Key Takeaways
• Refugees and asylees in Delaware from last five years qualify for support from JFS and RISE programs.
• Federal funding provides up to 8 months cash and medical aid, plus 5 years social services.
• The Welcome Corps allows private American sponsors to assist refugees with housing and integration.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker considering Delaware in 2025, it’s important to know what support is available, who qualifies, and how to access these services. This guide explains the eligibility rules, what you can expect from programs like Jewish Family Services and the Refugee Integration Support Effort, and what to do if you don’t qualify right now. You’ll also find tips on improving your chances of getting help and alternative options if you’re not eligible for certain programs.
Eligibility for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support in Delaware
To receive state-level support in Delaware, you must meet certain criteria. The main programs are designed for people who have official refugee or asylum status, and services are mostly coordinated by Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) through the Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE).
You are eligible for Delaware’s refugee support services if:
- You have been granted refugee status by the United States 🇺🇸 government and have arrived in Delaware within the last five years.
- You are an approved asylee (someone granted asylum) living in Delaware.
- You are a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder, such as certain Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. government.
- You are a Cuban or Haitian entrant, or a victim of human trafficking with a T-visa, as recognized by federal refugee programs.
You are NOT eligible if:
- You are an undocumented immigrant without official refugee, asylee, or SIV status.
- You are in Delaware on a temporary visa (such as a tourist or student visa).
- You have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than five years since receiving refugee status (for most social services).
- You have already become a U.S. citizen (though some services may still be available for naturalized citizens, most refugee-specific programs end at citizenship).
Examples:
– A family from Syria who arrived in Delaware as refugees in 2023 is eligible for all RISE services.
– An Afghan interpreter who received an SIV and moved to Delaware in 2024 can get help from JFS and RISE.
– A student from Nigeria on an F-1 visa is not eligible for refugee services.
– An undocumented person who crossed the border and has not applied for asylum is not eligible.
Detailed Requirements for Key Programs
Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) and RISE
JFS is the main agency helping refugees in Delaware. Their Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE) program offers:
- Case Management: Personalized help with paperwork, finding housing, enrolling in school, and connecting to community resources.
- Counseling: Support for mental health, trauma, and adjustment to life in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Employment Assistance: Help finding jobs, writing resumes, and keeping employment.
- English Language Learning: Classes and tutoring for adults and children.
- Health and Wellness: Help signing up for health insurance, finding doctors, and understanding the healthcare system.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to meet neighbors, join local groups, and volunteer.
- Family Reunification: Support for bringing close family members to the United States 🇺🇸, if eligible.
- Self-Sufficiency Support: Guidance on budgeting, transportation, and daily living skills.
To qualify for RISE:
– You must have arrived in Delaware as a refugee, asylee, SIV holder, or similar status within the last five years.
– You must be living in Delaware at the time of application.
– You must provide proof of your status (such as an I-94 form, asylum approval letter, or SIV documentation).
Disqualifying Factors:
– Arriving in Delaware more than five years ago (for most services).
– Not having the required immigration status.
– Moving out of Delaware (services are state-specific).
Federal Funding and Program Coordination
Delaware’s refugee programs are fully funded by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This means:
- Cash and Medical Assistance: Refugees get up to 8 months of financial and health support after arrival.
- Social Services: Available for up to 5 years, including job help, English classes, and counseling.
- Matching Grant Program: Intensive job placement and case management to help refugees become self-sufficient in 4 to 6 months.
- Preferred Communities Program: Extra help for those with special needs or barriers to employment.
To qualify for these programs:
– You must be a newly arrived refugee, asylee, or SIV holder.
– You must apply within the first 8 months for cash and medical assistance.
– For social services, you must be within 5 years of arrival.
Disqualifying Factors:
– Missing the application window (after 8 months for cash/medical, after 5 years for social services).
– Not having the required status.
Recent Policy Changes and How They Affect Eligibility
In early 2025, there was a temporary pause on new refugee arrivals in Delaware due to a federal order. This means:
- If you are already in Delaware as a refugee or asylee: You still receive all services and support.
- If you are waiting to come to Delaware as a new refugee: Your arrival may be delayed until the pause is lifted.
- If you are an asylum seeker already in Delaware: You can still get legal aid and some support, but may face longer waits for certain services.
Private Sponsorship through the Welcome Corps
The Welcome Corps is a new federal program that lets Americans sponsor refugees directly. In Delaware, this means:
- Community groups, churches, or even groups of friends can sponsor a refugee or family.
- Sponsors help with housing, basic needs, and integration for the first 90 days.
- Refugees sponsored through this program get the same federal benefits as those resettled by agencies.
To qualify as a sponsor:
– You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
– You must pass a background check and show you can provide basic support.
To qualify as a sponsored refugee:
– You must be approved by the U.S. refugee program and matched with a sponsor.
Disqualifying Factors:
– Sponsors who cannot show financial ability or pass background checks.
– Refugees not approved by the U.S. refugee program.
Legal Aid and Additional Services
Delaware nonprofits like La Esperanza offer legal help for immigrants, including:
- Help applying for asylum or other immigration relief.
- Representation in immigration court.
- Support for unaccompanied children and families.
To qualify for legal aid:
– You must be an immigrant or asylum seeker in Delaware.
– Priority is often given to those with the greatest need, such as unaccompanied minors or people facing deportation.
Disqualifying Factors:
– Not living in Delaware.
– Not meeting income or need-based criteria (some programs have limits).
Alternative Options if Not Eligible
If you do not qualify for state-level refugee services in Delaware, you still have options:
- Seek legal advice: Even if you are undocumented or not yet approved as a refugee, talking to a legal aid group like La Esperanza can help you understand your options.
- Community support: Many local churches, mosques, and community groups offer food, clothing, and friendship to newcomers, regardless of status.
- Private sponsorship: If you know someone in Delaware who wants to sponsor you, they can apply through the Welcome Corps.
- Apply for asylum: If you fear returning to your home country, you may be able to apply for asylum. Learn more about the asylum process on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Support
- Gather your documents: Keep copies of your I-94, asylum approval, SIV, or other immigration papers.
- Apply early: Many benefits have strict time limits (8 months for cash/medical, 5 years for social services).
- Stay in touch with agencies: Contact Jewish Family Services of Delaware or the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services as soon as you arrive.
- Ask about private sponsorship: If you have friends or family in Delaware, see if they can help sponsor you through the Welcome Corps.
- Learn English: Taking English classes can help you find work and adjust faster.
- Get legal help: If you have any questions about your status or eligibility, talk to a legal aid group.
What Happens If You Are Not Eligible?
If you do not meet the eligibility rules for refugee or asylee support in Delaware, you may still be able to:
- Apply for other public benefits if you have children or meet income guidelines.
- Get emergency help from local charities, food banks, or faith groups.
- Seek legal advice about changing your immigration status or applying for asylum.
Key Contacts and Resources in Delaware
- Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) – Refugee & Emigre Services
Website: jfsdelaware.org/refugee-emigre-services
Phone: (302) 478-9411 - Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) – Refugee Cash Assistance Program
Website: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/refast.html -
La Esperanza – Immigration Legal Aid
Website: laesperanza.us -
U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
Website: acf.hhs.gov/orr
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do refugee services last in Delaware?
Most social services are available for up to 5 years after your arrival as a refugee or asylee. Cash and medical assistance last up to 8 months.
Can I get help if I am an asylum seeker, not a refugee?
Yes, you can get legal aid and some support, but you may not qualify for all refugee-specific programs until your asylum is approved.
What if I move to Delaware from another state?
You may still qualify for some services, but benefits like cash assistance may depend on where you first arrived in the United States 🇺🇸. Check with JFS Delaware for details.
What is the Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE)?
RISE is the main program run by Jewish Family Services of Delaware to help refugees adjust, find work, learn English, and become part of the community.
What happens during a federal pause on refugee arrivals?
New refugees may not be able to enter Delaware until the pause is lifted, but those already in the state continue to receive support.
Can I sponsor a refugee in Delaware?
Yes, through the Welcome Corps, individuals and groups can sponsor refugees. Learn more at the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement.
What if I lose my job or housing as a refugee?
Contact JFS Delaware or DHSS right away. They can help with job placement, emergency housing, and other support.
Summary and Next Steps
Delaware offers strong support for refugees and asylum seekers through Jewish Family Services, the Refugee Integration Support Effort, and other community partners. To qualify, you must have the right immigration status and apply within the time limits. If you’re not eligible, seek legal advice and look into private sponsorship or community help. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Delaware’s programs are among the most comprehensive in the region, but staying informed about policy changes and acting quickly is key.
For the most up-to-date information, always check with official agencies like JFS Delaware or the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. If you need to apply for asylum, visit the USCIS Asylum page for official forms and instructions.
By understanding the eligibility rules and knowing where to get help, you can make the most of the resources available in Delaware and build a new life with confidence.
Learn Today
Refugee → A person granted protection after fleeing persecution, eligible for specific services.
Asylee → An individual granted asylum, allowing legal residence and access to refugee programs.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → A visa for certain nationals who worked with the U.S. government under special conditions.
Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE) → Program by JFS offering case management, employment, and community support to refugees in Delaware.
Welcome Corps → Federal private sponsorship program enabling U.S. citizens or residents to support resettled refugees.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delaware offers targeted refugee and asylum seeker support through JFS and RISE, funded federally. Eligibility depends on recent arrival, status, and residency. Private sponsorship via Welcome Corps expands help. Understanding requirements and acting quickly improves access to vital legal, social, and employment services for newcomers starting new lives here.
— By VisaVerge.com
