Significant Changes to U.S. Refugee Resettlement On January 27, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program was paused for 90 days. Just weeks later, on February 26, all federally funded resettlement agency contracts were terminated, effectively ending the refugee resettlement program that has existed since 1980.  In addition to these actions, federal grant reimbursements for refugee programs have been frozen since January, forcing agencies to operate without funding. Many have had to lay off up to 90% of their staff, leaving refugees without critical support.    The Impact on Refugees Here in the Triangle, hundreds of newly arrived refugees are now without caseworkers to help them find jobs, secure housing, or access essential services. Resettlement agencies do not only provide services to newly arrived refugee families, but offer some case management support to families for up to 5 years. For example, a large caseload of families with complex medical needs is now struggling to obtain necessary care due to program cuts. These cuts have not only eliminated case management but have also reduced assistance with job placement and housing, school enrollment support, trauma counseling, and healthcare access. The result? Refugees are left without the resources necessary to rebuild their lives. Refugees contribute … Continue reading Significant Changes to U.S. Refugee Resettlement: A New Crisis and How RHP is Responding