What's going on with Refugee Resettlement in the US amid the shutdown?
The following is from our partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW).
Each year Congress and the President work together to set a number for how many refugees are allowed to enter the United States. This is called the Presidential Determination. The Presidential Determination usually happens in September, before the start of the new fiscal year. Since the Government is currently shut down, no determination has been made for this fiscal year. There have been reports that when the Presidential Determination is made, it may be set at 7,500, the lowest in history.
LSS continues to work with those who were resettled prior to January 20th when resettlement was paused. We provide services such as employment assistance, case management, youth mentorship, school impact (helping children get adjusted to school and provide assistance and resources to the families and teachers), case coordination (determining what services are needed and referring internally or to other community resources as needed), and mentorship (pairing a community volunteer with a refugee youth to work on specific goals such as: applying for college, obtaining employment, tutoring for school, English language practice and other goals).
Changes in eligibility affecting refugees
Recently, OBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) removed refugees from being an eligible population to receive SNAP benefits.
Historically, refugees were able to receive temporary assistance as they got on their feet. Since they usually come with little or nothing to their name, this temporary assistance helped them during the crucial time of obtaining employment, getting their kids enrolled in school and getting settled. This benefit helped them keep food on the table for themselves and their children.
The loss of this benefit will put a further strain on food pantries in the community which are already seeing rising numbers of individuals needing food assistance. Statically, refugees pay back more in taxes than they ever use in benefits. SNAP benefits were a temporary and crucial lifeline for families.
For further details on loss of SNAP assistance to refugees, click here
Advocate for Refugees
Our local policymakers in Arizona need to know and understand what is happening. Constituents in their district are suddenly losing access to crucial assistance for a basic right, the right to food. LSS is working to meet with legislators in whose districts a large number of refugees reside. However, it is important that every legislator in the State understands what is happening, regardless of the number of refugees residing in their district.
If you are interested in LSS accompanying you to a visit with your legislator, please reach out to Jay Eberle at jeberle@lss-sw.org. We can arrange the details, make the agenda and talking points, and lead the discussion. You can join as a constituent and participate as much or little as you wish.