, civil rights, and other topics related to life in the U.S. The classes are designed to help refugees learn how to better integrate into their new communities.
4. Lutheran Social Services of Connecticut: Lutheran Social Services of Connecticut offers cultural orientation classes at two locations in Hartford County. The courses cover topics such as English language proficiency, job search skills, U.S. history and government, and financial literacy.
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