How do I Get Help for Women & Children Seeking Refuge in the USA?

Women and childen seek refuge from persecution, abuse and hatred.

Women and children who seek refuge in the United States are often fearful for their lives in their home country or even their home in the U.S. There are programs available that help women and children both in the states and outside the states. Refuge is available in the USA for anyone fleeing persecution, abuse or similar situations. Getting help for refugees who are fleeing a terrible and potentially dangerous situation requires turning to experts that know how to get them out and how to get them settled.

Instructions

1. Talk to a social worker. Social workers have access to a variety of information sources. In the case of abused women and children, they can get the individuals into a shelter or similar housing. Other situations, such as fleeing religious persecution, require different help, but a social worker can help find programs that will help depending on the specific situation.

2. Contact refugee programs. The Women's Refugee Commission is a program that advocates for laws for refugees and provides assistance when necessary. The Refugee Assistance Project works with refugees who were political prisoners, tortured or are otherwise seeking asylum in the States. The lawyers working for the Refugee Assistance Project help refugees from around the world. The Immigrant Women and Children's Project is a program that helps in domestic violence situations, especially focusing on immigrants seeking legal status through means other than an abusive husband or sponsor.

3. Talk to a lawyer. There are several laws that affect refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. A lawyer can help with the problems, such as getting the appropriate work visas or filing the appropriate paperwork so that the refugees do not suffer for fleeing their country.

4. Seek help for legal status. One of the largest problems facing refugees is legal status and lack of work as a result. Once a refugee is in the country, talk to the immigration services and find out what options are available for getting help on filing the paperwork and gaining legal work status. Every situation will vary on the help available, such as translators or help for a handicapped refugee, so every individual will have different options.

5. Talk to a psychologist. Some refugees will need help with mental health and coping with the stress, pain or emotions of leaving their home and seeking asylum. Psychologists can help them cope and learn ways to deal with emotional scars. Women and children that are seeking refuge will have emotional scars from the persecution, abuse or dangers faced before making it to asylum.

References

• Women's Refugee Commission: About the Women's Refugee Commission
• The New York City Bar: Advocating for Immigrants
• Human Rights First: Refugee Women
• Help for Abused and Battered Women