Daily Challenges for Resettled Refugees
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2011-04-14/daily-challenges-resettled-refugees
Refugees who resettle in the U.S. from war zones like Iraq face hurdles doing basic things that most of us take for granted. From finding a job to setting up cable TV service, navigating daily life can often seem overwhelming for violence-scarred new arrivals. We look at the challenges refugees face in the U.S., what services are available to them, and how local organizations are helping.
Guests
Naseer Nouri
Co-founder, Refugee Roadmap, Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project
Bob Carey
Vice President of Resettlement and Migration Policy, International Rescue Committee
Comments
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I applaud your show on this underrepresented issue. I am currently making a film, The Lost Dream, on the Iraqi refugees who supported the U.S. in the war now falling through the cracks of the American system. The Iraqi in my film is a disabled person who was celebrated in Washington as the public image of Saddam's torture - and another justification for the war - is now on the brink of homelessness in VA after his Baghdad home was bombed by militias.
While there are some services for traumatized Iraqis, his real help would be a safe home for his family. That would give him some peace of mind and time to heal. But since the end of his three-month government support and for two years, this man and his entire family have been traumatized by imminent homelessness, unemployment and lack of disability benefits. How could people like him find even a hint of the American dream when they are absolutely stuck in a situation that keeps dragging them down. Their other alternative is returning to Iraq, but that would mean continued backlash from militias. All that happened because they supported the U.S. Therefore it is our responsibility to help people like him who are struggling in our backyards. More on The Lost Dream at www.JehanHarney.com