Statewide Convening on Refugee Resettlement & Asylum 2023: Making a Difference in San Diego

October 24, 2023 - San Diego, California: The atmosphere in San Diego was filled with hope, unity, and a shared commitment to make a difference at the fifth annual CA Statewide Convening on Refugee Resettlement and Asylum. Hosted in partnership with the University of San Diego, this event served as a critical platform for experts, advocates, and community members to come together and discuss pressing issues related to refugee and asylum affairs both at the state and national levels.

Bringing Together Passionate Advocates

The event featured a diverse array of organizations and speakers, all dedicated to the cause of refugee resettlement and asylum. With organizations such as CHIRLA, CAIR, IRC, USD, Afghans for a Better Tomorrow, HIAS, IILA, Home for Refugees, Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service, OASIS Legal Services, and many others, the event was a true gathering of the minds and hearts passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers.

Meredith from DC emphasized the need to prevent cuts in refugee program funding, increase transparency in oversight, and push for legislative and regulatory reform. The event highlighted the funding priorities for FY24, with a focus on ensuring adequate housing, non-discrimination policies, and support for refugee issues.

The discussions also extended to addressing climate-induced displacement and the importance of weaving climate factors into refugee programs, such as the P2 program.

Dr. Nielsen, HMI’s founder attending the statewide conference

Welcome Corps: Expanding Refugee Capacity

One of the key highlights of the event was the Welcome Corps, a public-private partnership led by a consortium of six organizations. This program aims to expand US refugee capacity, offering essential support such as housing, airport greeting, enrollment assistance for children, employment guidance, and more, all for a minimum of 90 days. The Welcome Corps also emphasized the importance of private sponsorship and highlighted the diverse backgrounds of those who can become sponsors.

Title 42 and the US-Mexico Border

Esmeralda Flores, the Southern Regional Policy Manager at CHIRLA, shared crucial insights into the challenges and issues surrounding Title 42 and the US-Mexico border. Initially, asylum seekers faced waiting times of hours or a day, but it has now stretched into months. The Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the "Remain in Mexico" program, resulted in human rights violations and family separations. However, there is hope with the prospect of parents being able to seek asylum without being separated from their children.

California's Role in Refugee Resettlement

Kawser Amine, a refugee from Afghanistan and the first Refugee Commissioner in California, discussed the critical role of the state in refugee resettlement. She emphasized the need to include refugees in commissions, highlighting the issues faced by women and girls in refugee communities. California, Texas, and New York together welcome over a quarter of all refugees in the United States, with California leading in Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders.

Capacity Struggles and the Way Forward

Counties like San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento have shouldered a significant number of refugees, and the need for permanent infrastructure to handle both response and post-90 day resettlement is apparent. The challenges posed by increased capacity for counties housing refugees, asylum seekers, and other populations were discussed, emphasizing the importance of a unified and comprehensive approach to providing support.

Responding to Humanitarian Situations

The San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN), a coalition of over 50 organizations, was formed in 2017 to address humanitarian situations in San Diego. This network offers shelter, legal assistance, medical aid, onward travel support, communications, and advocacy. With over 166,000 people welcomed in five years and a focus on assisting unaccompanied children and addressing human trafficking, SDRRN plays a pivotal role in refugee support.

Extending Case Management Programs

The event also spotlighted SB 85, a bill aimed at extending case management programs for refugees, asylum seekers, and human trafficking victims beyond the initial 90 days. This enhanced service program ensures continued support, making it vital to secure its passage.

In conclusion, the CA Statewide Convening on Refugee Resettlement and Asylum 2023 was a testament to the unwavering commitment of individuals, organizations, and communities to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for refugees and newcomers in California. The shared vision of making a difference and addressing the pressing challenges faced by those seeking refuge was evident in every discussion and presentation. Together, they are shaping a more compassionate and equitable future for those in need.