July - Life as a Refugee

Have you ever wondered what it is like to arrive in a brand new country as a refugee? What it is like to try and start a new life despite language barriers, a lack of resources, or in the absence of family members who were not able to join you? Participants in the CRIS World Refugee Day Workshop got a taste of what this is like, during a workshop that simulated the first four weeks for a refugee after arriving in the United States. Community leaders and service providers, including members of the Columbus Police Department, representatives from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, school counselors and psychologists, church members, and more stepped into the shoes of newly arrived refugees. Some participants became a parent with five children, others became the eldest child in a family of four, and some had not even made it to the United States yet.

Throughout the hour-long simulation, many participants became frustrated as they realized getting a health screening, enrolling children in school, and talking to their caseworker was not going to be easy. They experienced the difficulties of waiting in long lines, trying to find means of transportation, and being expected to understand everything despite language barriers. These are the realities that many new refugees face after arriving in the United States. It can take weeks to receive a social security card, health appointments are difficult to schedule (due to language barriers and low availability) - and all of this after the long process of actually being approved for resettlement in the United States, which can take years. And, out of the thousands of pending refugee cases around the world, less than 1% of these individuals are actually resettled each year - a fraction of them coming to the United States.

After the simulation, participants reflected back on the experience and expressed the frustrations they felt while trying to do everything they needed to do upon “arrival”, despite the lack of resources. It was eye-opening for many, as they realized just how many barriers refugees face while adjusting to a new life in the United States. We had conversations about how we as a community can help alleviate some of this stress for these individuals; supporting and hiring refugees, writing letters of support, spreading awareness, and being kind and welcoming no matter where someone comes from.

For the workshop participants, this stressful experience only lasted a couple of hours. For newly arrived refugees this is an everyday reality. If you would like to support refugees and advocate for change, please visit our get involved page.