Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt. - Ex 23:9
Simply speaking, a migrant is someone who chooses to move, and a refugee is someone who has been forced from their home. It’s crucial to understand this distinction. Refugees, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), are people who are “fleeing armed conflict or persecution” and “for whom denial of asylum has potentially deadly consequences.”
Migrants move for various reasons. Some migrate to be with family, for work, or education. Many return home after some time. Not all migrants seek better situations; some leave due to dangerous or difficult conditions such as unrest, famine, and economic collapse. It’s important to note that unless they are in danger of conflict or persecution, they are not considered refugees.
The distinction is significant, as the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, also known as the 1951 Refugee Convention or theGeneva Convention grants specific rights to refugees. These rights include protection from deportation to life-threatening situations, access to social services, and integration into the host country’s society. In contrast, migrants are subject to the immigration laws and procedures of the host country and can be refused entry or deported to their homeland.
Be they Migrants or Refugees, Pope Francis reminds us that “God walks with his people,” and he asks us to remember and pray for those displaced by conflict, persecution, and economic difficulties.
Cleveland's Refugee Community
During the last federal fiscal year, more than 4,300 refugees arrived in Ohio, with nearly 1,400 settling in Cleveland. One out of four refugees who arrived in Cleveland were from the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo. Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Syria were also significantly represented.
The Definition of Refugees
Refugees are individuals who flee their home countries due to a fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion, as defined by the United Nations.
The Plight of the Refugees
Many refugees are forced to leave their home countries, often escaping unimaginable hardships including torture, rape, and witnessing the death of loved ones. It’s heartbreaking to realize that fewer than 1% of them ever find a path to resettlement outside of refugee camps. Tragically, most will spend their entire lives in these camps, and those fortunate enough to reach the U.S. often do so only after enduring over 15 years in these camps.
Process for Refugees
The United States conducts a rigorous vetting process to decide if a refugee will be resettled. This process usually takes about two years and includes these steps: 1. Identify individuals who are vulnerable and gather their information for resettlement consideration. 2. Conduct security checks and background investigations. 3. Carry out in-person interviews and medical screenings conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Once applicants are approved, they are connected with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that assist them upon arrival. More to come on this subject.
Where Is Help Available - The Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Service offers a program for refugees. The Refugee Services Collaborative (RSC) is a group of Cleveland organizations that have joined to serve refugees resettling in this area. It includes the two Cuyahoga County refugee resettlement agencies, area school systems, healthcare providers, and community and faith-based organizations. Explore the impactful work of these organizations and fi nd out how you can help make a difference.
Positive Effects of the Refugee Community - The Cleveland area’s refugee community relies less on public assistance than the general population. Th eir benefi ts come primarily from federal funds. The presence of new residents also enhances the region’s cultural and ethnic diversity, increases demand for locally produced goods and services, and boosts the economy through employment and entrepreneurship.
Something to Ponder… What the Bible say about loving Refugees and Immigrants…“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34
Role of the Catholic Church and Refugees
Faithful to the teaching of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church has a long history of serving refugees. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Catholic Church’s support for refugees dates back to the early days of Christianity. In 1948, when the responsibility for assisting refugees largely fell to faith-based organizations, 105 out of 119 Catholic dioceses in the United States had appointed a resettlement director as designated by the local bishop. In 1980, Congress enacted the bipartisan Refugee Act, which established the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops became one of ten national resettlement agencies due to its historical role in assisting immigrants and refugees in the United States.
Resettlement of Refugees
When refugees arrive in the United States, they require support to settle into their new communities. Various organizations, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are prepared to assist refugees in nearly every state, helping them navigate this challenging transition. This assistance includes securing access to affordable housing, providing help with job searches and childcare, interpretation support, health and medical referrals, school registration, and obtaining basic supplies such as home goods and toiletries. These resettlement agencies collaborate with local, community-based organizations. Cleveland, Ohio, is fortunate to have a thriving network of exceptional organizations dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants by making their transition and assimilation as smooth as possible, including Catholic Charities Migration & Refugee Services.
“Carry each other’s burdens…”
Listed below are several NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) in Cleveland that support refugee families navigating the challenges of displacement. Although we can only provide a brief description, we encourage you to learn more about these organizations and explore how you can offer support through financial help, material donations, or volunteer efforts.
Catholic Charities Migration & Refugee Services - Their comprehensive services include employment assistance, immigration legal services, English language training, health and wellness support, and more. < http://ccdocle.org/service-areas/migration-refugee-services >.
Refugee Resource Center at St. Colman Church - Sr. Rita Mary Harwood and Fr. Reedy established the Center at St. Colman Church in 2022, helping over 450 families in the surrounding area. The Center operates every Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon, serving various needs. Visit their website for suggestions on how to donate much-needed items & volunteer opportunities. < http://stcolmanchurch.org/new-page-2 >
US Together - Their purpose is to provide assistance with employment, legal services, interpretation, case management, and much more. < http://.ustogether.us >.
Global Cleveland - Their motto is “We strengthen our city by welcoming our world.” They host and participate in a variety of events that connect international newcomers. < https://globalcleveland.org >.
RE:Source - Their programs include Ohio City Farm, youth mentoring, Teen Response, Corner65, content creation, adult tutoring, community advisory, & more. < https://resourcecleveland.org >
Joseph House of Cleveland - Joseph House offers affordable housing and a welcoming community for refugees. Their Clothing Bank serves incoming refugees and local neighbors. < https://josephhouseofcleveland.org >
Cleveland Maidan Association - The Cleveland Maidan Association began with a Facebook post inviting the Ukrainian community to discuss the Euromaidan Revolution in Kyiv. The community rallied to raise funds for food, warm clothing, and medical supplies. In March 2015, they became a charitable organization, enabling them to continue supporting Ukraine. < https://www.clevelandmaidan.info>
OneHope NEO - They offer vital services such as education, mentorship, and community support. Their programs include youth initiatives, English language tutoring, and family assistance. < https://onehopeneo.org >
No matter where your interests, skills, or passions lie, there is a strong possibility that one of these organizations will resonate with your desire to fulfill your call to advocate, welcome, assist, and love.