Arrival: Through the Eyes of A Refugee

At GatewayTeams we not only journey with refugee families as they start a new life, but deeply desire to do so while providing hope and help along the way. In pursuing this goal, a key step is understanding just how difficult this journey truly is.

We often point to language or culture shock as the primary barrier, but in many ways these are just the surface level. Arriving in the United States means gaining both rights and responsibilities.

As an asylum seeker or refugee you have the right to:

• Live and work in the United States
• Attend public school until a certain age
• Apply for an unrestricted Social Security card
• Apply for a driver’s license”

However, refugees also gain required responsibilities such as:

• Paying federal, state, and local taxes, if
applicable
• Registering with the Selective Service if you are a male between 18 and 26 years old
• Sending your minor children to school
• Apply for lawful permanent resident status after 1 year in the United States if you are a refugee

While tasks such as these may seem commonplace for citizens of the U.S., they can pose quite a hurdle when combined with the other mental, cultural, and economic stresses surrounding newly arrived families.

If you have a minute and see the process for yourself! The USCIS* brochure attached below may be just an overview but it provides a clear picture of the many thoughts and considerations being weighed by GatewayTeams families.

*U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services