Department of Human Services: Refugee Resettlement Program
DC Home Mayor DC Guide Residents Business Visitors DC Government Kids

Department of Human Services

DHS HOME
DHS HOME
DHS HOME
Strategic Business
   Plan

SERVICES
About DHS
SERVICES
SERVICES
INFORMATION
INFORMATION
INFORMATION
ONLINE SERVICE
   REQUESTS

ONLINE SERVICE
   REQUESTS

ONLINE SERVICE
    REQUESTS

About DHS
Director's Biography
How to Reach Us
Ask the Director
FOIA Requests
News Room
Site Map
Performance
Adult Protective Services
Application for Benefits
Burial Assistance
Fraud & Discrimination
Homeless Assistance
Hypothermia Watch
Refugee Resettlement
Strong Familes
Teen Parent Project
Developmental
  Disabilities

DHS Brochures
Medicaid and
  DC Healthy Families

Agency Mission and
   Issue Statements

Targeted Services
Youth and
   Adolescent Services

Child Development
Employment Readiness
   and Placement

Affordable Housing and
   Residential Services

Case Management
Determination Services
Community Outreach
Management Services
Results and Goals
211 Answers, Please!
Agency Calendar
Developmental Disabilities
Family Services
Fatherhood Initiative
Income Maintenance
IMA Policy Manual
Medicaid and
  DC Healthy Families

Publications

Refugee Resettlement Program

The Refugee Resettlement Program is implemented under the authority of Title IV, Chapter 2 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. In November 1986, the Refugee Assistance Extension Act of 1986 was signed into law. The District of Columbia Refugee Resettlement Program (DCORR) provides social services, cash, and medical assistance to eligible refugees and their families through sub-grant arrangements with community-based non-profit agencies. Programs concentrate on employment, job placement, English language training, and support services. Call (202) 541-3949.

Intake and Referrals Service
The initial service provider refers the refugee to the DC Office of Refugee Resettlement (DCORR) along with a completed DCORR intake form, a I-94 or any INS documentation confirming refugee or asylum status.

Employment Services
Job development and placement services with developed resources help refugees find jobs. Clients develop individual employability plans and seek (IEP) placement in full-time positions at companies that offer benefits. (Part time work often develops into full time.) Services include 30, 60 and 90-day follow-ups as well as employment upgrades and professional positions where applicable.

English as a Second Language
The goal is to develop cultural knowledge as well as the listening, speaking and writing skills essential for securing and maintaining employment in the United States. Refugees attend evening or weekend classes. Group and individual tutoring is available as well as follow-up on missed sessions. Class assignment in either the beginner or intermediate sessions is based on the results of the Basic English Skills Test (BEST).

Citizenship
Provides outreach and public information about citizenship requirements, applications, civic education, ESL, counseling and pro-bono legal resources. Follow-up and tracking of submitted applications go to the Immigration Naturalization Service (INS).

Refugee Resettlement Links for Additional Information

  • The National Immigration Forum
  • New York Association for New Americans, Inc.
  • Asylumlaw.org
  • Facts About Immigration
  • Ten (10) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • US Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996
  • US Department of State Visas Services

  •