The Immigration and Naturalization Service has regulations posted pertaining to vaccinations among refugees and asylum seekers.  They are not required to receive vaccinations in their native country but must do so upon arrival in the United States.

Immunizations: Mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza B, hepatitis B and any other immunizations that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices sees fit.

How well do you feel that this is being enforced?  How can this be done more effectively?  What changes need to be made?

A few years ago, I spent some time in Bethlehem.   There were a lot of things that I was expecting.  This giant wall surrounding the city wasn’t one of them.  The conflict there is complex and I can’t begin to comprehend it in totality.  It was an eye-opening experience to see many Palestinians who were there by force.

Many escaped there because of the fighting that is ongoing in Israel.  I spoke with several college students at the University there and was amazed at the power of hope.  They had been displaced or made prisoners in their own city and yet they didn’t give up.

It made me think about what I would feel if it had been me.  Anger?  Fear?  Frustration? I saw people supporting and loving one another.  They offered each other hope.  They spoke of the wonderful days that once were and the beauty of a bright future.

I don’t think that I am strong enough.  Did these people think that they were before they were put into their current situation.  Hardship brings with it a new heart.  Walls can’t keep people caged from the things that matter most.  In many ways I think that it set them free to discover what they’re really made of.

Refugees have often been witnesses or victims themselves of violence and abuse.   They have been through traumatic experiences.  Everyone copes with them differently.  Some are able to cope with it alone and move forward.  Others require outside professional help.

The World Health Organization has recently become more focused on treating these psychological issues.  In a write up, WHO discussed the difficulty in lack of professionals available for such treatment on a huge scale.  There are tests that need to be preformed before counseling takes place.   These are often overlooked due to lack of personnel.

I found an organization called “Forge” that is based in Africa.  Its slogan is, “refugees revitalizing African communities.”  As I have read about refugee communities (especially in war-torn countries) the camps are only focused on survival.

Of course basic needs must to be met but there is so much more that can be done.  These people are feeling lost and helpless.  Empowerment comes as you teach them skills.

Refugees are motivated.  They want peace and security in their homelands.  Forge uses this motivation and desire to give hope.  Teaching them skills  serves them later on in life as well as in their present situations as well.  It gives them something more to look forward to and reminds them that there will be life after the refugee camp.

The Refugee Health Information Network offers multilingual health information for refugees and their health providers.  They have a site with several pamphlets regarding infectious and chronic diseases available in many language.

It has the potential of being a great tool for clinics who want to communicate with their patients but cannot due to a language barrier.  You have to do the best with what you have.

The PDF’s that I looked up were very infomative but some seemed pretty out of date.  One issue that I found among the pamphlets was there wasn’t enough description.  For example, there was a two page PDF explaining the food pyramid but no where did it explain how big a serving size is.

I think that this idea has the potential of helping several people who don’t have the help of a translator.  However, there needs to be a more frequent review of content to keep it up to date as well as more attention to clarity.

I don’t know if any of you have been treated for medical conditions in a foreign country.  It can be a very traumatic experience.  Language is not the only barrier.  Cultural differences can make a doctors visit even more uncomfortable than usual.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has an Office of Minority Health.  Cultural competence is vital in effective treatment.  They are determined to educate about cultural differences.  They offer free material for health workers and volunteers.

Working with new elasticities can be overwhelming and difficult for both parties.  It is so important to be informed about those you are working with.  Read their literature, study eating and social habits.  If possible, learn their language or a few phrases to connect with them.  Help them to feel like a person, not just a patient.

The UN Refugee Agency believes in the power of education.  They have a “Teachers Corner” page on their website that links educators to free lesson plans, teaching materials, posters, and other resources.  You can also read past teachers experiences and what worked best for them.  The program in structured based on several important values.

Empathy: Students need to learn to be sensitive to the viewpoints and feelings of others.  They need to try to put themselves in others shoes.

Self-Respect: This needs to come from their social, cultural and family backgrounds.

Respect for Others: Blending several different cultures and levels of comprehension is a big task.  Having several languages and social norms can be difficult to tolerate.  Respect for others builds trust.

Global Concern: Help the students to see the big picture.  Help them to see that they are not the only one hurting.  We all depend on one another.

Environmental Concern: Help students to understand that how they live effects the world.  They need help to see how the environment effects them.  Encourage cleanliness in their homes and areas.  Often times refugees live in dirty living conditions.  Encourage them to do the little things that will make being at home more enjoyable.

Open-Mindedness: New people and ideas need to be looked at from all perspectives.

Vision: Students need to be encouraged to dream big and act on those dreams.

Social Responsibility: Students need to understand that they are held accountable for their actions.  They need to do their part to better society and the world around them.

It seems like everything has its own day.   For 24 hours those passionate about certain topics can raise awareness and gather with others to gain support for their cause.  Topics range from the crazy (but everyone wants to do it) “Punch a Clock Day” to the more serious, “World Peace Day.”  I happened to be in Washington DC last Earth Day.  There was live music, hoards of people, games, food and free giveaways.  I felt like I was viewing the world through green contact lenses.  I walked away with a (blue oddly enough) key chain flashlight.

Today, I discovered that there is a “Refugee Day.”  Every year The UN Refugee Agency brings people together and raises awareness of the 42 million uprooted people around the globe. This years theme is “Home.”  The UNHCR helps displaced individuals to find new homes and new futures.  So much goes into the successful transplantation of individuals and families from one place to another.

On Refugee Day the UNHCR hopes for raised compassion and awareness.  How would you feel if you had to leave your home, your job, your friends and all things familiar?  You wouldn’t know where you were going or what to expect.  How would you survive?  Would you feel helpless? Scared? Lost?  On June 20th lets take the time to put ourselves in the shoes of a refugee (though they often don’t own any).  Research what you can do to make a difference.  Donate.  Volunteer.  One day really can make all the difference.  Hopefully at the end of the day you’ll walk away with more than a cheap key chain in your pocket.



There are many resources available if you are looking for a way to serve refugees in your area. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. They have thousands of volunteers, collect and distribute donations and and bring hope to millions.

It was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. “They offer care and assistance to refugees who are forced to flee from war or disaster. They work in 40 countries and 22 cities in the United States. The IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.”

They have several locations located in the United States.  Go to their website and see if there is a branch close to you.

Reporter Meribah Knight of the New York Times discussed the problems that refugee agency’s are having in a recent article.  She said that part of the problem is that more countries are sending refugees.

Certain states are “hot spots” for resettlement.  They are especially feeling the influx.  Illinois for example was only reciving refugees from 31 countries back in 2003.  That number has changed to 60 today.

Local organizations are struggling.  Several “extra” programs are being cut due to lack of funding.  This means that career development and language courses are often being disolved.  How can this problem be solved?  How can the distribution of refugees be more equal?