As the end of the fiscal year approaches on September 30th we see that the US has admitted 60,566 (figures as of July 31, here) refugees to that date with 14,836 of those being Iraqis. President Obama, this time last year, pledged to aim to bring a record 80,000 refugees to the US during the recession. It will be interesting to see what the figures are for August which should be available shortly. I’m guessing they are trying really hard to pour in the refugees in the final weeks in an effort to come close to their goal.
Meanwhile, of course, the complaints keep coming that there is no work for large numbers of these refugees. Here is a report from Oregon:
But less than half of the refugees coming to the U.S. this year will find work, according to Kay Bellor. She’s the vice president of the International Rescue Committee. Bellor says the bad economy has caused refugees to experience stress levels similar to the trauma they faced in their home countries, even for Iraqi refugees who’ve just left a war zone [emphasis mine].
Kay Bellor: And to come seeking safety and have the safety, but then realize you’re faced with the possibility of not being able to keep that roof over your head, it’s a huge strain on the refugees.
It’s a strain that employment specialist Lucy Merlot knows all too well. She says refugees face evictions. Some have turned to illegal activities like dealing drugs and prostitution. Merlot says they’re getting desperate and frustrated, even with her.
Merlot (Lucy who works for Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization: They are trusting that we are going to be their saviors, and the reality is we are trying our best to assist them, but we have our hands tied.
Merlot and the relief agency she works for have their own set of challenges. IRCO recently laid off a handful of staff members to keep the books in the black. For now, its budget is safe, until the new fiscal year begins in October. After that, even Lucy Merlot may be looking for work.
Shortly, if its not out already and as the recession continues, we will see how many refugees President Obama will be proposing for admission to the US in FY2011.