How Refugees Get Here

How does a family of refugees end up in Blacksburg, Virginia? It starts with a legal process that can take years.

First, families are designated as refugees by the United Nations, which performs an initial vetting process and recommends refugees for resettlement in America.

Second, the U.S. State Department and other government agencies perform an extensive vetting process. Typically it takes between 18 and 24 months before a family is cleared for resettlement, meaning that they are eligible to become legal, permanent residents of the United States.

Third, the State Department refers refugee families to one of the eleven nongovernmental organizations nationwide that help resettle refugees in the United States. One of those groups is Virginia-based Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC). Blacksburg Refugee Partnership works with CCC to identify refugee families that can thrive in Blacksburg.

Refugees get almost no financial support from the U.S. government.

Beyond a one-time payment of $925 per person, refugees receive very little financial help from federal or state governments. Even the cost of their travel to America must be repaid.

That’s why organizations like Blacksburg Refugee Partnership are so important. With private donations and tireless volunteers, we can arrange for housing, financial support, and mentorship that help refugees successfully get on their feet in America.