Topic: Supporting Refugees on the Path to Citizenship in Kansas City: A Community Health Worker's Perspective
As a Community Health Worker (CHW) serving the refugee population, I have witnessed the challenges that every individual faces upon their arrival in the United States, particularly in their efforts to obtain citizenship. Many refugees come from non-English-speaking backgrounds and face cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers that make integration and progression toward naturalization extremely difficult.
Upon arrival, however, these individuals are welcomed by a robust network of support consisting of local government agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteers. This compassionate coalition works tirelessly to ensure that refugees' basic needs are met within the first three months. Services provided during this critical adjustment period include hospital appointments, school enrollment for children, access to SNAP benefits, assistance with obtaining state IDs and social security cards, enrollment in health insurance programs, navigation of public transportation, securing employment documents, locating housing, access to ESL education, and provision of food and clothing through local food pantries.
Generally, the male, often the head of the family, is assisted in securing employment soon after arrival. Female family members often stay home to care for young children. This caregiving role, while essential, limits their access to educational and personal development resources. Most females cannot attend ESL classes, pursue further education, learn to drive, or even navigate basic tasks like shopping or attending medical appointments because of cultural and childcare reasons. As a result, they become increasingly isolated and dependent, which limits their ability to contribute to the household and progress toward becoming citizens.
Additionally, the entire refugee family, men and women alike, often experiences lingering trauma from pre-migration experiences, such as war, persecution, or displacement. The expectation of rapidly learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and understanding complex systems like healthcare, education, and employment within a few short months can be overwhelming. The pressure to succeed while facing these challenges, compounded by limited time and resources, often leads to feelings of discouragement and stagnation.
Many heads of households, typically men, cannot attend English or citizenship classes due to demanding work schedules. Similarly, women remain at home and cannot attend classes due to childcare responsibilities. Over time, days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. The opportunity to pursue naturalization becomes increasingly out of reach as time passes. Some individuals struggle with basic literacy or retention, even without a formal diagnosis of cognitive or mental health issues, making it even more challenging to prepare for and pass the citizenship exam.
Every refugee has a story of resilience, trauma, hope, and aspiration. As CHWs, we strive to understand and respond to these stories with compassion and targeted support. We are continually inspired by the strength and determination of the individuals we serve. Their resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges is a testament to the human spirit. One of our primary roles is to identify and connect community members with resources, including ESL and citizenship classes. However, barriers such as transportation, class scheduling, and accessibility
remain persistent challenges that are always present with participation. The issue is still growing daily, depending on the location changes that occur along the way.
Additionally, the political climate has created renewed anxiety within the refugee community. Since recent changes in the federal administration, many refugees have expressed fear and confusion surrounding their immigration status and future in the country. Reports of potential deportations have amplified their urgency to pursue citizenship but have also increased their hesitancy to engage in formal systems due to fear of exposure or misunderstanding. The need for accurate information and support is urgent, as misinformation and fear hinder the community's progress. Social media has become one of the tools that affects the whole community, which is largely uninformed about the current situation in the country. Instead, it has become one of the scary and heart-beating news stories for them because it seems everyone has their point of view related to citizenship, green cards, and people not accustomed to the digital world are listening to hearsay. Hearsay is very dangerous because it may lead them to understand something differently without knowing the news.
The journey toward citizenship for refugee populations is profoundly complex and requires ongoing, coordinated efforts. We must prioritize culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and gender-sensitive strategies to ensure that all refugees, particularly women and caregivers, are given equitable access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Gender-sensitive strategies are crucial in addressing the unique challenges women and caregivers face. As professionals and advocates, we must continue to address systemic gaps and advocate for policies that support proper integration and long-term stability.
We can ensure that no refugee on their path to citizenship and belonging is left behind through sustained collaboration, compassion, and innovation. Working together and thinking creatively can overcome refugees' challenges and create a more inclusive and supportive community. This collective effort, which includes the crucial role of community support, is inspiring and a testament to the power of human compassion and innovation in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. We all need to get involved and support refugees in their journey to citizenship.
Supporting the refugee population's journey to citizenship is a complex and multifaceted process. It requires sustained collaboration, innovative solutions, and continued advocacy to ensure no one is left behind. Addressing these ongoing barriers, particularly for women and primary caregivers, must be a priority for agencies, policymakers, and community leaders committed to equity and integration. Policymakers are crucial in advocating for policies that support proper integration and long-term stability. Their involvement can lead to systemic changes that benefit the entire refugee community, and the community needs to engage with them to ensure their voices are heard.