Welcome Corps: A new path for LGBTQI+ Refugees
Empowering Americans to Welcome Refugees and Create Positive Change
The iconic words memorialized inside the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” capture a welcoming spirit cultivated by the United States of America, in a self actualized state. With over 100 million people displaced around the world—the highest figure ever recorded as reported by UNHCR, meaning that over 1.2%of the global population have been forced to flee their homes– these values are needed to help refugees find safety and resettle in the United States.
Our present experiences and actions have a profound impact on how we interpret and understand the past. History is not a fixed entity but is constantly being reevaluated and reinterpreted based on new perspectives, knowledge, and contemporary circumstances. By examining the lessons of the past, we can strive to make positive changes in the present and shape a better future.
In 1980, the United States congress passed the Refugee Act of 1980, which established a framework for granting protection to individuals fleeing persecution and seeking safety at the country's borders. Since then, the global refugee crisis has escalated, presenting new challenges and necessitating the development of innovative solutions.
Addressing a crisis of such magnitude requires a comprehensive and adaptable approach that takes into account the evolving dynamics of displacement and migration. It is crucial to reassess and refine existing methods to ensure their effectiveness in addressing the current challenges.
Creating a solution means recognizing the complexities of the issue and exploring alternative approaches that can better meet the needs of both refugees. Introducing Welcome Corps an inatitave by Community Sponsorship hub in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and the Refuge America (RA), amongst other leading non profit in the Refuge and forced displacement working group of Welcome Coalition. It aims to empower ordinary Americans to privately sponsor refugees and assist them in their resettlement process in the United States. This program recognizes the global refugee crisis, with over 100 million people displaced worldwide, and seeks to uphold the values of compassion and hospitality that have been associated with the United States of America, since we opened our doors to all immigrants with the acceptance of the statue of liberty.
Through the Welcome Corps, individuals or groups can become sponsors for refugees who have been approved for resettlement by the U.S. Refugees Admissions Program. Sponsors play a vital role in providing support and assistance to refugees as they navigate their new lives in the United States. This can include helping them find housing, access healthcare and education services, secure employment opportunities, and integrate into their local communities.
Refuge America acts as a partner organization for the Welcome Corps, facilitating the matching process between refugees and sponsor groups. They provide guidance and resources to ensure that sponsors have the necessary information and support to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Refuge America also holds regular meetings with sponsor groups to address any challenges and ensure that refugees receive the required services and assistance during their resettlement.
If you are interested in participating in the Welcome Corps or supporting refugees in the United States, you can find more information on how to become a sponsor or contribute to the program through Refuge America's website or by reaching out to the team.
The Welcome Corps represents an opportunity for Americans to actively engage in humanitarian efforts, extending a helping hand to those who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, or persecution. By promoting a sense of belonging and providing essential support, the program aims to create positive change and foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.
What is the Welcome Corps?
The Welcome Corps is a private sponsorship program that matches groups of ordinary Americans with refugees approved for resettlement in the United States. Interested sponsors apply as a group of at least five to welcome refugees and provide them with services comparable to those offered by federally funded resettlement agencies. Welcome Corps sponsors step in and help refugees find housing and employment, learn English, and settle into new communities.
By allowing groups of ordinary Americans to sponsor and support refugees, the Welcome Corps offers a grassroots approach that emphasizes the benefits of welcoming refugees as neighbors and helping them overcome integration challenges. This program not only saves lives but also contributes to family reunification, recognizing the importance of keeping families together during the resettlement process.
The program's emphasis on security vetting and health screenings ensures that proper measures are taken to prioritize the safety and well-being of both refugees and the host communities. These steps are vital to maintain public confidence and ensure a smooth integration process.
The ambitious goal set by the Biden Administration of having 10,000 Americans sponsor 5,000 refugees in 2023 reflects the commitment to increasing the United States' role in resettling refugees and supporting countries experiencing crises.
What challenges do LGBTQI+ refugees face in the U.S.?
LGBTQ refugees face unique challenges when seeking safety and resettlement in the United States. Refugees are people who have fled their homes in search of a new home and safety. LGBTQI+ displace people in refugee camps can face discrimination and persecution: these individuals may have fled their home countries due to persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, they may still face discrimination and prejudice in the camps, and in countries where they are resettled i.e the United States, albeit to a lesser extent. Homophobia, transphobia, and biases can lead to social exclusion, limited access to resources, and even violence.
Cultural and language barriers: LGBTQ refugees may struggle with language barriers and cultural differences when trying to navigate their new environment. This can make it difficult to access services, find employment, and communicate their needs effectively. Mental health issues: LGBTQ refugees often experience higher rates of mental health challenges due to the trauma they have endured in their home countries and during their journey. They may also face additional stressors related to identity, isolation, and fear of discrimination or violence.
Lack of specialized support: While there are resettlement agencies and organizations that provide support for refugees in general, specialized resources for LGBTQ refugees may be limited. It can be challenging for LGBTQ individuals to find safe spaces, culturally sensitive healthcare, and appropriate social support networks.
To address these challenges, it is crucial to ensure that LGBTQ refugees receive specialized support and access to LGBTQ-friendly services. This can include targeted mental health services, legal assistance, language support, and cultural competency training for service providers. Collaboration between refugee resettlement agencies, LGBTQ organizations, and advocacy groups is essential to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ refugees in the United States.
There is an urgent need to support resettlement as many refugees, including those born in refugee camps, spend years and even decades waiting for a new start in a safe country. Welcome Corps sponsors help make their transition to life in America as smooth as possible.
How can I join the Welcome Corps?
To join the Welcome Corps, interested sponsors must form a group of at least five adult American citizens or permanent residents.
The group must then apply to the program, submit a welcome plan, and pass background checks. Each group is expected to donate or raise $2,375 for each sponsored refugee and commit to supporting the integration of newly arrived refugees for at least 90 days.
Sponsors help refugees find housing and employment, enroll children in school, learn English, and apply for important documentation like Social Security.
Although the work of sponsoring refugees is challenging, it is incredibly rewarding. “Working with refugees changed my life, I resettled over 4 asylum seekers clients myself,” says Dorothy Wetzel. “It changed my life in a way I didn’t think it would—I was exposed to many new cultures and was able to help families from all over the world. The most rewarding part of it was adding people to my family.
How does the RA support the Welcome Corps?
The Welcome Corps builds on a long tradition of groups of Americans coming together to resettle refugees. RA is proud to support the Welcome Corps alongside our coordination of other capacity building program for refugee resettlement organizations.
Partnership with the Welcome Corps
The RA has partnered with the U.S. Government and nonprofit agencies as part of the Welcome Corps, using our expertise in LGBTQI+ forced migration to provide technical assistance to private sponsor groups across the country. We also play a key role in connecting refugees to suitable sponsors. Among the many considerations are whether group members share the refugees' language or live in an area that has an existing community of people from the newcomers' home countries.
“RA will consider a variety of factors and match private sponsor groups with refugee resettlement agencies, and referral to refugees to help ensure the resettlement process runs smoothly,” “We will support at least 25 groups a year throughout the resettlement process and provide guidance on how to LGBTQI+ resettle refugees."
How can I support LGBTQI+ refugees?
You can learn more about sponsoring a refugee through the Welcome Corps here.
Refuge America also provides opportunities for community groups to engage with LGBTQI+ refugees. We act as advisor to community groups interested in learning more about lived experience of LGBTQI+ refugees, offer capacity building and training to organizations and individuals interested in learning more about LGBTQI+ refugees.
Additional information on supporting refugees with support from RA can be found here.