A Record 120 Million Displaced People Last Year
1) According to UNHCR data, in 2023, around 120 million people (117 million) were displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations, reaching the highest number in history. Among them, 43.4 million were classified as refugees, and 158,000 refugees resettled in other countries last year. 2) Of these, about 60,000 settled in the U.S. last year. As a country of immigrants, the U.S. accepts the largest number of refugees worldwide.
Our Neighbors, Refugees Living Close to Us
Since 1975, around 3 million refugees have resettled in the U.S., and currently, about 2 million refugees are living with us in the U.S. These figures do not include those who entered the U.S. due to war, violence, or poverty. Refugees come from various backgrounds, but in recent years, most have come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Syria, mainly due to political persecution (40-50%), religious persecution (10-20%), and racial persecution (5-10%). New York State, where GFoundation is based, is the third largest state in the U.S. for refugee resettlement, with around 26,000 refugees settling there last year. Onondaga County, home to the well-known city of Syracuse, is one of the leading areas for refugee resettlement. (UNHCR)
A Chosen Few: Refugees in the U.S.
Last year alone, more than 40 million people became refugees worldwide, but given that the average number of refugees resettling in the U.S. over the past decade is limited, they must be assigned to a resettlement agency. Upon entering the U.S., they receive temporary residency and may apply for a green card after one year, and citizenship after five years if there are no issues.
Refugees Struggling to Become Self-Sufficient After 3 Months
Upon arriving in the U.S. refugees receive concentrated support such as cash assistance, medical aid, and housing support for the first three months. However, after three months, the level of support depends on their circumstances, and refugees must actively seek jobs and apply for various support programs. These benefits typically end within 8 months to a year. Moreover, 30-40% of refugee households are raising children while trying to adapt to life in the U.S. Given the trauma experienced in their home countries, the physical and mental exhaustion, and the high language and cultural barriers, achieving financial independence within three months is incredibly challenging. Those who fail to become self-sufficient may end up unemployed, homeless, or involved in incidents that could endanger local communities.
How Can We Help Them?
1. Donate: The easiest and most effective way to help refugees nearby is through donations to organizations supporting refugees. By donating to organizations that have been working closely with refugees for a long time, you can directly contribute to addressing their needs. You can also raise funds through fundraising efforts.
2. Volunteer: You can meet and help refugees directly by participating in volunteer activities needed for various programs supporting refugees. You can inquire at local churches or organizations working with refugees, receive training, and get involved.
3. Raise Awareness: Through social media, crowdfunding platforms, or drives at your workplace or school, you can raise awareness of the refugees’ situations and encourage more people to engage and participate.
GFoundation Supports Refugees Through Collaboration
GFoundation collaborates with local NGOs and churches that have been helping refugees in their communities for a long time to address their needs and help them successfully settle and contribute to local communities and the U.S. GFoundation also works with international partners to respond to refugee crises worldwide. Join GFoundation’s campaign to support refugees.
