Reception and Placement

Overview
Year after year, families and individuals from all parts of the world who have fled their homes in fear of persecution, find safety and opportunity in America.  USCRI welcomes and assists these refugees as they arrive and resettle in small towns and big cities throughout the United States.  With the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement (R&P) Program, USCRI and our partner agencies across the nation provide newly arrived refugees with the essential services and support they need to begin to rebuild their lives and take steps toward becoming U.S. citizens.

USCRI Participation
USCRI is one of 11 nongovernmental national resettlement agencies that serve refugees admitted through the U.S. Resettlement Program (USRP).  Refugees are identified abroad by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), U.S. Embassies, or qualified non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and approved for resettlement in the United States by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Once a refugee’s admission is approved and designated to USCRI, we work in collaboration with the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, the International Organization for Migration, Refugee Council USA, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement, and a number of USCRI partner agencies to receive and resettle refugees in their new communities.

Partner Agencies’ Participation
USCRI’s nationwide network of partner agencies helps refugee clients meet essential needs as they resettle.  These agencies ensure that refugee clients receive a personal welcome, a warm meal, furnished lodging upon arrival, as well as all the support they need to quickly become self-sufficient.  The dedicated staff at each of our network offices helps refugees enroll their children in school, get access to health care and other social services, and secure required U.S. documents.  Partner agencies provide refugees with information about living safely and successfully in the United States, English language training, employment assistance, and other specialized instruction. 

Communities’ Participation
Partner agencies work closely with volunteers, social service providers, employers, and communities to help refugees overcome the many challenges they face.  Volunteers assist by introducing refugees to the community and teaching them about American culture.  They donate valuable time to help refugees learn how to drive, shop, and make new friends.  Local social service agencies provide medical care and other key services.  Business employ refugees and provide on-the-job training.  Community members donate clothing and household goods, and reach out to newcomers to make sure that they feel welcome and at home.