Refugee and Asylee Services in Florida

What refugee and asylee services are available in Florida?

In Florida, refugees and asylees are eligible to receive services from several state and national organizations. These include:

1. Refugee Resettlement Program: This program provides assistance to legal immigrants who are not yet citizens, including refugees and asylees, in the form of income support, housing assistance, medical care, and language training.

2. Florida Refugee Health Program: This program is designed to provide health services to refugees and asylees in Florida. Services include immunizations, medical screenings, mental health services, and chronic disease management.

3. Refugee Social Services Program: This program provides assistance for refugees and asylees in the form of employment and job training, English language classes, financial planning and budgeting assistance, legal services, and cultural orientation programs.

4. Florida Immigrant Coalition: The Florida Immigrant Coalition provides support and advocacy services for immigrants, including refugees and asylees. Services include legal resources, emergency support, skills development workshops, and more.

Is there a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Florida?

Yes, there is a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Florida. The Florida Department of Children and Families, Refugee Services Program, provides services to refugees and asylees in the state. The services provided include assistance with resettlement, employment services, health care, mental health services and other services. The program also works with community partners to ensure that refugees and asylees receive the support they need to successfully integrate into their new communities.

How do I apply for refugee status in Florida?

There is no specific process for applying for refugee status in Florida. To be considered for refugee status, you would need to contact the United States Department of Homeland Security’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. The USCIS can provide information on the eligibility requirements, application process, and other information related to applying for refugee status.

Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Florida?

Yes, there are several organizations offering asylee assistance in Florida. Some of the organizations include Church World Service Immigration & Refugee Program, Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Farmworker Association of Florida, and We Are Guate Florida.

What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Florida?

1. Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF): DCF provides services to refugees and asylees through the Refugee Assistance Program, which includes cash assistance, case management, employment services, and English language classes.

2. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS handles applications for refugee status and asylum in Florida. They also provide benefits and services to refugees in Florida, including naturalization support and refugee health screenings.

3. Florida Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR): ORR provides assistance to refugees in Florida, including case management, cash assistance, employment services, and English language classes.

4. The International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC is a nonprofit organization that provides refugees in Florida with resettlement services such as employment counseling and English language services.

Can I get legal assistance for my asylum case in Florida?

Yes. You may be able to get legal assistance for your asylum case in Florida. There are many low-cost or free legal services available for those seeking asylum, including pro bono attorneys who can assist with your case. You can contact the American Immigration Council for more information about how to find an attorney in your area. Additionally, you can access the Florida Bar website to search for attorneys who specialize in immigration law.

What benefits are available for refugees in Florida?

1. Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): Offers a one-time lump sum payment to eligible refugees.
2. Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA): Offers medical assistance to eligible refugees.
3. Refugee Social Services (RSS): Provides case management, employment services, housing assistance, and other supportive services to eligible refugees.
4. Refugee Education Services (RES): Provides education related services for refugees and their families.
5. Refugee Employment Services (RES): Provides job search and job placement assistance to refugees.
6. Refugee Health Services (RHS): Offers medical screenings and immunizations for all refugees who entered the U.S. within the past five years.
7. Florida Refugee Programs (FRP): Provides educational and career counseling, job placement and training, and other supportive services to refugees in Florida.
8. Emergency Assistance for Needy Families (EAFN): Offers emergency financial assistance for families who need help paying for rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs.
9. Florida Refugee Resettlement Program (FRRP): Offers health care, employment training, language classes, and cultural orientation classes for refugees in Florida.
10. Food Assistance Program (FAP): Provides low-income families with access to food assistance benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Florida?

Yes, there are language assistance programs for refugees in Florida. For example, the Refugee Services of Florida provides language classes and English language learning programs for refugees. Other organizations throughout the state, such as the Florida Immigrant Coalition, the Guatemalan-Maya Center, and the Haitian American Community Services, also provide language assistance programs.

Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Florida?

Yes, refugees are eligible for healthcare services in Florida. The Florida Department of Health and the Florida Refugee Health Program provide health services for refugees and other immigrants. Services including primary care, preventive health screenings, prenatal care, immunizations, and mental health services are available. Refugees may access healthcare through the Medicaid program, or may be eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA). RMA is a temporary program that covers medical expenses for eligible refugees through 8 months after their arrival in the United States. To find a health center in your area, please visit https://www.floridacharteredhealthcenters.org/Locate-A-Center.aspx.

What employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Florida?

1. Florida Refugee Services Program: The Florida Refugee Services Program is administered by the Florida Department of Children & Families and provides assistance to refugees and asylees in the form of employment services, language interpretation services, resettlement aid, health and social services, and more.

2. CareerSource Florida: CareerSource Florida offers employment training and job search assistance for refugees and asylees through local CareerSource Centers. These centers provide job search resources including resume and interviewing workshops, access to job postings, and more.

3. Goodwill Industries: Goodwill Industries offers employment training and job placement services for refugees and asylees. They offer financial literacy classes to help refugees better understand the American banking system, career counseling services, resume reviews, job readiness classes, and job placement assistance.

4. Catholic Charities of Central Florida: Catholic Charities of Central Florida offers employment services such as job readiness classes, job coaching, financial education classes, resume reviews, job search resources and more.

5. JVS Human Services: JVS Human Services offers employment services for refugees and asylees in the form of career counseling, resume reviews, job search assistance, skills assessments, financially literacy classes, job placement assistance, job retention support, and more.

Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Florida?

Yes, there are housing assistance programs for refugees in Florida. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) administers the Refugee Assistance Program, which provides cash and medical assistance to eligible refugees. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity also works with several non-profit and faith-based organizations to provide housing assistance for refugees.

How can I sponsor a refugee family in Florida?

If you are interested in sponsoring a refugee family in Florida, there are several steps you will need to take. First, you will need to contact a local refugee resettlement agency. These are organizations that specialize in helping refugees safely and successfully transition to life in the United States. You can find a list of such agencies in your area by visiting RefugeeResettlement.org. Once you have located an agency, you can reach out to them directly and inquire about the best way to become a sponsor. Additionally, some agencies may also have online resources available that you can use to learn more about the process and how to get started.

What educational resources are available for refugee children in Florida?

1. Florida Refugee Education and Training Center: The Florida Refugee Education and Training Center (FRETC) is a partnership between the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) that provides educational resources to refugee children in Florida. FRETC offers a range of services and supports, including language instruction, educational counseling, after-school programs, and cultural diversity training.

2. Florida Immigrant Coalition: The Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) provides many educational resources to refugee children in Florida, including tutoring, mentoring, ESL classes, and college preparedness services.

3. Refugee Services of Texas: Refugee Services of Texas (RST) offers a variety of educational resources for refugee children in Florida, including an after-school program, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services for young children, and legal assistance for parents.

4. United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants: The United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) works to protect the rights and well-being of refugees in the United States, including those in Florida. USCRI’s educational resources include access to school supplies and books, tutoring and mentorship programs, scholarships for higher education, and language classes.

Are there community integration programs for asylees in Florida?

Yes, there are a number of community integration programs for asylees in Florida. These programs range from language classes and job placement assistance, to housing support and legal aid. Some of the organizations that offer such services include: Catholic Charities of Miami, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Services Florida, World Relief Miami, and the Florida Immigrant Coalition.

How long does the asylum application process take in Florida?

The asylum application process can take several months or even years in Florida. Generally, it takes at least 6 months for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review and approve or deny asylum applications. This time frame does not include the time it takes to complete a biometrics appointment, have a credible fear review, or appear in immigration court.

Is there a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Florida?

Yes, there is a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Florida. The Florida Immigrant Coalition operates the toll-free Florida Immigration Hotline at 1-888-600-5762. This hotline is accessible to all individuals in need of immigration assistance and provides free and confidential advice and referrals to organizations that can help with services related to refugees and asylees.

Can I apply for public assistance as a refugee in Florida?

Yes, refugees are eligible to apply for public assistance in Florida. An individual can apply for public assistance through the Department of Children and Families or the local county welfare office. The types of public assistance that may be available to a refugee include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other local programs.

What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Florida?

1. Refugee Learning Center: The Refugee Learning Center is a non-profit organization that provides cultural orientation training to newly arrived refugees in Florida. The RLC offers a variety of topics and activities designed to help new refugees adjust to their new lives in America, including introduction to the community, employment resources, English language classes, cultural understanding workshops, and more.

2. Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services of Catholic Charities of Central Florida: This organization offers a range of services to help refugees build new lives in central Florida communities, including cultural orientation programming. The program aims to help newly arrived refugees learn the basics of U.S. culture and everyday life, providing an understanding of civic engagement and the importance of contributing to their new communities.

3. Global Connections for Refugees: Global Connections for Refugees provides cultural orientation programs for refugees in Central Florida communities. Through their weekly “Cultural Exchange” program, refugees have the opportunity to learn about U.S. culture, gain job skills, and become involved in the community. Other programs include English language classes, workshops on financial literacy, and job readiness training.

Can refugees work immediately upon arrival in Florida?

No, refugees are not allowed to work immediately upon arrival in Florida. They must first request and receive a Social Security number and authorization to work from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Then, they must apply for employment authorization from the USCIS.

Are there social support programs for asylees in Florida?

Yes, there are social support programs for asylees in Florida. The Florida Immigrant Coalition provides legal aid and social support services to asylees. They offer a range of services including resettlement assistance, job placement, educational resources, health care assistance, and more. Additionally, Catholic Charities of Central Florida and Lutheran Services Florida provide social support and legal aid to asylees.