What refugee and asylee services are available in Wisconsin?
Refugee and asylee services available in Wisconsin include health care, social services, education, employment assistance, and resettlement assistance.The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) offers health care coverage for refugees and asylees who meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes the BadgerCare Plus program, which covers medical visits, prescriptions, vision/dental care, mental health care, and other health services.
Social services agencies like Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan provide assistance to refugees and asylees with needs such as housing, transportation, language services, job placement, and other social services.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction provides educational assistance for K-12 students who are refugees and asylees. This includes help with school enrollments and access to bilingual education programs.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offers employment assistance programs to refugees and asylees. This includes job search assistance, resume writing advice, and skills training.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also provides resettlement assistance to refugees and asylees. This includes cultural orientation activities, help with accessing public benefits, and help with adjusting to life in the United States.
Is there a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are several offices providing refugee and asylee services in Wisconsin. They include Catholic Charities of Madison, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Refugee and Immigrant Services, Catholic Charities of La Crosse, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Refugee and Immigrant Services in Milwaukee, the International Institute of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services in Milwaukee, the African Immigrants Commission in Madison, and the Madison Immigration Justice Network.How do I apply for refugee status in Wisconsin?
In order to apply for refugee status in Wisconsin, you must submit an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. Visit the USCIS website to find more information about the process, including the required forms and documents needed to apply. Once your application is received by the USCIS, they will review it, and if approved, they will contact you to schedule an interview. During this interview, you will need to present evidence that you meet the criteria for refugee status. It is important to note that the process of applying for refugee status can take several months to complete.Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are a number of organizations offering asylee assistance in Wisconsin. These include the ACLU of Wisconsin, the Women’s Initiative for Refugee Education and Support (WIRES), the American Immigration Council, and the International Institute of Wisconsin.What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) administers the Refugee Resettlement Program, which provides services to refugees and asylees who are eligible for resettlement in Wisconsin. Other government agencies that provide services to refugees and asylees in Wisconsin include the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).Can I get legal assistance for my asylum case in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can get legal assistance for your asylum case in Wisconsin. There are a variety of organizations that provide legal assistance for asylum cases, including the Wisconsin Refugee and Immigrant Law Center, which provides free legal advice and representation to immigrants in Wisconsin. Additionally, some Wisconsin law schools have clinics that provide free legal assistance to those seeking asylum. Finally, there are a number of private attorneys throughout the state who specialize in immigration law who can provide legal advice and representation for asylum cases.What benefits are available for refugees in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Refugee Health Program provides health care to refugees for their first 8 months in the US. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families provides support such as cash assistance, food stamps, and housing assistance for income-eligible refugee families. Refugees may also be eligible for educational services, job training and placement, and English language instruction. Additionally, the Wisconsin Refugee Resettlement Program provides legal services, employment assistance, and other resources to refugees in order to help them adjust to life in Wisconsin.Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are several language assistance programs for refugees in Wisconsin. For example, the City of Milwaukee provides a free English as a Second Language (ESL) program through its Office of Refugee Services. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction also offers English language learning programs for refugees, as well as other language assistance services. In addition, the International Institute of Wisconsin, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, and Freedom from Religion Foundation all provide language assistance programs for refugees in Wisconsin.Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Wisconsin?
Yes, refugees in Wisconsin can access healthcare services. Refugees are eligible for Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus, which provide health insurance coverage and assist with medical expenses. Additionally, the Department of Health Services of Wisconsin has a Refugee Health Program, which provides free health assessments and follow-up medical care to refugees for up to five years after their arrival. There are also numerous free clinics and community organizations in Wisconsin that offer healthcare services to refugees.What employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Wisconsin?
1. Wisconsin Refugee Assistance Program (WRAP): WRAP provides employment assistance and job placement for refugees and asylees, including access to training and employment services.2. Refugee Employment Services (RES): RES is a state-funded program that provides employment services to refugees and asylees, including job search assistance, career counseling, English language instruction, and job placement assistance.
3. Wisconsin Works (W-2): W-2 is a state-run program that helps refugees and asylees find jobs and become self-sufficient. The program provides access to employment services, job search assistance, training, and supportive services.
4. County Refugee Employment Services (CRES): CRES is a state-funded program administered through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. It helps refugees and asylees find employment by providing access to job search assistance, career counseling, English language courses, and job placement services.
5. Refugee Employment Support Program (RESP): RESP is a state-funded program that helps refugees and asylees with job placement, career counseling, employment assistance, and education and training services.
Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are several housing assistance programs for refugees in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) offers a range of programs including the Refugee Resettlement and Assistance Program, which provides housing assistance to refugees who have recently arrived in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) also provides a range of housing assistance programs. WHEDA’s Refugee Rental Assistance Program provides rental subsidies for refugees who are eligible for housing assistance.How can I sponsor a refugee family in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you can become a refugee family sponsor through one of two organizations: World Relief Milwaukee and Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service. To begin the sponsorship process, you will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork and provide proof of income, employment, and housing. Once approved as a sponsor, you will be responsible for providing financial assistance and emotional support to the refugee family for up to five years. For more information about sponsoring a refugee family in Wisconsin, contact either World Relief Milwaukee or Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service directly.What educational resources are available for refugee children in Wisconsin?
1. World Relief Milwaukee: World Relief Milwaukee offers educational resources for refugee children in Wisconsin, including a resettlement program, after-school and summer programs, career navigation and employment services, and English language classes.2. Migrant Education Program: The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Migrant Education Program provides educational support to migrant students and their families. This includes instructional activities for migrant children that reinforce basic skills and develop language proficiency.
3. Wisconsin Refugee Education Fund: The Wisconsin Refugee Education Fund provides financial assistance to refugee students who are enrolled in Wisconsin schools. The fund helps pay for tuition, books, supplies, and other school-related fees.
4. Refugee School Impact Grant Program: The Refugee School Impact Grant Program (RSIG) is a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to help support the educational needs of refugee students in the state. This program provides grants to schools and districts to help pay for classroom materials, teacher training and professional development, tutoring program, and other similar services to help refugee children learn.
5. International Institute of Wisconsin: The International Institute of Wisconsin provides a range of educational resources and services to support refugee children throughout the state. These resources include English language classes for all levels of learners, as well as specialized classes for parents and children.
Are there community integration programs for asylees in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are numerous community integration programs for asylees in Wisconsin. Some examples include the Wisconsin Refugee Program, the Refugee Assistance Program (RAP), the Immigrant Integration Program (IIP), and the Refugee and Immigrant Employment Support Program (RIESP). These programs offer services such as employment assistance, language classes, cultural orientation, and educational assistance. Additionally, many counties have organizations that provide assistance for asylees, such as the Milwaukee Jewish Community Center’s Immigrant Family Services.How long does the asylum application process take in Wisconsin?
The processing time for asylum applications in Wisconsin varies greatly. Generally, applicants can expect their case to be decided within a few months to a year, depending on the volume of pending applications, the complexity of the individual case, and the resources available to the local asylum office.Is there a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Wisconsin?
Yes, there is a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Wisconsin. The helpline is run by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and can be reached at 1-800-444-5604.Can I apply for public assistance as a refugee in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can apply for public assistance as a refugee in Wisconsin. Non-citizens who are eligible for refugee status or asylee status may be eligible to receive public assistance including public health insurance, cash assistance, and food assistance. To apply for public assistance, you must go to your local county Department of Human Services office and submit an application. For more information, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Wisconsin?
1. Welcome to Wisconsin: Cultural Orientation Program is offered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and is designed to help immigrants and refugees in Wisconsin to gain a better understanding of American culture and the resources available to them. The program covers topics such as U.S. healthcare, education, employment, law enforcement, the economy, communication, housing, transportation, and more.2. Freedom from Fear Cultural Orientation Program is offered by the International Institute of Wisconsin. The program is designed to help newcomers and refugees learn about American culture and the resources available to them in Wisconsin. The program covers topics such as U.S. healthcare, education, employment, law enforcement, communication, housing, and transportation.
3. A New Home Cultural Orientation Program is offered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse. The program helps refugees to learn about American culture and the resources available to them in Wisconsin. The program covers topics such as U.S. healthcare, education, employment, law enforcement, communication, housing, transportation, cultural competency and values clarification.
4. Journey to Well-being Cultural Orientation Program is offered by Centro Hispano Milwaukee. This program is designed for immigrants and refugees in Milwaukee to gain a better understanding of American culture and the resources they can access in the city. This program covers topics such as U.S. healthcare, education, employment, law enforcement, communication, housing, transportation and more.