Introduction
The US Welcome Corps is a refugee sponsorship initiative under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). It’s a service opportunity for Americans inspired to welcome refugees seeking freedom and safety and make a difference in their communities. The program allows groups of at least five adults to support newly arrived refugees by securing and preparing initial housing, greeting them at the airport, enrolling children in school, helping adults find employment, and meeting other needs to ensure they are prepared for life in the United States.
Application Process
The application process for the US Welcome Corps Private Sponsorship programs involves several steps:
- Form a Group: Form a group of at least five members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (sometimes known as “green card holders”) and live in the same community.
- Complete Background Checks: All members of the group must complete background checks.
- Agree to a Code of Conduct: The group must agree to a code of conduct.
- Provide a Detailed Support Plan: The group must provide a detailed support plan for the refugee.
- Raise Funds: The group must raise funds to support refugees for their first 90 days in the United States.
- Submit an Application: The group must submit an application through WelcomeCorps.org.
- Complete Training: As part of the application process, sponsors must also complete training.
Benefits, Risks, and Challenges
The benefits of the program include the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of refugees, helping them integrate into their new communities. However, there can be challenges, such as navigating the sponsorship process and providing the necessary support to the refugees. It’s important for sponsor groups to be prepared for these challenges and to have a strong support plan in place.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for both sponsors and refugees are as follows:
Sponsor Eligibility Criteria:
- The sponsor group must consist of at least five U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (sometimes known as “green card holders”) who are at least 18 years old and live in the same community.
- Sponsor groups must commit to providing core resettlement services to sponsored refugees for 90 days after they arrive.
Refugee Eligibility Criteria:
- Refugees must live outside their country of nationality, or if no nationality, their last habitual residence. They do not live in the United States.
- To be approved for resettlement to the United States through the Welcome Corps, the individuals you wish to sponsor must also successfully pass the U.S. government’s screening and vetting processes, including review and adjudication of their refugee claim, security screening, and medical examination.
Financial Requirements
Sponsor groups must secure $2,425 per refugee by the time they arrive. This money will go towards paying rent and providing basic necessities like furniture, household goods, groceries, and clothing until they can cover costs themselves. At least 60% of $2,425 ($1,455) must be in cash. The rest of the funds can be a combination of cash and donated items and services. To apply, you’ll need to upload a document that shows you have secured the 60% ($1,455 per refugee). This demonstrates that your group is on its way to being financially ready. It’s recommended that you put this money in a separate GoFundMe or bank account. This money should only be used to cover the refugees’ cost of living for their first 90 days.
Roles and Responsibilities
Both sponsors and refugees have specific roles and responsibilities in the program:
Sponsor Roles and Responsibilities:
- Sponsors work in groups of five people or more, sharing responsibilities and supporting one another through the process of welcoming refugees.
- Sponsors prepare to cover expenses for the 90-day sponsorship period at a minimum of $2,425 per refugee.
- Sponsors plan to help refugees access transportation and ensure they have safe, affordable housing over the length of the initial sponsorship period.
- Sponsors greet refugees at the airport and drive them to their initial housing.
- Sponsors provide an introduction to their community and life in the United States. This includes topics like home and personal safety, rights and responsibilities, laws, navigating public transportation, banking, cultural practices, and community resources.
- Sponsors communicate with refugees in their language by using translation tools and professional interpretation.
- Sponsors help refugees learn and practice English.
- Sponsors help each refugee secure essential documentation.
- Sponsors help refugees find work by introducing them to the American workplace, connecting them with workforce development services, helping them develop short-term and long-term employment goals, and supporting resume preparation and interview practice.
- Sponsors help refugees access any public benefits they may be eligible for.
- Sponsors help refugees navigate health care and mental health resources and complete refugee health screening requirements.
Refugee Roles and Responsibilities:
- Refugees are expected to integrate into their new communities, which includes learning the local language, understanding the local culture, and finding employment.
- Refugees must comply with all local laws and regulations.
- Refugees are expected to cooperate with their sponsors and take advantage of the support and resources provided.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official Welcome Corps website or the US Department of State’s page on the Welcome Corps.
