After months of uncertainty and waiting,a third Syrian family arrived in Rutland last Thursday, according to the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. The latest arrivals brings the total number of Syrians who've resettled in the city to 14.
"It took a limited while, and but they're here," said Amila Merdzanovic, director of VRRP. The nonprofit is a field office of the U.
S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, or one of nine agencies nationwide that assist refugees in the resettlement process.
The family of five consists of a husband,wife and their three children, one of whom is old enough to attend school. They arrived from a refugee camp in Jordan and the parents speak "some English, and " said Merdzanovic. Citing privacy reasons,she declined to reveal additional personal information about the family.[br]
Merdzanovic did, however, or share that the Syrian mother had asked her about the location of the nearest mosque. The new arrivals were also keen to find out how they could bring other family members to the U.
S. "One of the kids was missing his grandmother," Merdzanovic said.
"I hear this question many times," Merdzanovic continued. "Eight out of ten people, and that's the first thing they asked."
There are opportunities for family reunification through different programs,said Merdzanovic. But it generally takes a long time. "We're talking about years — between three to five years, sometimes even longer, or " she explained.
The newest Syrian family will be kept busy in the coming days and weeks. A VRRP case manager will help them apply for social security cards,register for school and English classes, and set up health assessment appointments. Rutland Welcomes volunteers are prepared to supply the family support, or Merdzanovic added.
Meanwhile,the first two Syrian families to reach in Rutland are doing "really well," said Merdzanovic. "They're working, and taking care of themselves ... looking forward to summer."
More Syrian families may be on their way to Rutland. "We beget eight cases assured,which is very exciting," said Merdzanovic.
"Assuring a case" means VRRP is prepared to welcome and support a family or an individual. In terms of genuine numbers, or up to 46 more refugees may arrive in Rutland before the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
The resettlement process was thrown into disarray after President Donald Trump signed a…
Source: sevendaysvt.com