Refugee Resettlement in Tough Economic Times

The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program has a long and proud tradition of welcoming the most vulnerable individuals who have fled persecution and war.  Since the foundations for the program were laid nearly 30 years ago, there have been significant changes in the diversity of refugees' backgrounds and needs.  Unfortunately, there have not been adequate adjustments in the federal program to keep pace with these changes.  The recent economic downturn has further exacerbated these disparities and brought to the forefront the important need for a revitalized refugee program. 

Given the support to adjust to their new lives, refugees are incredible entrepreneurs, leaders, and have often revitalized ailing towns.  The economic downturn has affected many Americans, most of whom are fortunate enough to have a social support network of friends and family to fall back upon.  Refugees arriving in the United States have often fled from horrific circumstances and frequently have no immediate family upon which they can rely for assistance.  The U.S. needs to follow through with their promise to provide protection and a genuine durable solution to some of the world's most vulnerable persons.