Leaving It All Behind
Surviving Life As A Refugee
Today is World Refugee Day! A day when we honor those who flee their home country to escape the violence and terror there for a better life for themselves and their family. A refugee is someone who gives up everything for a better tomorrow. There are currently 89 million refugees trying to find sanctuary. 41% of them are under the age of 18 years old. Many countries have passed laws and started programs to help them gain citizenship by providing shelter, protection, and anything else they may need. If you are a refugee, here are some tips to help you out.
Seeking Asylum
Before leaving, you’ll need to know where you are going. Every country has its own laws on how a refugee can ask a country to take them in, AKA seeking asylum. You must follow these laws as best as you can, as this may determine if you can stay or go. To seek asylum in the United States, you’ll have to first be living here. Next, you’ll need to demonstrate that you are in fear for your life if returned to your home country. If they determine your fear is valid, you’ll be asked to fill out an I-589 form. Never lie during any of this. If you do, you’ll be sent back and disqualified indefinitely. For more information, visit https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum.
Be Careful Who You Trust
People often prey on refugees because they are in a rough spot and will do anything to escape their dangerous situation. It’s a sad fact of our reality. Gangs like the Coyote Cartel often take advantage of these desperate people. Anybody asking for money never has your best interest at heart. Those who demand your paperwork like passports are not good people. There are trustworthy organizations out there that help refugees in their time of need. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and The International Rescue Committee do just that. Their links are below if you wish to learn more about them.
A Camp To Call Home
Most refugees often travel in groups called caravans. Since they are traveling great distances, it’s best to stop and rest for the night. A refugee camp is a temporary living situation that will provide you with all your basic needs. They offer a safe-haven with medical treatment and other services. It’s not unusual to stay here for weeks or months. Some camps become long-term settlements with trades and educational opportunities. The U.N. Refugee Agency has mobilized response teams that they can send out to have one set up for you within 72 hours. They will often coordinate with nearby government agencies to make it a safe humanitarian space for all.
What To Pack
When leaving a country behind to seek asylum elsewhere, all you’ll have is what you can carry. Do not treat this like a backpacking trip across Europe. Only carry things you depend on. You can always replace stuff, not your life. As much as you love them, bulky family heirlooms need to be left behind. You’ll only be allowed to carry one light bag. Extra baggage is often left behind, or thrown overboard if on a boat. Don’t bring things that can attract others to your location. Some countries like North Korea do not like it when people flee, and they will have others looking for your caravan. For seeking asylum, you’ll need identification documents, a birth and marriage certificate (if married), and, if you’re lucky to have it on you, a completed I-589 form.
Helping Refugees
If you are not a refugee, there are some things you can do to help the cause. Donate money or goods to the charities listed below. Contact the charity to see what they need most before purchasing items for them. Volunteer your time to them or sign-up to sponsor a refugee at https://welcomecorps.org/. Contact the Office of Refugee Resettlement (link below) to see how you can help them provide refugees with much-needed resources like finding a job when they get here. If you have a medical background, join the Doctors or Nurses Without Borders program. Make friends with refugees in your area or start a support group to help them integrate better into their new surroundings.
Helpful Links:
About the Creator
M.L. Lewis
Welcome to my little slice of pie. This blog will primarily focus on prepping and homesteading skills with a sprinkle of fiction every now and then.
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