Resettlement diary
By Kazi Gautam, NY (USA)
At first we were taken to the Tribhuwan International Airport and we had to board the Etihat Airways (9 PM), the national airways of United Arab Emirate. After the journey of 4.5 hours, we landed in Dubai at 1.30 AM. Then we were again boarded by another Etihat Airways after half an hour to be landed in John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York. 17 hours journey as it was, you can easily figure out how tedious it was. Whatever we were served in the plane was almost sweet; so we could hardly eat anything. Up to Dubai, it was okay for they even gave us Nepali dishes (Daal Bhaat).
We landed safely in the JFK at 8.30 next morning. It was at that place we had to wait till 1.30 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. We had to board the flight of US Air ways at 4.20 PM but it was delayed by three hours and we had to pass the whole time sitting on the chairs, with the IOM bag in one hand. It was really cold evening; where the sun sets at 9 pm in summer and we had no choice.
The tiredness we had been feeling so far was gone at least for some times when we happened to meet Hari Bangaley and others in the Syracuse International Airport. We were a bit nostalgic and felt homely when Maili Maiju, the wife to Bangaley served us hot rice with mutton and cheese-chilly (ema dachi).
The days that followed were somewhat busy since we were rushed to different places for the intake programs. Now we have got everything–Social Security Card, Benefit Card, New York State ID, Employment Authorization Card–needed for us to stay and work in the US.
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
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
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
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.
I found the beginning of the life in the US to be very tough—learning to talk, eat, walk, use the kitchen and bathroom, wash clothes and learn the culture. We really need to start from zero. But the people in the US are found to be very helpful. So this makes our life a little easier.
I advise those who are coming to the US to bring a pressure cooker for it is hardly found here. Even if found, it might be difficult to get at the beginning. I don’t think one needs to bring other stuffs save some clothes of the proper size.
It’s been a month 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.