Syrian Refugee Resettlement: Your Path to Permanent Life in America
The journey from Syria to the United States as a refugee is filled with challenges, but it also opens doors to a new life of safety and opportunity. This comprehensive guide explains your rights as a Syrian refugee, your path to permanent residence and citizenship, and resources to help you succeed.
Understanding Your Refugee Status
What Is Refugee Status?
Refugee status is granted to individuals fleeing persecution who cannot return to their home country. As a Syrian refugee admitted to the U.S., you have:
Immediate Benefits:
- Authorization to live and work in the United States
- Social Security Number
- Eligibility for federal assistance programs
- Access to resettlement services
- Path to permanent residence (green card)
- Eventual path to U.S. citizenship
Your Rights as a Refugee:
- Protection under all U.S. laws
- Freedom from persecution
- Freedom of religion, speech, and expression
- Right to work and start businesses
- Right to education
- Access to courts and legal protections
Resettlement Assistance Programs
When you arrive, you're assigned to a resettlement agency that helps you:
Initial Services (First 30-90 Days):
- Airport reception
- Temporary housing
- Furnishing your apartment
- Enrolling children in school
- Applying for Social Security cards
- Applying for benefits (food stamps, Medicaid, cash assistance)
- Cultural orientation
- Employment services
- English language classes
Resettlement Agencies Include:
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
- Church World Service (CWS)
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)
- Catholic Charities
- Episcopal Migration Ministries
- Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
- World Relief
- Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)
Important: Your resettlement agency is your first point of contact for assistance, but services are time-limited (usually 90 days). Plan accordingly.
Your First Year in the United States
Immediate Priorities:
1. Obtain Social Security Number
Your resettlement agency will help you apply. You need this to work and access benefits.
2. Apply for Benefits
Refugees are eligible for:
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): Up to 8 months of cash assistance
- SNAP (Food Stamps): Nutritional assistance
- Medicaid: Health insurance
- Refugee Medical Assistance: If you don't qualify for Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Cash and services for families with children
These benefits are time-limited. Use this time to find employment and become self-sufficient.
3. Enroll Children in School
Public schools are free through 12th grade. Your children have the right to education regardless of refugee status or English proficiency.
Schools provide:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
- Special education services if needed
- Free or reduced-price meals
4. Find Employment
You're authorized to work immediately. Resettlement agencies provide:
- Job search assistance
- Resume preparation
- Interview preparation
- Job placement services
- Vocational training
Employment Challenges:
- Language barriers
- Credential recognition (professional licenses from Syria may not transfer)
- Cultural differences in workplace
- Transportation difficulties
Resources:
- Workforce development centers
- Community colleges (job training programs)
- Arabic-speaking employment agencies
- Syrian American community organizations
5. Learn English
English proficiency is crucial for employment, daily life, and eventual citizenship.
Free English Classes:
- Adult education programs
- Community colleges
- Libraries
- Religious organizations
- Online resources (USA Learns, Duolingo, etc.)
6. Open a Bank Account
Financial institutions offer accounts to refugees. You'll need:
- Social Security number (or ITIN)
- Photo ID (refugee travel document, state ID, or driver's license)
- Proof of address
Banking benefits:
- Safe place for money
- Build credit history
- Pay bills electronically
- Send money to family (remittances)
Adjusting Your Status to Permanent Resident (Green Card)
The One-Year Rule:
After one year in the U.S. as a refugee, you can (and should) apply for a green card.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Admitted to U.S. as refugee
- Physically present in U.S. for at least one year since admission
- Have not abandoned refugee status
- Have not acquired citizenship of another country
- Are admissible to the U.S.
How to Apply:
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence
Required Documents:
- Copy of passport biographical page and entry stamp
- Copy of Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record showing refugee admission)
- Two passport-style photos
- Medical examination (Form I-693) from civil surgeon
- Any documents showing name changes
Filing Fee:
- $1,225 (includes $1,140 application fee + $85 biometrics)
- Fee waivers available for those unable to pay
Process:
Common Mistakes:
- Waiting too long to file (file within the one-year window)
- Not updating address with USCIS
- Missing biometrics appointment
- Not maintaining refugee status (long trips abroad can complicate things)
After Green Card Approval:
- You're a permanent resident
- Can live and work in U.S. indefinitely
- Can travel abroad (but don't stay more than 6-12 months at a time)
- After 5 years (or 4 years from refugee admission), can apply for citizenship
Path to U.S. Citizenship
Timeline:
Refugees can apply for citizenship:
- 5 years after admission as refugee, OR
- 4 years after admission if married to U.S. citizen and living together
Note: The clock starts from your refugee admission date, not your green card approval date.
Naturalization Requirements:
- Permanent resident for required period
- Physical presence in U.S. (at least half the time)
- Continuous residence (no absences over 6 months)
- Good moral character (no serious crimes)
- English language ability (reading, writing, speaking)
- U.S. civics knowledge (100 questions, tested on 10)
- Attachment to U.S. Constitution
English and Civics Exemptions:
- Age 50+ with 20 years as resident: Take civics test in Arabic
- Age 55+ with 15 years as resident: Take civics test in Arabic
- Age 65+ with 20 years as resident: Easier civics test in Arabic
- Disability: Medical waiver available
Application Process:
Benefits of Citizenship:
- Vote in elections
- Serve on juries
- Obtain U.S. passport
- Petition for family members (faster processing)
- Federal government jobs
- Never risk deportation
- Full political rights
Reuniting with Family
Form I-730: Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
Within 2 years of admission as refugee, you can petition for:
- Your spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
They will also receive refugee status and can come to the U.S. to join you.
After this deadline:
Once you have a green card or citizenship, you can petition for:
- Spouse and children (immediate relatives - no wait)
- Parents (if you're a U.S. citizen)
- Siblings (if you're a U.S. citizen - long wait, 10+ years)
Challenges for Syrian Family Reunification:
- Consular processing difficulties (no U.S. embassy in Syria)
- Security clearance delays
- Difficulty obtaining Syrian documents
- Extended processing times
Work with an Arabic-speaking immigration attorney to navigate these complexities.
Travel as a Refugee or Green Card Holder
Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131):
Before getting your green card, if you need to travel internationally, you must apply for a Refugee Travel Document. This is NOT a Syrian passport.
Important: Do NOT return to Syria as a refugee. Returning to the country you fled can be considered abandonment of refugee status and jeopardize your green card application.
After Getting Green Card:
You can travel, but:
- Don't stay abroad more than 6 months (raises questions about residence)
- Absences over 1 year require re-entry permit
- Returning to Syria (even with green card) can complicate citizenship
- Always carry your green card when re-entering U.S.
Traveling to Third Countries:
It's generally safe to travel to visit family in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, or other third countries, but extended stays can affect your citizenship timeline.
Maintaining Your Status
Don't Lose Your Refugee Status or Green Card By:
- Returning to Syria
- Obtaining Syrian passport (complicated - consult attorney first)
- Acquiring citizenship of another country
- Committing serious crimes
- Staying outside U.S. for extended periods
- Failing to file tax returns
Keep USCIS Informed:
- Update address within 10 days of moving (Form AR-11 or online)
- Renew green card before expiration (every 10 years, Form I-90)
- Report name changes
Financial Stability and Credit
Building Credit:
Essential for buying cars, renting apartments, getting mortgages.
Steps to Build Credit:
Sending Money to Family:
- Wire transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Online services (Remitly, TransferWise)
- Hawala (informal, but be cautious of money laundering concerns)
Tax Obligations:
- File U.S. tax returns every year
- Report worldwide income
- Refugees are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
- Get help from VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or a tax professional
Housing
Initial Housing:
Your resettlement agency arranges temporary housing. After that, you'll need to find your own.
Types of Housing:
- Rent an apartment
- Rent a house
- Government-subsidized housing (Section 8)
- Eventually, buy a home
Tenant Rights:
- Landlords cannot discriminate based on national origin, religion, or refugee status
- Right to safe, habitable housing
- Right to privacy (landlord can't enter without notice)
- Protection from unfair eviction
Buying a Home:
Once you're financially stable with good credit:
- FHA loans available (3.5% down payment)
- Conventional mortgages
- Refugee homeownership programs in some cities
Employment Rights
You Have the Right To:
- Work in any job (with proper credentials)
- Safe working conditions
- Fair wages (at least minimum wage)
- Overtime pay (if non-exempt)
- Freedom from discrimination
- Form or join unions
Discrimination Protections:
- Cannot be discriminated against based on national origin, religion, or refugee status
- Cannot be harassed at work
- Cannot be paid less than others for same work
Professional Credentials:
If you were a doctor, engineer, teacher, or other professional in Syria:
- Your credentials may not automatically transfer
- May need additional education, exams, or certification
- Resources: World Education Services (WES) evaluates foreign credentials
- Some professions have pathways for refugees
Healthcare
Medicaid:
Low-income refugees qualify for Medicaid (free or low-cost health insurance).
Affordable Care Act (Obamacare):
If you don't qualify for Medicaid, you can purchase insurance through healthcare.gov.
Refugee Medical Screening:
You receive initial health screening and treatment for any conditions identified during refugee processing.
Mental Health:
Many Syrian refugees experience trauma, PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
Resources:
- Refugee mental health programs
- Community health centers
- Arabic-speaking therapists
- Support groups for refugees
Don't ignore mental health. Treatment is available and can significantly improve quality of life.
Education
For Children:
- Free public school (K-12)
- English language support (ESL/ELL programs)
- Special education if needed
- Free or reduced-price meals
- After-school programs
- College preparation
For Adults:
- Adult education and ESL classes (free)
- GED programs (high school equivalency)
- Community college (low-cost, often with financial aid)
- University (financial aid available for U.S. residents)
- Vocational training
Financial Aid:
Green card holders qualify for federal student aid:
- Pell Grants
- Federal student loans
- Work-study programs
File FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access these funds.
Syrian American Community Resources
National Organizations:
- Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)
- American Relief Coalition for Syria (ARCS)
- Syrian Community Network
- Karam Foundation
Local Communities:
Large Syrian American populations in:
- Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Dearborn)
- California (San Diego, Los Angeles, Bay Area)
- Texas (Houston, Dallas)
- Illinois (Chicago)
- New Jersey (Paterson)
- New York (Brooklyn)
- Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)
- Massachusetts (Boston)
Religious and Cultural Centers:
- Local mosques
- Syrian churches (Orthodox, Catholic)
- Cultural centers
Legal Issues Common to Syrian Refugees
Family Law:
- Marriage and divorce
- Child custody
- Domestic violence
- Islamic marriage contracts (Nikah) - may or may not be recognized in U.S.
Immigration:
- Family reunification petitions
- Citizenship applications
- Travel document issues
- Green card renewal
- Bringing extended family
Employment:
- Discrimination and harassment
- Wage theft
- Wrongful termination
- Workplace injuries
Housing:
- Discrimination
- Eviction defense
- Lease disputes
Public Benefits:
- Denials or termination
- Overpayment issues
- Fraud allegations
Criminal Defense:
- Even minor crimes can affect immigration status
- Get an immigration-conscious criminal defense attorney
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Common Scams Targeting Refugees:
- Fake immigration lawyers ("notarios")
- Employment scams (paying for jobs)
- Benefit fraud (charging to help apply for free benefits)
- Housing scams (fake rentals, excessive deposits)
- Tax refund scams
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify immigration attorneys with state bar
- Never pay for a job
- Resettlement agency help is free
- Get housing in writing before paying
- Use reputable tax preparers (or free VITA services)
- Be suspicious of anyone asking for cash or wire transfers
When to Contact an Arabic-Speaking Attorney
Get legal help for:
- Green card application issues
- Citizenship applications
- Family reunification petitions
- Deportation concerns
- Criminal charges (even minor ones)
- Employment discrimination
- Housing discrimination
- Domestic violence
- Divorce and child custody
- Benefits denials
Early legal consultation prevents problems from becoming crises.
Your Future in America
The road from Syria to the United States is long and difficult, but you've made it. You've survived war, displacement, and uncertainty. Now you have the opportunity to:
- Live in safety
- Raise your family in peace
- Build a business
- Pursue education
- Contribute to your community
- Thrive
Thousands of Syrian refugees have successfully built new lives in America. You can too.
Get Help in Arabic
Our network of Arabic-speaking attorneys understands the unique challenges facing Syrian refugees. We've helped hundreds of Syrian families with:
- Citizenship applications
- Family reunification
- Employment issues
- Housing problems
- Legal protection
Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll listen to your story, explain your rights in Arabic, and help you build your new life in America with confidence.