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Refugee Services

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Refugee Services

At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to facilitating the seamless integration of newcomers into our communities, cultivating a warm and inclusive environment from day one.

The Office of Global Michigan’s Refugee Services team is dedicated to fostering the successful resettlement and integration of refugees across the state. Our comprehensive programs address various aspects such as state refugee policy, employment, education, health, digital literacy/English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) sponsorship, youth support, unaccompanied minors and data reporting. 

By leveraging federal, state and local resources and collaborating with nonprofits, we strive to provide essential social services, ensuring individuals can embark on a new journey, achieve self-sufficiency and seamlessly integrate into their new communities. 

"The Office of Global Michigan’s goal is to make Michigan the home for opportunity for our immigrant, refugee and ethnic communities. With expanded refugee resettlement pathways, everyday Michiganders can provide refuge and build a state where people are welcomed with open arms." - Poppy Hernandez, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer and Director of the Office of Global Michigan.

Social Services: Maximizing Potential for Collective Success

The Refugee Assistance Program is a federally funded program which helps persons admitted into the U.S. as refugees to become self-sufficient after their arrival. Refugee cash assistance and refugee medical assistance is available to eligible refugees for up to twelve months after entry into the U.S., or from the date asylum was granted.

Individuals may be eligible if they have one of the following immigration statuses:

  • Refugee or Asylee
  • Cuban/Haitian entrant or parolee
  • Amerasian
  • Victim of trafficking/T-Visa holders
  • Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant VISA (SIV) holders

Immigration status is determined by officials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

For more information on Refugee Assistance, visit the MDHHS page.

Learn more about Refugee Health Services

Go to Refugee Health Services
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FAQ - Navigating Humanitarian Statuses and Immigration

Disclaimer: The information provided in the following questions and answers is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals seeking direct assistance should consult a reputable immigration counselor and/or an attorney specializing in immigration law. Referral information can be obtained from the Office of Global Michigan's Hotline at 517-335-1181 or via email at leo-refugeeservices@michigan.gov

Explore Further

For questions or to request additional information on these programs, contact the Office of Global Michigan at LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov.