Immigrants and Refugees
Services to immigrants and refugees are provided through the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services as well as through programs within the U.S. Dept. of State.
The objective of such programs is to orient and integrate recent refugees and immigrants who have been legally admitted into the United States so that they may set up a new life here. The State Dept. provides services while potential refugees are still overseas and to newly admitted refugees. The Dept. of Health and Human Services administers programs that provide more sustained support.
Identifying the value of transportation
Begin with the mission of the CCAM-funded agency and ask, “How can transportation access contribute to the success of that mission?” For agencies serving immigrants and refugees, the importance of transportation may be tied to one or more of these value statements, which can serve as starting discussion points:
When immigrants and refugees have access to transportation. . .
- They are more easily able to integrate into their new environment by accessing essential services.
- They have access to additional employment opportunities.
- They have more reliable access to sources for health food, leading to improved nutrition and overall health.
Program Listing
Below is a detailed description of programs relating to military veterans. Each listing contains, what type of transportation support is allowable, a brief program description, and ways for both mobility management professionals and program staff from other agencies to connect.
Table of Contents
Listing Key
Direct Support
Funding for transportation on an individual basis. This includes things like transit passes or gas vouchers.
Direct Service
Program staff provide transportation services directly or can contract for services.
Local Match Eligible
Program’s funds can be used as federal match to FTA transportation grants or other federal programs.
Program Description:
The objectives of these discretionary programs include: building capacity for the placement of refugees in locations with good opportunities and providing specialized case management for vulnerable cases; promoting integration; and supporting the mental health needs of refugees affected by trauma. Services provided must not supplant services that may be available through existing federal, state, or local programs. This listing includes: Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA), Refugee Agricultural Partnership Project (RAPP), Refugee Family Child Care Microenterprise Development (RFCCMED), Refugee Career Pathways (RCP), Refugee Microenterprise Development (MED), Preferred Communities (PC), Ethnic Community Self-Help (ECSH), Refugee Technical Assistance Program (RTAP), Services for Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat (SASIC), (the soon-to-be launched) Support for Trauma-Affected Refugees (STAR), and Employer Engagement Program (EEP).
Distribution of funds:
Provides discretionary grants to local, state and tribal governments, state- and federally-designated lndian tribes, Native American organizations, and public nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals). See examples of grants awarded here.
Transportation Support:
Mobility management services could be included as part of case management. Transportation supports to individuals (e.g., transit vouchers, vehicle purchase) may also be authorized.
Mobility management professionals:
Program staff:
Program Description:
The Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance (CMA) Program reimburses States and Replacement Designees for the cost of cash and medical assistance provided to refugees, certain Amerasians from Vietnam, Cuban and Haitian entrants, asylees, victims of a severe form of trafficking, Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants, certain Afghan Humanitarian Parolees, and certain Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees during the first 12 months after their date of arrival or date of eligibility. Specifically, CMA covers the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), and Medical Screening programs, and recipient administrative costs. CMA also includes the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) program, and reimbursement is provided for care of enrolled URMs and recipient administrative costs.
The Refugee Support Services (RSS) Program provides formula funding for employment and other social services for the same population for 5 years after their date of arrival or date of eligibility. The RSS Program also supports “set-aside” funding to support specific populations or initiatives such as the Refugee School Impact Program which supports the academic integration of refugee youth from birth to age 18; the Services for Older Refugee Program which supports the integration of refugees aged 60 and above; the Youth Mentoring Program which supports the educational and vocational advancement of refugee young adults; and the Refugee Health Promotion Program which builds the capacity of communities to address the mental health and physical health needs of refugee populations.
Distribution of funds:
Provides formula grants to state agencies and replacement designees. Cash and Medical Assistance awards are made to following submittal of approved State Plans and annual Cash and Medical Assistance Program Estimates (ORR-1). For Refugee Support Services awards, State agencies and Replacement Designees must submit an Annual Service Plan (ASP).
Transportation Support:
Mobility management services could be included as part of case management. Transportation supports to individuals (e.g., transit vouchers, vehicle purchase) may also be authorized.
Mobility management professionals:
Program staff:
Program Description:
The Matching Grant Program was created in 1979 as an intensive case management program with the objective to fast-track new arrivals toward economic self-sufficiency within eight months (240 days) of program enrollment, without accessing public cash assistance. The Matching Grant Program assists refugees in becoming self-supporting and independent members of American society by providing funds to private nonprofit organizations to support case management, transitional assistance, and social services for new arrivals.
Distribution of funds:
Provides formula grants to nonprofit organizations that have a Reception and Placement Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State.
Transportation Support:
Mobility management services could be included as part of case management. Transportation supports to individuals (e.g., transit vouchers, vehicle purchase) may also be authorized.
Mobility management professionals:
Program staff:
Program Description:
Provides initial reception and placement program for refugees approved for admission in the United States. Program objectives include: (1) arranging for refugees’ placement by ensuring that approved refugees are sponsored and offered appropriate assistance upon arrival in the United States; (2) providing refugees with basic necessities and core services during their initial resettlement period in the United States; and (3) promoting refugee self-sufficiency through employment as soon as possible after arrival in the United States in coordination with other refugee service and assistance programs.
Distribution of funds:
Provides for cooperative agreements between the U.S. Government and state (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals) and nongovernment and private non-profit organizations
Transportation Support:
Mobility management services could be included as part of case management. Transportation supports to individuals (e.g., transit vouchers, vehicle purchase) may also be authorized.