top of page
Federal actions and
U.S. Refugee Resettlement
What you should know
Since October, the United States government referred 378 individuals to one of CCC’s offices for resettlement in the U.S. These families underwent years of screening and background checks before being lawfully admitted into our country.
In late January, the government then suspended and subsequently cancelled the contracts that fund most of the financial assistance we provide
Despite the lack of funding, CCC is committed to supporting the 60 families who were sent to us in December and January prior to the government’s suspension of this program.
The impact of federal actions
Timeline
October 2024 – January 2025
The U.S. government refer 378 individuals to CCC for resettlement
January 20
Executive order indefinitely halts U.S. refugee resettlement program
January 24
U.S. State Department ordered resettlement agencies to stop all federally funded work related to refugees, including halting all direct assistance to refugees already in the United States
January 27
All refugees barred from entering the United States, including those already vetted and approved for admission
February 18
USCCB files lawsuit challenging the federal decision to suspend refugee resettlement funding
February 27
The State Department officially terminates contracts with all eleven refugee resettlement agencies USCCB (and all other resettlement agencies) informed of termination of refugee resettlement contracts
Real Stories
Stories
Abdul Ali
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.
Faheem & Mariam
Faheem and Mariam came to the U.S. seeking safety and opportunities for their six children. CCC helped Faheem and Mariam find a home to accommodate their family of eight. CCC also helped them to apply for social security cards but until they arrive, Faheem and Mariam cannot apply for work.
Ahmed and Hila’s family have endured much sadness and loss. Their arrival in the U.S. means that Hila has better medical care as she battles kidney failure and undergoes dialysis treatment. Ahmed cares for Hila and their children, while searching for employment.
Ahmed & Hila
In the News
Learn more about Refugee Resettlement
Refugee Resettlement
CCC helps new refugee arrivals to settle into their new lives in Virginia. After enduring the loss of their homes, livelihoods, possessions, and often even families, they are ready to 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.
"A person's dignity does not depend on them being a citizen, a migrant, or a refugee.
Saving the life of someone fleeing war and poverty is an act of humanity."
- Pope Francis
Programs & Services
CCC helps refugees adjust to their new lives in Virginia by providing a variety of supportive services including:
-
Locating and furnishing a home
-
Rental assistance
-
Mental and physical health care
-
English language classes
-
Employment and work-readiness
-
Enrolling children in school
-
Social services and community support
-
Legal services towards citizenship
Serving a global population in Virginia
Worldwide there are now more than 36 million refugees. Only a small fraction of these individuals are admitted to the United States. Typically, refugees are resettled in areas where they have relatives or other connections. CCC resettles refugees in the Richmond, Roanoke, and Hampton Roads areas where there are a range of cultural and community networks to help newcomers integrate.
CCC serves refugees coming from countries around the world including, Afghanistan, Burundi, Columbia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Mali, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
"If the “dream” of a peaceful world is shared by all, if the refugees’ and migrants’ contribution is properly evaluated, then humanity can become more and more of a universal family and our earth a true “common home.”"
- Pope John Paul II
bottom of page