Refugees are no
different from us

WE ALL WANT TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR

Refugees are people who flee violence and persecution to seek a safer life—people who have no choice but to leave their homes, often on little or no notice, in order to escape torture or death at the hands of extremist groups or corrupt governments. These families are matched with safe countries where they can build a life free of fear and become contributing members of a community.

LEARN ABOUT THE REFUGEE EXPERIENCE Click here to scroll down to the next section

THE HARDEST WAY TO ENTER
THE US IS AS A REFUGEE

Of all the people who come to this country, refugees are subjected to the most rigorous forms of screening. Candidates are evaluated for security risks and health issues on nine different levels, and the process takes about 18 to 24 months. Not all candidates are accepted.

The US has long been a leader in helping people who are fleeing violence and persecution find a safe place for their families to live. For decades, citizens and policy makers have come together to make this happen. In fact, five of the nine agencies that help refugees find homes in the US are from a variety of faiths. Americans from all religions and political leanings believe that helping refugees is the right thing to do.

Learn About The Process

There are nearly
20 million
 refugees worldwide1

More than 50% of refugees
 are children1

Fewer than 1% will be resettled1

SHARE

Share

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/11/250005.htm Small image for external sharing Link: Share on external site

Refugees Are
Resilient

Our communities are richer, our culture more diverse, because we are a nation of people—from all over the world—who aren’t afraid to work hard to create a better life.

Meet a few of the refugees who are bringing their passion and skills to our communities.

Image of refugees

An Investment, Not A Burden

America is built on the principle of welcoming people from all cultures and religions who are seeking a safer way of life. From our country’s inception, refugees have been woven into the rich fabric of American life. With diverse backgrounds and complementary ways of problem-solving, refugees have become essential to our country’s ability to thrive, renew and innovate.

During times of crisis, the US has redoubled efforts to uphold strict scrutiny of candidates for resettlement. This not only protects the safety of its citizens but also ensures that our country continues to benefit from the investments we make through our humanitarian efforts.

Learn more about the ways in which refugees...

20 MILLION There are nearly 20 million refugees worldwide20

Icon of crowd 59% of Americans believe that the US should do more to help refugees or should continue to offer assistance at the current level21
SHARE

Share

Children are Children

Refugees flee a life that is threatened daily by war and civil unrest. The constant storm cloud of violence means children can’t go to school without fearing for their safety, and some days there’s not enough food to eat.

What if that were your child?

Click on this link to play the associated video
Children are Children
SHARE

Share

What’s In Your Bag?

What if you had only 5 minutes to fill a bag with everything that’s most important to you? What would you have to leave behind? That’s the heartbreaking decision refugees are faced with every day.

Click on this link to play the associated video
What’s In Your Bag?
SHARE

Share

NO GOING BACK

Sonny Le fled Vietnam in 1980 and never looked back. “We have to make it in America,” he says. “This is our home.” This video is courtesty of Tzu Chi USA 360.

Click on this link to play the associated video
NO GOING BACK
SHARE

Share

LEAVING THEIR MARK

George Tarr hasn’t seen his mom since she sent him to the US 17 years ago to live a better life, but he’s seen her dreams come true. This video is courtesty of Tzu Chi USA 360.

Click on this link to play the associated video
LEAVING THEIR MARK
SHARE

Share

SERGIO’S STORY

Sergio Plecas fled Croatia with his mother in 2003. He’s now an award-winning documentary videographer for PBS. This video is courtesty of Episcopal Church.

Click on this link to play the associated video
SERGIO’S STORY
SHARE

Share

Click on this link to change to the previous slide Click on this link to change to the next slide

Together We Are
One Community

Since its inception, our country has defined itself by opening its arms to people in need from all walks of life.

Because we embrace diversity and protect individual safety and freedom, we all benefit from a broad range of cultures and life experiences that strengthen our communities—and our nation.

And you can help them

You have the ability to make a refugee’s transition easier, their experience better and America’s future brighter.

When we work together in the best interest of our country, we all win.

Click this link to go back to the previous tabs
Image of a book
Access our social media toolkit.

Show your support, share your story and spread the word.

View Now
Click this link to go back to the previous tabs

Volunteer Your Time and Make new friends

Set up an apartment

Gather and store furniture and household items and set up the family’s apartment the week or weekend before they arrive.

Welcome a family home

Cook the family a culturally appropriate and familiar meal for their day of arrival, greet the family at the airport, or welcome them to their new home.

Transport

Transport refugees to appointements — doctor’s appointments, job interviews, ESL classes, etc.

Teach

Tutor children, practice coversational English or help teach English as a Second Language (ESL).

Mentor

Befriend a refugee or refugee family.

Orient

Provide cultural orientation or explore the city together.

Learn More from Our Support Network Small image for external sharing
Click this link to go back to the previous tabs

You can help make a difference
in your community

You are an invaluable resource. When you help ease a refugee’s transition into our country, you not only aid someone in need—you also serve your community. Your generosity can help change a life.

How will you embrace refugees?