Coming to America isn’t the same for everyone

Vulnerability post: language, privilege and access to basic needs

Two text messages from two different head of households tells me almost everything I need to know about the transition of two different refugee families into the American dream.

One will be easier than the other, that’s for sure.

Person A speaks English. He is able to communicate his needs with me, doctors, govt organizations, other community support groups.
Person A is also part of a larger group of refugees recently relocated to our city. So not only does he speak the language of the land, he speaks the language of community- and can safely and eloquently express his needs to his peers that will best understand his religious, cultural and basic needs.

Person A explained to me verbally his needs when I met him yesterday and followed up with a formal and kind message after we exchanged contact information.

Person B on the other hand. I worry. The head of household doesn’t speak English- or Arabic- or Pashto or Dari or Urdu- none of the languages we have some knowledge about. He feels like a recluse- a fish out of water. He is starved for community. But thankfully his teenage son speaks some English. I could tell that some of my words were not landing. I asked if he needed anything besides dinner- snacks? Breakfast- new clothes?

He said dinner and lunch is good for now. I told him it’s not a burden. They’re not the first family in this situation and that our community has chipped in to support their needs. We exchanged numbers, him fighting against the “Wi-Fi not connected” message that kept popping up and me knowing it’s probably an intimidating task to navigate connecting and reconnecting to crappy Wi-Fi.

I know that unless we act fast, the stark difference between “thank you madam” and “okay” will create a massive gap in services, in assistance, community, employment and overall transition into our city.

Thank you to our generous donors, cooks and drivers and ever person that has extended an act of kindness to our new neighbors.

Ask for help: I’m looking for on call translators- (Afghani) Pashto, Dari, Urdu or Burmese. Can’t translate but want to support? You can donate 💲 for food.