Behind on Welcoming Refugees

For the current fiscal year, the United States set a goal of welcoming 45,000 refugees. This is the lowest Presidential Determination in the history of the refugee resettlement program.

As of the middle of April 2018, which is just over six months into the fiscal year, the U.S. has resettled 11,245 refugees. This is only about 25% of our goal. From January 1 to mid-April, only 11 Syrian refugees have been resettled in the entire United States.

At the current rate, the U.S. will only welcome an estimated 20,000 refugees by the time the program year ends on September 30, 2018. To learn more about these figures, visit Refugee Council USA.

What – or who – is KRM now?

As a refugee resettlement agency, KRM is here to make Kentucky home for refugees. So who are we if we are resettling fewer refugees?

KRM is . . .

. . . a place of welcome—no matter what

No matter how many families arrive, KRM will be here to welcome them to Kentucky. The current refugee crisis is the worst in history, and KRM will be here to welcome those resettled in Kentucky through the U.S. program.

. . . a celebration of each person who arrives

Despite the challenges against the refugee program, some families are still arriving. When staff, family, and community members visit the airports to welcome a new family, it’s a celebration. Each arrival is an opportunity.

. . . aN advocate and a bridge

Our immigration legal services team serves the entire community, regardless of whether or not someone was resettled through KRM or arrived as a refugee. Through this work, KRM serves as a bridge for families seeking to reunite and for the growing number of individuals still seeking safety around the world.

. . . a long-term service center

KRM has always provided and will continue to provide long-term services. We’re still as busy as ever! Elder programming, driver’s education, job development, school registrations, summer youth programs, mental health and medical navigation, immigration legal services, case management, citizenship classes—these are just some of the ways KRM continues integrating refugees.

. . . a platform for launching dreams

KRM has grown programs that lift up refugees’ talents: Rise Up college and career readiness and the We Create and KRM Live arts programs. We empower newcomers and try to increase access so they can continue to strive for their dreams.

. . . a listener

This year, we embark on a first-ever survey of clients who have resettled in Louisville 2-7 years ago. We want to hear how they are doing at home, work, and school. This comprehensive survey can offer further understanding of their struggles and achievements.

. . . an educator and a resource for employers, teachers, and service providers

Diversity enriches our communities, and we will continue to educate the public about refugee issues. Our staff offer guidance and support to schools, employers, medical providers, and other partners. Through problem-solving and collaboration, we can all empower our newest community members to thrive.

. . . a tool for increasing language access

Businesses hire interpreters through KRM, ensuring that we can all best serve Kentuckians who speak languages other than English. Our interpreter services are growing in Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky.

. . . a way to live your values

By getting involved, you can put your beliefs and convictions into action. Civic groups, faith communities, and businesses can co-sponsor families. Students can lead fundraisers or donation drives. In all these ways, you are putting values into action.

. . . a community builder

From celebrating the arts at a KRM Live showcase to tutoring a student for the citizenship exam, you can meet some of our newest neighbors. Share your story, hear theirs, and let’s build a more welcoming Kentucky.

. . . a way that former clients give back

Individuals who were resettled by KRM years ago often return to welcome and support others. They take families grocery shopping, provide interpretation help, or mentor someone in their career.

. . . a history and a vision forward

The refugee resettlement program has been a pillar of our U.S. values long before it was formalized by the federal government in 1980. As the number of displaced people in our world rises, we will be here to offer refuge, because humanitarianism is a hallmark of being American.

. . . our staff, volunteers, and partners

Resettlement brings people together. Our staff and volunteers are on the front lines serving families, educating the public, and engaging the community. Thanks to partners like landlords, employers, service agencies, medical providers, and so many more, we can continue offering long-term services. Your partnership makes it possible.

KRM is your local response to a global humanitarian crisis.

The scale of the refugee crisis can be overwhelming. The U.S. immigration system is complex and faces many changes and challenges. Through it all, KRM is your local center for education, engagement, and action.