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Who are Refugees?
Refugees are approved by the U.S. government to seek safety and security within the United States. After fleeing violence, persecution, and war, refugees often arrive with very few resources but Commonwealth Catholic Charities is here to help them rebuild their lives and journey towards U.S. citizenship.
Current Families Receiving Support from CCC
Your support of refugee resettlement helps families like these.
(Names and images have been changed to protect privacy)
Abdul Ali
Arrived in January 2025 from Iraq
After working with the American Embassy in Iraq as a driver, Abdul Ali was in great danger and needed to leave Iraq.
Abdul has been staying in a hotel since January, waiting for the funding to move into an apartment. Abdul Ali remains enthusiastic about his new life in Virginia and looks forward to moving into his own home.
Refugee Resettlement Services
CCC helps new refugee arrivals settle into their new lives in Virginia. After enduring the loss of their homes, livelihoods, possessions, and often even families, they are ready for a fresh start in their new community.
From the moment they step off the plane, CCC is there to help each individual and family navigate the next steps in their journey with dignity
Arrival
For more than a decade, CCC has partnered with communities to help refugees integrate into a new country with dignity. CCC resettles refugees in the Greater Richmond, Roanoke, and Hampton Roads areas. Resettlement includes initial housing placement, case management, school enrollment and follow-up, health and language support, and education and employment services. Refugees are fully vetted by the Department of State in coordination with the U.S. security agencies and have undergone rigorous background checks.
Housing
CCC assists refugees in finding suitable housing upon arrival. This step is crucial for providing stability and normalcy.
Medical
Navigating the American health system can be challenging for newly-arrived refugees. Our medical liaison staff help to introduce newcomers to the system, make initial appointments, and work with interpreters as needed. CCC also helps to ensure that refugees have access to mental health professionals to help them as they process the many changes in their lives.
Education
Education services helps refugees and immigrants improve their conversational English and deepen their understanding of American culture and their new home in the United States. We offer pre-employment training, cultural orientation, and ESL classes for adult learners.
Employment
Refugees are legally authorized to work in the United States. They arrive with a variety of skills, expertise, and a strong motivation to build a stable future for themselves and their families. CCC's Refugee Employment Specialists provide comprehensive screening, training, and follow-up services at no cost.
Women's Empowerment
Many women who come through CCC's Refugee Resettlement program have not worked outside of the home before so CCC provides a number of resources to help them as they enter the workforce. Resources include: assistance finding a job, cultural orientation that teaches the benefits of a two income household, understanding daycare, English language classes, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are refugees in the U.S. legally?
Refugees are legally admitted into the country through the federal Refugee Resettlement program, giving them permanent residence status. Refugees are screened in a process that can take between 12 and 24 months. Eight federal agencies are involved in the screening process, which includes multiple security database and biometric checks, medical screenings, and three in-person interviews. Once refugees arrive in the U.S., the government partners with agencies like CCC to help them settle into their new lives and put them on a path to success.
Can refugees work in the U.S.?
Refugees are legally allowed to work in the U.S. CCC maintains strong relationships with many top employers throughout Virginia and helps refugees in their job search, as well as with ongoing job training and skills building. In fact, 97% of CCC’s refugee clients are employed and financially self-sufficient within 90 days of arrival.
What countries do refugees come from?
Nearly three quarters of refugees in the world come from just five countries: Afghanistan, Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela, Ukraine, and South Sudan. CCC supports individuals from these countries as well as Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iran, Mali, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and many more places.
Keep Reading
Learn more about Refugee Resettlement with these resources
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Refugee Timeline, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
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History, Office of Refugee Resettlement
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About the Program, Office of Refugee Resettlement
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Catholic Charities, Migrants and Ministry
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