A refugee is a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion, is unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country.
"The Church is ever mindful that Jesus Christ was himself a refugee...the Church feels called to help refugees. And she will continue to do so to the full extent that her limited means allow."
Pope John Paul II
The difference between a refugee and an immigrant is that an immigrant chooses to emigrate to another land whereas a refugee is driven from his or homeland and cannot safely return. Refugees are among the world’s most disadvantaged people. They do not voluntarily leave their homes seeking economic opportunity in another land; they flee because they want to live.
Each year the U.S. Congress, the Administration with the Department of State deliberate (1) How many refugees will be admitted to the U.S. and (2) From what regions/countries will be admitted.
The refugees are then screened and intensive interviews are done by the government to determine if they meet the refugee criteria.
In 2001 about 75,000 refugees from among the estimated 5 million worldwide will be admitted to the U.S. The majority will come from Bosnia and African countries.
In the Diocese of Green Bay, 60 refugees are expected to be resettled with a total of 5,400 since 1975.
Stateside, the U.S. government contracts with 12 Voluntary Agencies (VOLAGS) which typically are religiously affiliated. These VOLAGS traditionally provide a variety of services to help refugees to get established in the U.S. and to ensure that their basic needs are met. The largest of these VOLAGS is the United States Catholic Conference. It is so large because of its affiliation with dioceses across the country.
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program is designed to be the sponsor along with assistance of parishes, congregations, groups, or individuals to help assist the refugees as they get assimilated in the U.S. Whether it be finding housing, tutoring, transportation, employment hunting, or friendship. For refugees to adapt successfully, they must feel welcome in their new home, and it is the people in local communities who must show them this welcome.
Early employment is the key to self-sufficiency for refugees. It is one of the most important parts of the resettlement process.
"Refugees are among the strangers we are called to welcome today. As we face the new millennium, we must not fail to see in each refugee the face of Jesus...and then to respond to that person as we understand Jesus Christ would."
National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration
Are you or your parish interested in helping re-settle refugees?
Email our Resettlement and Immigration Services Office and let us know.
