The Role of NGOs in Refugee Resettlement

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are vital players in the arena of refugee resettlement. These independent entities collaborate closely with governments and other organizations to provide support to refugees fleeing conflict or persecution. The role of an NGO in this process can vary from direct assistance to advocacy, forming a critical part of the global humanitarian response.

Understanding NGOs and Their Involvement in Refugee Resettlement

NGOs encompass a wide range of organizations that operate on a nonprofit basis. Many specialize in humanitarian aid, including the refugee resettlement process. These refugee NGO entities are crucial for supporting displaced individuals as they transition to their countries of arrival. Organizations such as the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) play a significant role in the U.S. and around the world, helping thousands navigate the complexities of resettling in a new homeland.

Key Services Provided by NGOs in Refugee Resettlement

NGOs deliver a comprehensive array of services that address both the immediate and long-term needs of refugees. Here are some of the primary ways they assist:

Pre-Departure

ICMC runs the world’s largest Refugee Resettlement Center, in partnership with the US Refugee Admissions Program, helping to prepare refugees for resettlement. Before refugees depart for their countries of arrival, there are many steps they must go through. ICMC assists refugees during this process in the following critical ways:

• Pre-screening refugees awaiting resettlement — whose files are sent to ICMC by the UN Refugee Agency — to see if they are admissible to refugee resettlement under US regulations.
• Interviewing refugees deemed admissible in the pre-screening process, building a file for their refugee claim, and submitting this file to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Coordinating the visits of DHS officers who visit ICMC offices in Turkey and Lebanon to assess the claims and national security-related issues.
• Once refugees are admitted for resettlement to the US, ICMC coordinates their pre-departure medical screenings and provides pre-departure cultural orientation training.
  
  

Post-Arrival

Once in the US, ten national resettlement agencies (including ICMC's national member, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - Migration and Refugee Services), and their networks of hundreds of local organizations, take over the process, providing the following services:

• Basic Needs and Healthcare: Upon arrival, refugees often need basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. NGOs provide these essentials, along with healthcare services to address physical and mental health challenges that may arise from displacement and the resettlement journey.
• Legal and Administrative Assistance: Navigating the legal intricacies of the refugee resettlement process in a new country can be daunting. Many NGOs offer legal aid to help refugees understand their rights and comply with local immigration laws.
• Employment and Education: Helping refugees find employment and access education is crucial for integration. NGOs facilitate job training and placement services and offer educational programs for children and adults alike.
• Cultural Integration: Learning about and adapting to a new culture is essential for refugees. Programs that emphasize language skills and cultural awareness are key components of successful resettlement. These aspects are crucial for building stronger communities, as detailed in this integration guide.
  
  

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite their critical role, NGOs face numerous challenges, including funding shortages and political hurdles. However, they also see unique opportunities to innovate and improve refugee support through community involvement and international cooperation. Learning about how to donate effectively to refugee causes can empower more individuals to contribute to these vital efforts.

The involvement of NGOs in refugee resettlement is indispensable. Through the combined efforts of organizations, volunteers, and community support, refugees find the help they need to start anew. 

ICMC advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and all migrants. ICMC and its members remain committed to supporting immigration policies that produce more sustainable solutions.

ICMC’s efforts include protecting internally displaced children in Burkina Faso, providing support to survivors of gender-based violence in Malaysia, aiding displaced Ukrainians, and more.

We rely on donations to fund our critical humanitarian work and continue changing lives. Find out how you can make a difference and help migrants, internally displaced persons, and refugees in need today!

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.