Refugees:
Leave their homes because of perceived or actual violence.
Leave
with minimal belongings, sometimes with only the clothes
they are wearing.
Do
not plan to leave. The decision can be very sudden.
Often
do not have time to say goodbye to those close to them.
Usually
do not want to leave.
Leave
their known social systems.
Often
experience violence during flight and sometimes participate
in it.
May
lose family members during flight, by getting lost, not
able to keep up with the rest of the group, or die during
flight.
If
family members die, there is usually no opportunity to give
them a proper burial. They are forced to leave the bodies
along the route.
Some
family members may decide not to join in flight, stay home
and may not be seen again.
May
not have sufficient food during flight.
Experience
the shifting status of borders which creates an emotional
roller coaster, raising hopes of finding a place of refuge
and getting those hopes dashed.
Arrive
in a place where they may not be wanted and become very
vulnerable to anything the hosts want to do with them.
Arrive
in a place where the social systems may be different than
what they left.
Experience
violence because of over crowded refugee camps.
Usually
do not know what is going to happen to them or their families.
Experience
various health problems with little if any medical attention
available.
Become
suspicious of everyone for they do not know who to trust.
Lack
a system of communication, so rumors abound. It is often
difficult to tell what is true.
Can't
maintain ties with the home country for social or financial
support.
Frequently
come with fewer transferable skills (especially those who
come in later waves).
Are
not apt to have a well-established, stable community of
compatriots to provide support when they come to the U.S.
Immigrants
Have
made a considered decision to leave their home and settle
in another country.
Plan
their exit from home.
Make
arrangements for orderly transportation to their chosen
place of residence.
Pack
those belongings they will be taking with them, shipping
other items, and dispensing in an orderly fashion those
items they will no longer use.
Have
opportunities to say goodbye to family and friends.
Are
welcomed to their new home by family or friends.
Have
a support system in place on arrival so that they have assistance
in learning how to function in this society.
May
have a job waiting for them or at least usually are assisted
in finding a job.
Maintain
contacts with family and friends in the home country for
social and economic support.
Return
to the home country for visits periodically.
