What refugee and asylee services are available in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) provides a wide range of services for refugees and asylees in the state, including:• Refugee Cash Assistance Programs
• Refugee Medical Assistance Programs
• Refugee Employment Services
• Refugee Resettlement Services
• Asylee Employment Services
• Asylee Assistance for Youth
• Refugee Social Adjustment Services
• Refugee Education Programs
• Asylee Legal Services
• Refugee Mental Health Services
• Immigration Legal Services
• Refugee and Asylee Advocacy and Support Services
• Refugee and Asylee Emergency Assistance.
Is there a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Massachusetts?
Yes, there are several local organizations in Massachusetts that provide refugee and asylee services. These include the International Institute of New England, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC).How do I apply for refugee status in Massachusetts?
To apply for refugee status in Massachusetts, you must first contact the U.S. Department of State’s Refugee Admissions Program. After that, you will need to complete an application for refugee status and submit it to the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP), which operates through Catholic Charities of Boston. To learn more about the process, please visit the MRRP website: https://www.ccab.org/our-services/refugee-resettlement/.Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Massachusetts?
Yes, there are several organizations that offer asylee assistance in Massachusetts. These include the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), Ascentria Care Alliance, the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston, International Institute of New England, and the International Institute of Boston.What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Massachusetts?
1. Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants2. Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program
3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
4. Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
6. Massachusetts Office of Refugee Health (ORH)
7. American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Massachusetts Chapter
8. International Institute of New England (IINE)
Can I get legal assistance for my asylum case in Massachusetts?
Yes. If you are seeking asylum in Massachusetts, you may be able to get legal assistance. The Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project provides free legal services to those applying for asylum in Massachusetts. PAIR also has a hotline you can call (617-742-9296) for more information about their services. Alternatively, you can contact the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) which can also provide assistance with finding an attorney who specializes in asylum cases.What benefits are available for refugees in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers a variety of benefits for refugees, including:1. Refugee Cash Assistance: Provides cash assistance to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
2. Refugee Medical Assistance: Provides medical care for up to 8 months after arrival.
3. Refugee Education Program: Provides English language instruction and support services to help refugees become self-sufficient.
4. Refugee Social Services: Provides assistance in finding employment and housing placement, as well as integration into the local community.
5. Refugee Health Screenings: Offers health screenings and services to ensure refugees are healthy and free of any contagious diseases.
6. Refugee Mental Health Services: Provides counseling and support services to help refugees cope with the psychological effects of their experiences.
Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Massachusetts?
Yes, many organizations in Massachusetts provide language assistance programs for refugees. These organizations include the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants, the International Institute of New England, Catholic Charities, and Ascentria Care Alliance. These organizations provide language classes, interpretation services, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and other resources to help refugees learn English and adjust to their new home.Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Massachusetts?
Yes. Refugees in Massachusetts are eligible for a variety of healthcare services. Refugees are eligible for emergency Medical Assistance (MA) available through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Health Safety Net (HSN) available through the Department of Public Health, and MassHealth Limited coverage available through the Massachusetts Medicaid program. They can also access healthcare services through private health insurance plans, community health centers, hospital programs, refugee clinics, and free or low-cost clinics.What employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Massachusetts?
1. Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants: The MORI provides employment services to refugees and asylees in Massachusetts, including job search assistance, job training, and job placement.2. HIAS Massachusetts: HIAS Massachusetts provides employment services to refugees and asylees in Massachusetts, including career counseling, job search assistance, job training, resume writing, and employer referrals.
3. Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC): RIAC provides employment services to refugees and asylees in Massachusetts, including job search assistance, career counseling, job placement, and resume writing.
4. Jewish Vocational Service (JVS): JVS provides employment services to refugees and asylees in Massachusetts, including career coaching, job search assistance, job training, resume writing, employer referrals, and mock interviews.
5. Catholic Charities of Boston: Catholic Charities of Boston provides employment services to refugees and asylees in Massachusetts, including job search assistance, career counseling, job placement, job training, resume writing,and employer referrals.
Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Massachusetts?
Yes, there are several housing assistance programs for refugees in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has a Refugee Resettlement Program that provides rental assistance and tenancy supports for refugees in the state. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers the Refugee and Entrant Assistance Program (REAP) to provide affordable housing and other services to refugees.How can I sponsor a refugee family in Massachusetts?
The first step in sponsoring a refugee family in Massachusetts is to contact a local resettlement agency such as the International Institute of New England or the Ascentria Care Alliance. These organizations will provide information about the process as well as provide guidance and resources for sponsoring a refugee family. Additionally, you can contact the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants to learn more about the state’s policies and programs on refugees and immigrants.What educational resources are available for refugee children in Massachusetts?
1. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides a range of educational resources for refugee children, including information on enrollment requirements, language access services, and school choice options.2. International Institute of New England: The International Institute of New England offers a variety of educational services for refugee children, including English language classes, career and technical training, and employment assistance.
3. Massachusetts Refugee Education Center: The Massachusetts Refugee Education Center provides a range of educational services for refugee children and families, including academic tutoring, college counseling, and after-school activities.
4. Refugee Assistance Program: The Refugee Assistance Program is a state-funded program that provides refugee children with access to educational support services, such as tutoring, mentoring, career counseling, and more.
5. Ascentria Care Alliance: Ascentria Care Alliance provides a range of educational resources for refugee children, including language classes, GED preparation, and college readiness programs.
Are there community integration programs for asylees in Massachusetts?
Yes, there are community integration programs for asylees in Massachusetts. These programs provide resources to help asylees acclimate to their new environment, gain employment and become self-sufficient. The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) has several programs for asylees, including Refugee Resettlement Assistance (RRA), Education and Vocational Training Grants (EVT), Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance (RCMA) and ESL classes. The International Institute of New England also offers a range of services to help asylees find housing, employment, legal assistance and community support.How long does the asylum application process take in Massachusetts?
The asylum application process in Massachusetts can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on the individual’s circumstances. There is no definitive timeline as each case is unique.Is there a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Massachusetts?
Yes, the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) provides a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Massachusetts. The helpline can be reached at 1-800-897-7202.Can I apply for public assistance as a refugee in Massachusetts?
Yes, refugees in Massachusetts are eligible to apply for public assistance. Refugees are eligible for the same benefits as any other Massachusetts resident, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance, MassHealth, and the Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA). To find out more information about applying for public assistance in Massachusetts, contact your local Department of Transitional Assistance office.What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Massachusetts?
1. Jewish Vocational Service of Boston’s New American Welcome Program: This program provides refugees with personalized, one-on-one assistance to help them become acclimated to their new home. They provide help with learning English, finding employment, and learning about the local culture and customs.2. Catholic Charities of Boston’s Refugee Resettlement Program: This program focuses on helping refugees find housing and employment, while also providing assistance with language training and cultural orientation.
3. International Institute of Boston: This organization provides a variety of services including English language classes for refugees, cultural orientation sessions to help them understand the local culture and customs, and assistance in finding jobs and becoming active members of their communities.
4. Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants: This organization provides assistance to refugees as they settle into their new homes. They offer a variety of services including immigration legal services, workforce development, mental health support and cultural orientation.
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