Over the past year, many supporters have come forward to ask how they can help support new arrivals who have been affected by the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Here is an updated version of a post we originally created in the fall of 2015 to better explain how you can help where you live.
Q: How is the number of refugees coming into the United States determined?
A: The president sets an annual determination at the beginning of each fiscal year for how many refugees we will accept in the United States. The federal ceiling for FY 2016 was 85,000. As we approach the end of the fiscal year this September, the United States is approaching that goal. The President has committed to expand arrivals for FY2017 to 100,000.
Q: Where are refugees coming from?
A: Refugees are currently coming from Burma/Myanmar, Bhutan, Congo, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Syria.
Q: How many refugees are expected from Syria?
A: The 2016 goals include a goal of welcoming 10,000 Syrians across the country. While arrivals were initially slow as intensive background screenings were held, we are now working to approach that number. In Georgia, we have welcomed 236 Syrian arrivals, including 88 resettled through New American Pathways as of August 22, 2016.
Q: How can we support refugees here in Georgia?
A: Georgians can lend their support in four primary ways:
- Financial support through a resettlement organization like New American Pathways so we can use the resources where they are most needed.
- Contact your elected officials to let them know you support refugee arrivals, including Syrian arrivals. Many officials have opposed support and funding for the program over the past year and need to hear from you. If you need help finding who to contact or suggestions on what to say, please contact our Communications and Policy Coordinator.
- There are many ways to get involved.
- In-kind donations of basic needs like diapers, socks, backpacks/school supplies, hygiene kits. Please make an appointmentfor drop-off as we have limited space and resources.
Thank you for your support and for welcoming refugees in Georgia.
If you would like to support an organization working internationally to help those suffering from the Syrian Crisis, we suggest our international partners at CARE, who also have Atlanta offices.