Equitable Access: Understanding Categories of Forcibly Displaced Populations in the United States and Strategies for Inclusive Advocacy

Refugees who are resettled to the United States are provided with access to a variety of federally funded benefits and programming in the first few months of their arrival to help them establish new lives in their new communities. Subject to eligibility requirements, these benefits can include financial, medical, employment, and English language assistance, among others. Despite their limited nature, these support services go a long way towards assisting refugees to navigate their new home and ultimately become successful, self-sufficient members of their community.

Yet, there are several other categories of forcibly displaced newcomers in the United States that do not have similar access to integration services despite being “lawfully present.” Complicating matters further, there are variations among states on who has access to what services. Some state and local governments have attempted to address these inequities by expanding access to certain services to other categories of newcomers, with varying degrees of success. In this webinar, attendees gained a better understanding of the different legal categories of forcibly displaced newcomers, what that means in terms of access (or lack thereof) to support services, and strategies for advocating for policy changes at the state and local levels that are inclusive of all newcomers.

Speakers:

Balqees Mihirig, Senior Policy Counsel/Advisor, Refugee Advocacy Lab/IRAP

Tobin Williamson, Senior Partnerships & Policy Manager, Refugee Advocacy Lab

Ali Aljundi, Leadership Development Manager/Membership Engagement Manager, Refugee Advocacy Lab/Refugee Congress

Anahita Panahi, Deputy Director of Refugee Affairs, CHIRLA