The state of resettlement in Missouri & opportunities to advocate for a resettlement floor – from the Till Plains to the Ozarks.

Resettlement Ending in Columbia, MO

Only 49 refugees have found home in Missouri since January 20th—most in need of protection due to their work supporting our troops. During this same period last year, Missouri welcomed over 1,000 refugees. That’s over a 95% decrease.

Declines in refugee arrivals have resulted in severe cuts to Missouri’s refugee program. Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri has endedColumbia’s only resettlement program after fourteen years of welcoming refugees to the city.

To ensure Missouri’s refugees continue receiving integration support, Catholic Charities has “established agreements with partner agencies to provide continuing support to local refugees.” These partner agencies include City of Refuge and the Missouri Office of Refugee Administration, which will continue Catholic Charities “refugee development programs”—but not resettle new refugees.

To continue reading this article, click here.