# Introduction
Each year, the United States of America resettles at the most 70,000 refugees from around the world. This number is allocated to different regions of the world. There is a well-established refugee resettlement program based on the Refugee Act of 1980. Each year, the president determines the number to be resettled and the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services implement the program in collaboration and cooperation with various resettlement NGOs and community organizations. More details >>
News Headlines.
April 17,2010.Bhutanese community of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvenia.: Bhutanese community of Pittsburgh organized their first ever Multi Cultural Programme at Hindu Jain Temple.Guests from Jewish Family and Children's Services( JF&CS) and Hindu Jain Temple were present. For more details and visuals click here
Bedangi-II, September 8: KB Khadka, a social activist cum former camp secretary of Beldangi-II Extension, was knifed to death on the spot at 6:00 pm today by unidentified persons, who fled the scene promptly.
The eye-witness said that his body is still lying on the spot, surrounded by Armed Security Personnel.
The security has been tightened in all the three Beldangi camps following the attack.
#Reported by Kumar Gurung, USA.
Nebraska, August 22:
The Bhutanese in Nebraska initiated and declared “ Bhutanese Community in Nebraska ” 0n 22nd August 2009. They consulted with some of the Bhutanese intellectuals and figured out some common objectives and goal.
On the occasion, participants from Volunteer and Community Support Specialist,International Center of the Heartland, Lutheran Refugee Services, Bhutanese refugee support group and Nebraska Nepali Society addressed the gathering. The program started at 9.30 am and ended at 2.00 pm. Claire Hetherzog from Lutheran Family Service, Mark Kiser, the Co-ordinator of Bhutanese Refugee Support Group and Proff. Dr. Kiran Bastola are appointed as the ADVISORS of Bhutanese community in Nebraska.
The house elected Kumar Gurung for the post of President, Hari Adhakari --Vice President, Durga Biswa -Joint Secretary, Tek Nath Gurung- Sports Secretary. Deepak Karki - Cultural Secretary , Phurba Tamang –Treasurer and Karna Gurung -Press and Publicity Secretary. Read More>>>
Important announcement(18th Aug.2008): The Re-registration process for refugee identity card of the leftout Bhutanese refugees and non entry families of all the camps commences from 18th Aug.2008 to 5th Sep.2008. The needy individuals can get the details from UNHCR and it's representatives at camp level including RCU and camp secretaries.
Goldhap Bhutanese Refugee camp in Fire.(1stMar.2008)Fire at the Goldhap Refugee camp in Jhapa district destroyed 1,284 dwellings.Camp huts are made of bamboo and the roof covered with hay. The fire broke out at 1830 hours, and quickly engulfed the entire camp. Goldhap camp was set up in 1992 and is hosting 9,770 Bhutanese refugees. In total, 1,344 families reside in the area consisting of about 1,512 huts. The cause of the fire was accidental and an initial review indicates a cooking fire as the source. It was put out only around 2300 with the help of fire engines. The refugees fled in panic to the surrounding areas and were often not even able to secure their most basic necessities from the flames. Miraculously, no casualties were reported. However, seven refugees were injured in the incident. Most families had to spend the first night out in the open.
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My Journey to USA.
At first we were taken to the Tribhuwan International Airport and we had to board the Indian Airways (9 AM) on 29th Sep'08. After the journey of 1.05 hours, we landed in Delhi at 10.05 AM.We spent long hours(10.05AM-11.30PM) at Indira Gandhi International Airport,Delhi.It was tiring transit, we had pass the whole time sitting on the chairs, with IOM bag in one hand. At 11.30 PM we were boarded by Swiss Airways, after 10 hours journey we have landed in Zurich International Airport .Again Zurich to John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York by Swiss Airways and JFK to Greensboro International Airport,North Carolina by American Airways. All togather 21 hours journey as it was, you can easily figure out how tedious it was. Whatever we were served in the plane was almost sweet.
We landed safely in the JFK at 1.30 PM on 30thSep'08. It was at that place we had to wait till 5:30 PM. We had to complete some paper works and the fingerprint taken in the immigration section before we were rushed to another airport, to be taken to our respective destination. All the refugees were together up to JFK.I had the flight of US Air ways at 10.00 PM for Greensboro city,North Carolina(NC).One hour journey by US airways I reached my destination safely.
The tiredness I have been feeling so far was gone at least for some times when I happened to meet My Case Manager Mr. Harka Gurung and other Nepali people at Greensboro International Airport. I was a bit nostalgic and felt homely when Nepali served us hot rice with mutton and cheese-chilly (ema dachi).
The days that followed were somewhat busy since I was rushed to different places for the intake programs. I have applied Social Security Card, Benefit Card, North Carolina State ID, Employment Authorization Card--needed for us to stay and work in the US. I expect l'll receive all these documents within one week time.
They (resettling agencies) give each person--regardless of whether he is a child, an old person or and adult $ 425 for the first four months. However, we need to pay the house rent and other utilities with the same amount. Actually, the receiving agency fixes everything and if there is any money left, it gives us the cheque. This does not include our food expenses. They give some amount in the form of card, which is called Food Stamp. This card can be used to purchase only food items. The card contains sufficient amount for a month. After the month, it must be again activated each month so that the card works for other three months.
Match Grand and Public Assistance.(1stMar.2008)
There are two programs for the refugees-Match Grant (MG) and Public Assistance (PA). Those refugees who are able to work or those who are healthy shall be kept under MG. They must get into the job within four months as they will not be assisted further. This is a sort of risk but any one gets job as per his/her capability.
Those who are sick have some chronic diseases or any disabilities are kept under PA. The assistance provided to them continues for some more time, may be as long as they need support.
Health Facility.(1stMar.2008)
Regarding the health facility, it is free for eight months. We are given a Beneficiary Card which can be used for Medicaid (health insurance). But, after eight months we need to pay for our health check up and all, which is the most expensive. However, it can be managed though health insurance that we need to start once we get to the job.
For Newcomers.(1stMar.2008)
The refugees who are longing to get resettled in the US should not worry about anything but focus themselves in learning English, advisably the spoken one, attend computer classes if and possibly get enrolled in the vocational courses. If your spoken English is good and you have knowledge of basic computer application (the office package), you are more likely to get good jobs. Then comes to learning to drive a car. That is an added advantage.
It's been nine days that I have been resettled here and I have found everything--rice, vegetables (all kinds), milk, and meat, fruits and even gundruk and sinki. So there is nothing to worry about. If you just pack some warm clothes in your hand bag and set a journey to the US, you are done.
With regards and best wishes,
Badal Gurung
