FAQs
The United Nations High Council on Refugees (UNHCR) defines refugees as people forced to flee their own country and seek safety in another country. They are unable to return to their own country or fear persecution because of who they are, what they believe in or say, or because of armed conflict, violence or serious public disorder.
RAISE helps refugees that have been granted admission as refugees by the US government.
Immigrants are people that have permanently resettled in another country. Refugees are a specific category of immigrants, but not all immigrants are refugees.
Refugees come from many countries, primarily because of war. They flee their country of origin typically to a neighboring country seeking asylum and are placed in refugee camps. They go through a lengthy vetting process before being sent to a resettlement country.
According to UNHCR Data from 2022 the top countries of Origin for refugees are:
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Afghanistan
- Venezuela
- South Sudan
- Myanmar
RAISE currently supports clients from 18 countries, with the most people coming from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Sudan and Haiti.
Afghanistan: https://coresourceexchange.org/working-with-afghans/
Congo: https://coresourceexchange.org/congolese-backgrounder/
Sudan: https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/sudan/
Haiti: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19548810
Refugees themselves actually get a loan that covers their airfare to the United States. The US government provides limited support to refugees through the Reception and Placement program during their first 90 days in the country. Some Refugees can participate in the Matching Grant Employment Program, this provides additional support to Refugees after Reception and Placement up to a max of 270 days in the country as they seek employment. This program must be matched dollar for dollar by the local resettlement agency. This can be matched by donations of items, volunteer time or financial donations. The Joplin community also helps support refugees in Joplin through their generous donations to RAISE. A study from the Department of Health and Human Services found that from 2005 to 2019 refugees and asylees had a positive fiscal impact on the US economy. During that period government expenditures on refugees were approximately $457.2 billion, while they generated an income for the government at all levels of $581 billion. Providing a net positive fiscal impact of $123.8 billion. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2024/02/refugees-us-have-contributed-nearly-124b-us-government-budget-new-hhs-study-reveals
- Supports refugee resettlement
- Supports basic need in their first 90 days-welcomes well and superior support
- Designs employment programs to help them achieve self sufficiency
- Empowers clients & provides ongoing support
- Facilitates youth programs
- Provides client education—primarily English in a partnership with Crowder College, as well as cultural orientation
- Promotes opportunities for connection and integration with the Joplin community
- Raises awareness in the Joplin community of refugees & offers cross-cultural training to businesses/organizations
- Volunteer: English classes, childcare, driving Clients, Friendship Connection, youth mentorship and house setup are the most needed areas
- Donate gently used household items(no beds or clothes)
- Donate financially to RAISE to help support our work. The government supports some of what we do, but it typically only covers “bare bones” required services. To achieve integration and thriving community takes additional support
- Refugees need help; they are fleeing war
- Refugees are a net increase for the tax base
- Refugees have an entrepreneurial spirit
- Welcoming them helps build a more diverse city, which helps cultivate innovation
A recent Freakonomics podcast with some fascinating data on immigration and refugees:
https://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-true-story-of-americas-supremely-messed-up-immigration-system/
Yes, refugees get an Employment Authorization Document very quickly after their arrival. We are always interested in talking to employers that are interested in providing good jobs for refugees.
Yes, if you are a property owner or property manager, we would love to build a partnership with you. Reach out and let us know if you have property that is for rent!
- Refugees often have trauma from the situations that they are fleeing.
- Transportation is a big barrier, particularly in Joplin, where a license and a car are necessities. We help refugees work towards getting a license and assist them in acquiring reliable cars.
- English: Most clients don’t speak English, which makes everyday life and employment difficult. We help our clients learn English and find employers that are willing to work with employees that speak limited English.
“Refugees undergo more rigorous screening than anyone else we allow into the United States.”
US Citizenship and Immigration Services diagram:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/charts/USRAP_FlowChart.pdf
White House infographic on refugee vetting process:
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/11/20/infographic-screening-process-refugee-entry-united-states
Yes, we love connecting with other organizations to help them learn about refugees, other cultural perspectives and ways they can be involved in supporting refugees in Joplin.
Refugees can apply to become legal permanent residents (commonly referred to as a green card) after being in the US for one year. They can apply for citizenship after being in the United States for 5 years. Refugees typically stay in the country they have resettled in. Like any residents of the United States, refugees are free to move anywhere in the country they desire. Many of the refugees RAISE has supported choose to stay in the Joplin area. However, some have moved to other cities in the US, mostly to join families that live in those cities.
Refugees typically are fleeing from armed conflicts, violence, persecution or human rights violations. UNHCR has information on several specific refugee situations if you’d like to learn more: https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/
Yes, Turkey supports the most refugees of any country, followed closely by Iran and Germany. Many countries have resettlement programs that provide a path for refugees to become citizens.
- Flee home country
- Vetted by UN and given official refugee status
- UN refers them to US government for resettlement
- US government conducts background check and biometric screening through multiple agencies
- Assigned to a national resettlement organization
- Assigned to Local resettlement agency
- Approved for travel
- RAISE secures housing and sets up house
- Refugees arrive at airport and are met by RAISE
- Taken to their housing, given a hot meal, and 1st night orientation of basic safety and security
- Cultural Orientation: learn basics of living in America
- English classes
- Get a job
- Continue to learn English
- Become self-sufficient
For more details/background on the refugee process:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/immigration-refugee-process-us-admissions-cbs-news-explains/
GET IN TOUCH WITH RAISE
Whether you want to get involved or just learn more about our services that help immigrants and refugees, please reach out today. Fill out the form or give us a call at (417) 317-5013.
We look forward to hearing from you!
NOTE: Once you’ve submitted your information and message, please allow 1-3 business days and a RAISE team member will get in touch with you.