The Resettlement Connection |
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"The Church is committed to raise awareness of the growing need to support victims of these crimes by accompanying them on a path of reintegration into society and the recovery of their human dignity." - Pope Francis |
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Each week, USCCB sends out the Resettlement Connection, a newsletter containing updates on important programmatic updates and helpful resources! |
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Register for the Upcoming "Meet and Greet: Upwardly Global"
Tuesday, September 14 from 3:00-4:00PM EST
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New Program Associate for Family Reunification - Alice Ngamije
USCCB's Office of Resettlement Services is pleased to announced Alice Ngamije as the new Program Associate for Family Reunification. Alice's first day with USCCB was yesterday, September 8th. She has experience in refugee resettlement, having interned with USCCB's former affiliate in Orlando, FL in 2016. She more recently has held several different student research positions related to displacement, migration, and gender equality while pursuing a Masters in International Development from the University of Pittsburg.
RSC TUME Refugee Data Successfully Migrated from WRAPS to START
Last week, all refugee data owned by the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) in Turkey was successfully migrated from WRAPS to the START database. This marks the fifth out of seven RSCs to successfully transition over to the new START database. All cases in USCCB's MRIS portal that are owned by RSC TUME have also adopted the START case number format. As a result, you may have noticed that some of your allocated cases have new case numbers.
As a reminder, all arrivals processed through START will have their SSN applications filed automatically via the 2020 version of form I-765. There is no need or requirement to schedule in-person SSA interviews for these clients once they arrive. Client SSN cards for cases processed under START will be mailed directly to affiliate offices.
However, many of you may have received an email with a list of cases that, at the time of migration, had their travel packets in IOM's possession. Regardless of their case number format in MRIS (ie. START or WRAPS format), these cases will be using the 2011 version of Form I-765 and will NOT be applying for a SSN prior to arrival. Affiliates will need to schedule in-person SSA appointments after the case's arrival, as per the requirements of the R&P Cooperative Agreement.
As a reminder, cases processed through START that applied for their SSN using the 2020 version of the form I-765 can be identified by the Global Boarding Letter, which states whether the applicant has applied for their SSN overseas. As a best practice, and just in case a refugee case needs their travel rebooked and receives a new (START) travel packet, affiliates should review the Global Boarding Letter which states whether the applicant has applied for their SSN overseas.
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Afghan Placement & Assistance (APA) |
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APS Program Name Change to APA
Please note that PRM has changed the official name of the Afghan Parolee Support program. The new name is Afghan Placement & Assistance program, or APA for short.
APA Operational Guidance
PRM has provided resettlement agencies with additional APA program operational guidance. Significant changes to note include guidance on handling parolee walk-ins, which can be found in the APA Service Period section. PRM has also eliminated the requirement that parolees must be placed/can only be served by affiliates located within a 100-mile placement radius, which can be found in the Placement Radius section. Please be reminded that the guidance applies only to the APA program and not to the R&P program.
DHS FAQ Sheet on Operation Allies Welcome
As the lead agency coordinating efforts across the federal government to resettle vulnerable Afghans, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has produced a FAQ Sheet on Operation Allies Welcome. The FAQ sheet describes the operational phases of the large-scale Afghan evacuation up to local US resettlement. It also includes some helpful information on security screenings.
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Grant Financial Management |
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FY2021 Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program Letter of Intent
USCCB has received from PRM a letter of intent to award the new FY2021 Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program.
A Cooperative Agreement, official Notice of Award, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and MRIS reimbursement instructions are forthcoming.
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Resources & Upcoming Events |
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Meet and Greet: Upwardly Global
Tuesday, September 14 from 3:00-4:00PM EST
There are over 2 million immigrant and refugee professionals who are either un- or under-employed. Upwardly Global is the longest-serving national nonprofit dedicated to supporting them to rebuild and get back into their professional careers, fully free. To date, Upwardly Global has placed nearly 8,000 newcomers back into their professional roles, contributing $50 million yearly to the US economy.
As we prepare for SIV and refugee arrivals from Afghanistan, Upwardly Global is a key organization working directly with Afghans, including those who supported US troops as translators, engineers, embassy clerks, and who safety is at risk. Upwardly Global has worked with over 1,900 SIVs to integrate their talents into the workforce and return to their careers.
Upwardly Global will deliver an informational session to USCCB's affiliate network on September 14th. During this session, you will learn about their career services program designed to help recently arrived refugee and immigrant professionals. You will also learn more about their work with Afghan Special Immigrant Visas and how you can collaborate and build referral pathways for families fleeing the Afghan crisis and other newcomers in the US.
Participants in Upwardly Global's job search program will get access to services, including:
- Self-paced online training to help navigate the US job search (i.e. building and customizing resumes);
- 1:1 job coaching with industry advisors and mentors;
- Skills training, certificates, and scholarship opportunities;
- Professional opportunities through our 50+ Employer Partners; and
- Preparation for interviews, salary negotiation, and much more!
Check out some success stories here!
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Visit MRSConnect to access upcoming events, archived newsletters, program guidance, templates, resources, and previously recorded webinars! Don't have access to MRSConnect? Send us an email to get connected.
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Have new/departing staff or staff in new roles? Email staffing updates to the Remote Placement Team to get new staff added to USCCB email list.
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