Refugee and Asylee Services in Georgia

What refugee and asylee services are available in Georgia?

Refugee and asylee services available in Georgia include:

• Refugee and Asylee Cash Assistance: A cash assistance program designed to assist individuals who have been granted refugee status or asylum in the United States.

• Refugee and Asylee Medical Assistance: A Medicaid program designed to provide medical care for refugees and asylees.

• Refugee and Asylee Employment Services: Services provided to help refugees and asylees find employment.

• Refugee Resettlement Program: Program offered through the US State Department that helps refugees settle in the United States.

• Refugee Outreach and Education: Programs designed to help refugees and asylees learn about US laws, culture, and integration into their new home.

• Refugee Mental Health Services: Mental health services for refugees, asylees, and their families.

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

Yes, there are several offices providing refugee and asylee services in Georgia. These include Catholic Charities Atlanta, New American Pathways, World Relief Atlanta, and the International Rescue Committee in Atlanta.

How do I apply for refugee status in Georgia?

Unfortunately, Georgia does not have a refugee status program. You may want to consider other countries in the region such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey which all have some sort of refugee program. For more information, you can contact the UNHCR Regional Representation for the Caucasus in Tbilisi at +995 32 294 16 05 or visit the UNHCR’s website at www.unhcr.org.

Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Georgia?

Yes, there are several organizations that offer asylee assistance in Georgia. These include the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Catholic Charities Refugee Services Program, Lutheran Services of Georgia, and HIAS Georgia. Each of these organizations provide individualized assistance and resources to asylees in Georgia.

What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Georgia?

1. Georgia Department of Human Services – Refugee Services
2. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM)
3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
4. Georgia Refugee Assistance Program (GRAP)
5. Georgia Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
6. International Rescue Committee (IRC)
7. Refugee Family Services
8. Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG)
9. World Relief
10. Catholic Charities of Atlanta

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

Yes. There are a number of organizations in Georgia that provide free or low-cost legal assistance to individuals seeking asylum. These include the American Immigration Council, the International Refugee Assistance Project, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, and the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. Additionally, you may be eligible for free legal services from the Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP). You can contact GLSP’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-498-9469 to see if you qualify for their services.

What benefits are available for refugees in Georgia?

1. Refugee Cash Assistance: This program provides assistance to eligible refugees with financial assistance for basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, and medical services.

2. Refugee Medical Assistance: This program provides eligible refugees with access to health care services for up to eight months after the date of their arrival in the U.S.

3. Refugee Education Services: This program provides educational services, including English language learning, to eligible refugees residing in Georgia.

4. Refugee Employment Services: This program helps refugee job seekers find employment opportunities in the local community.

5. Refugee Resettlement Services: This program assists refugees in finding housing, receiving social services, and integrating into the Georgia community.

6. Refugee Social Services: This program provides guidance and support to refugees in adjusting to life in the U.S., including access to social activities, mental health care, and other services that help refugees become self-sufficient citizens of Georgia.

Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Georgia?

Yes, there are language assistance programs for refugees in Georgia. The largest is the English as a Second Language (ESL) program offered by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC offers free ESL classes to adult refugees and asylees who have recently moved to Georgia. The IRC also offers specialized classes on topics such as job readiness, math, literacy, and American culture. Additionally, there are other language assistance programs available through local organizations such as Refugee Women’s Network, Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, and World Relief Atlanta.

Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Georgia?

Yes, refugees in Georgia are able to access healthcare services. The government of Georgia has implemented a number of programs to provide healthcare services for refugees, including health insurance coverage and access to health care facilities. Additionally, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides healthcare services to refugees in Georgia.

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

The following employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Georgia:

1. Georgia Department of Labor: The Georgia Department of Labor offers job placement services, job search assistance, and career counseling for refugees and asylees. This includes help with developing skills, finding job opportunities, and connecting to employers in the area.

2. Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS): RAIS offers employment services to refugees and asylees in Georgia, including help with job searches and connections to employers, job training, information about local labor laws and policies, and counseling on how to navigate the local job market.

3. International Rescue Committee (IRC): IRC provides employment services to refugees and asylees in Georgia, including matching individuals with employers, developing career plans, and providing language support.

4. Catholic Charities of Atlanta: Catholic Charities of Atlanta offers employment services for refugees and asylees in Georgia, including help with job searches, job retention, resume writing, interviewing skills, networking support, and career counseling.

Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Georgia?

Yes, there are housing assistance programs for refugees in Georgia. The Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP) is a federally funded program that provides a range of housing assistance services to refugees in Georgia. The program helps refugees access safe, stable, and affordable housing in the state, as well as providing other supportive services such as rental assistance, case management and referral services. Additionally, HRC Empowers, a partnership between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Department of Human Services, offers a range of housing assistance programs for refugees in Georgia, including the Refugee Assistance Benefit Program (RAB) and the Refugee Emergency Assistance Program (REAP).

How can I sponsor a refugee family in Georgia?

There are two main ways to sponsor a refugee family in Georgia: through a religious or charitable organization, or through the federal government’s Resettlement Program.

Religious or Charitable Organizations: Many religious and charitable organizations in Georgia offer assistance to refugees. These organizations can provide housing, food, financial assistance, and other essential resources to refugee families. To find out more information about a specific organization, contact your local refugee resettlement office.

Federal Resettlement Program: The federal government’s Resettlement Program provides housing and other assistance for refugees in Georgia. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). To get involved with the program, you can contact the PRM office in Atlanta or visit their website for more information.

What educational resources are available for refugee children in Georgia?

1. Refugee Education Georgia: This nonprofit organization works to provide educational opportunities for refugee children in Georgia. Its mission is to empower refugees through innovative education, social integration, and advocacy. The organization provides a variety of free programs and services, including language classes, tutoring, after-school activities, summer camps, and college and career readiness programs.

2. International Rescue Committee (IRC): This global humanitarian organization specializes in providing support services for refugee families. In Georgia, the organization works to ensure that refugee children are able to access quality educational opportunities. Its services include individualized case management, school registration assistance, Child Development Center support, and linkage to local resources.

3. Refugee Family Services: This organization provides comprehensive services to refugee families in the Atlanta area. Its education program provides tutoring and academic support for students of all ages, including refugee children. It also offers workshops on college/career preparation and financial literacy.

4. Georgia Department of Education: The department has several programs designed to help refugee children succeed in school. These include the Refugee Student Program, which provides specialized services such as tutoring and after-school activities; the Refugee Education Program, which helps students transition from school to college or career; and the Georgia ESOL/Foreign Language Program, which offers language instruction to refugees and other immigrants.

Are there community integration programs for asylees in Georgia?

Yes, there are several community integration programs for asylees in Georgia. These include the Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Catholic Charities Atlanta, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Atlanta, and the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN). These programs provide assistance with language training, employment services, legal support, and other services to help asylees integrate into their new communities.

How long does the asylum application process take in Georgia?

The asylum application process in Georgia can take several months or even longer. Each case is different, so it is difficult to provide an exact timeline. Generally, an asylum seeker should expect a decision on their case within 6-12 months, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the current caseload of the Georgia asylum office.

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

Yes, there is a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Georgia. The hotline is called the Refugee Helpline and is run by the Georgia Department of Human Services. The helpline number is 1-888-841-5510.

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

Yes, you can apply for public assistance as a refugee in Georgia. To apply, you must meet certain criteria and complete an application. Visit the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) website for more information on eligibility, the application process, and other resources.

What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Georgia?

1. Georgia Welcome Center: The Georgia Welcome Center offers a range of services to refugees and immigrants in Georgia, including cultural orientation programs. These programs focus on helping newcomers better understand the culture of their new home, its laws, and the language. The center also offers assistance with obtaining proper documentation and resources for housing, employment, and health care.

2. Refugee Family Services: Refugee Family Services is a refugee resettlement agency in Georgia that helps refugees transition and integrate into their new home. They offer several programs that provide cultural orientation for refugees, including language classes, job readiness workshops, and cultural-specific events.

3. International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is another organization that provides resettlement services to refugees in Georgia. It offers a program of cultural orientation that provides information about American culture, laws, and customs in order to help newcomers better adjust to life in their new home. The IRC also assists with finding employment or enrolling in educational programs.

4. World Relief: World Relief is an international organization that focuses on providing support to refugees and immigrants. It offers a range of services to refugees in Georgia, including cultural orientation programs, job counseling, and financial assistance. Its cultural orientations help newcomers understand the culture and laws of their new home and how to access key services.

Can refugees work immediately upon arrival in Georgia?

No, refugees are not allowed to work immediately upon arrival in Georgia. All refugees must first obtain a work permit from the local authorities before they can legally work in the country.

Are there social support programs for asylees in Georgia?

Yes, there are several social support programs for asylees in Georgia. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides refugee and asylee resettlement services throughout the state. The IRC offers a range of services that include case management, education programs, job training and placement, and English language classes. The Catholic Charities of Atlanta also provides assistance to asylees, including housing assistance, employment services, education and after-school programs, legal services, and refugee health services. Additionally, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) is a statewide organization that assists asylees with access to legal resources and social services.