A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their country of origin because of persecution, war, or violence
Asylum seekers and refugees are individuals who are in the US under a “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion”. Some have entered illegally (without Visa or entry permit), some were here when the situation in their home country became unsafe or unstable and choose to stay rather than return to a dangerous situation. In a few cases there will be multiple family members. (Note that unaccompanied minors are considered differently)
Hurdles Refugees Face
- Most spend years in refugee camps before receiving refugee designation
- Refugees are subject to the strictest form of security screening
- Extensive background, security and health checks taking 2 to 5 years
- Refugees must pay back cost of airfare to resettlement agency
- Upon arrival in U.S., federal financial and social service support lasts only 3 months
Assistance LexRap Current Provides
- Family focused support, led by a social worker or “lead”
- Assistance finding housing
- Coat and laptop drives
- Extensive tutoring for children
- Hosting asylees with LexRAP families
- Monthly brown bag lunches for ESL class in Lowell
- Liaison to schools
- Financial assistance for asylees
- Financial support for continuing education and job training
- Finding/paying for summer camp
- Mentoring for employment
- Family reunification support
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date
Our monthly newsletter will keep you up date on events and calls to action.
