Key Takeaways
• Ohio offers cash, food, health, education, and legal aid to refugees and asylum seekers in six counties.
• Federal funding cuts in 2025 impact refugee services, but state and local programs strive to maintain support.
• Refugees must register with local resettlement offices and can apply for assistance via county offices or online.
Refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Ohio in 2025 face a complex landscape of support, resources, and challenges. The state, through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), works with local partners and federal agencies to help newcomers settle, find work, access healthcare, and build new lives. However, recent changes in federal policy and funding have created new hurdles. This guide explains what support is available, who qualifies, how to access services, and what practical steps refugees and asylum seekers can take to make the most of Ohio’s resources.
Who Are Refugees and Asylum Seekers?
Refugees are people who have fled their home countries due to war, violence, or persecution and have been granted permission to resettle in another country, such as the United States 🇺🇸, through a formal process. Asylum seekers are people who have arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 and are asking for protection because they fear harm if they return home. Both groups often arrive with few resources and need help to start over.
The Role of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is the main state agency responsible for helping refugees and asylum seekers. ODJFS coordinates programs that provide cash assistance, food, healthcare, job training, and other services. The agency works with local offices, community groups, and health providers to make sure newcomers get the help they need.
ODJFS also oversees the Refugee Health Screening Program and works closely with resettlement agencies and legal service providers. For more information on ODJFS programs, visit the official ODJFS Refugee Services page.
Where Can Refugees and Asylum Seekers Find Help in Ohio?
Ohio has a network of refugee resettlement offices in six counties:
- Cuyahoga
- Franklin
- Lucas
- Montgomery
- Hamilton
- Summit
These offices are often the first stop for newly arrived refugees. They help with everything from finding a place to live to enrolling children in school. Staff at these offices speak many languages and understand the unique needs of people starting over in a new country.
Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) is one of the main organizations serving refugees in Ohio. Despite recent funding challenges, CRIS continues to offer support, including help with paperwork, job searches, and connecting families to local resources.
What Support and Resources Are Available?
1. Cash and Food Assistance
Many refugees and asylum seekers arrive with little or no money. Ohio offers several programs to help with basic needs:
- Ohio Works First (TANF): This program provides cash assistance to low-income families with children for up to 36 months. It helps cover rent, food, and other essentials.
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): For refugees and certain other groups who do not qualify for TANF, RCA offers temporary cash support. Applications can be made online or at local county offices.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Also known as food stamps, SNAP helps families buy groceries. Eligibility is based on income and family size.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): This program provides healthy food, nutrition advice, and support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
Key Points:
– Ohio Works First and RCA are the main cash programs for refugees.
– SNAP and WIC help with food and nutrition.
– Applications are handled by local county offices or online.
2. Health Services
Good health is essential for starting a new life. Ohio offers several programs to make sure refugees and asylum seekers get the care they need:
- Refugee Health Screening Program: Overseen by Jennifer Johnson at ODJFS, this program gives new arrivals a health checkup soon after they arrive. The screening looks for common health problems and helps connect people to doctors and clinics.
- Medicaid: Many refugees qualify for Medicaid, which covers doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
- Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA): For those who do not qualify for Medicaid, RMA provides similar health coverage for a limited time.
How to Access Health Services:
– Health screenings are usually arranged by the resettlement office.
– Medicaid and RMA applications can be made at county offices or online.
– Interpreters are available to help with medical appointments.
3. Employment and Education Support
Finding a job is a top priority for most refugees and asylum seekers. Ohio offers several programs to help newcomers become self-sufficient:
- Job Training and Placement: Resettlement agencies and ODJFS offer job readiness classes, resume help, and job placement services. These programs focus on helping people find work quickly, even if it is not in their previous field.
- English Language Training: Learning English is key to success in the United States 🇺🇸. Many local organizations offer free or low-cost English classes for adults and children.
- Adult Education: Some programs help refugees earn a high school diploma or learn new job skills.
Practical Tips:
– Ask your resettlement office about job training and English classes.
– Many employers in Ohio are open to hiring refugees, especially in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality.
– Volunteering or taking part in community activities can help build language skills and make connections.
4. Legal Services
Understanding immigration laws and paperwork can be confusing. Ohio has several organizations that offer free or low-cost legal help:
- CAP4Kids Columbus: This group connects refugees and asylum seekers to legal services, including help with green card applications, work permits, and family reunification.
- Other Legal Aid Groups: Many cities have legal aid offices that can help with housing, employment rights, and other issues.
Important Forms:
– Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal): Asylum seekers use this form to apply for protection. The official form and instructions are available on the USCIS website.
– Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): This form lets asylum seekers and some refugees apply for a work permit. The official form is on the USCIS website.
Note: Always use the official government website for forms to avoid scams.
5. Community and Cultural Support
Starting over in a new country can be lonely. Ohio’s refugee resettlement offices and community groups offer support to help people feel at home:
- Cultural Orientation: Classes and workshops teach newcomers about life in the United States 🇺🇸, including laws, customs, and how to use public services.
- Mentoring and Buddy Programs: Some organizations match refugees with local volunteers who can answer questions and offer friendship.
- Faith-Based and Ethnic Organizations: Many churches, mosques, temples, and cultural groups offer support, social events, and practical help.
How Recent Changes Affect Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Federal Policy and Funding Challenges
In January 2025, the U.S. State Department issued a stop-work order that affected many programs for refugees. This order included domestic work under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), forcing some resettlement offices to cut back on services. Ongoing court cases have temporarily stopped some of these cuts, but the situation remains uncertain.
What This Means:
– Some programs may have fewer staff or shorter hours.
– There may be delays in getting help with housing, jobs, or legal paperwork.
– Community groups like CRIS are working hard to fill the gaps, but resources are stretched.
The Importance of State and Local Support
Despite federal challenges, Ohio continues to support refugees and asylum seekers through state and local programs. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is working with partners to keep essential services running. Community groups, faith organizations, and volunteers play a big role in helping newcomers adjust.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while federal funding is critical, strong local partnerships and community involvement are key to helping refugees succeed in Ohio.
Who Is Eligible for These Services?
Eligibility for programs depends on several factors:
- Immigration Status: Most services are for people who have been granted refugee status, asylum, or are Cuban/Haitian entrants. Some programs also help people with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or those granted humanitarian parole.
- Income and Family Size: Cash and food programs are based on need. You may need to show proof of income and family size.
- Time in the United States 🇺🇸: Some benefits are only available for a limited time after arrival (usually up to 8 months for cash and medical assistance).
If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact your local resettlement office or the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for guidance.
Real-World Example: A Refugee Family’s Journey
Consider a family from Syria who arrives in Columbus, Ohio, in early 2025. They are met at the airport by staff from a local resettlement office. In the first week, they receive:
- Temporary housing and help finding a permanent apartment
- Health screenings for each family member
- Assistance enrolling children in school
- Orientation on how to use public transportation and shop for groceries
Within the first month, the parents attend job training and English classes. They apply for SNAP and Medicaid, and a legal aid group helps them fill out paperwork for work permits. Volunteers from a local church invite them to community events, helping them feel welcome.
Despite some delays due to funding cuts, the family is able to find work and start building a new life in Ohio.
Practical Steps for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ohio
- Contact a Resettlement Office: As soon as you arrive, reach out to your local office for help with housing, health, and paperwork.
- Apply for Benefits: Use county offices or online portals to apply for cash, food, and medical assistance.
- Attend Orientation and Classes: Take part in cultural orientation, English classes, and job training to improve your chances of success.
- Seek Legal Help: Use trusted organizations for help with immigration forms and legal questions.
- Get Involved in the Community: Join local groups, attend events, and make connections to build a support network.
The Future for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ohio
The future of refugee resettlement in Ohio depends on continued support from both the federal government and local communities. While funding and policy changes have created uncertainty, the commitment of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, resettlement agencies, and community groups remains strong.
Key Takeaways:
– Ohio offers a range of support for refugees and asylum seekers, including cash, food, health, job training, and legal help.
– Recent federal changes have made some services harder to access, but state and local efforts continue.
– Building connections and using available resources can help newcomers succeed.
For the most up-to-date information on programs and eligibility, visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Refugee Services page.
Refugees and asylum seekers in Ohio are not alone. With the right information and support, they can overcome challenges and build new lives for themselves and their families.
Learn Today
Refugee → A person forced to flee their country due to persecution, granted permission to resettle in another nation.
Asylum Seeker → Someone requesting protection in the U.S. fearing harm if returned to their home country.
ODJFS → Ohio Department of Job and Family Services coordinating refugee support and related social programs.
Refugee Cash Assistance → Temporary financial support for refugees who do not qualify for other cash aid programs.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) → A federal program providing food-purchasing assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ohio supports refugees and asylum seekers with housing, health screenings, job training, and legal aid, despite 2025 federal funding cuts. Local offices in six counties provide essential services, while community organizations help newcomers build new lives amid ongoing policy challenges and limited federal resources.
— By VisaVerge.com
