Key Takeaways
• Wisconsin reduces Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance from 12 months to 4 months starting May 5, 2025.
• Federal suspension on refugee resettlement causes delays and family separations for refugees in Wisconsin.
• Key agencies: Wisconsin DCF’s Bureau of Refugee Programs and DHS Refugee Health Program provide essential services.
Refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Wisconsin in 2025 face a complex landscape of support, challenges, and changing policies. Understanding the available resources, eligibility requirements, and practical steps is essential for newcomers and those assisting them. This guide explains the main state-level support systems, recent policy changes, and what these mean for refugees and asylum seekers in Wisconsin.
Overview: State Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers a range of services to help refugees and asylum seekers adjust to life in the state. The main agencies involved are the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), especially its Bureau of Refugee Programs (BRP), and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). These agencies work together with local partners to provide financial help, medical care, job training, language classes, and legal support.
However, recent changes at the federal level have affected how long and how much support refugees can receive. As of July 2025, the landscape is shaped by shorter assistance periods, a temporary halt to new refugee arrivals, and ongoing challenges in accessing legal services.
Let’s break down the key elements of Wisconsin’s support system for refugees and asylum seekers.
Key State Agencies and Their Roles
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) – Bureau of Refugee Programs (BRP)
The Bureau of Refugee Programs is the main state office handling refugee resettlement. It manages programs funded by the federal government, including:
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): Short-term financial help for eligible refugees.
- Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA): Short-term health coverage for those not eligible for other public health programs.
- Employment Services: Help with job searches, job readiness training, and placement.
- English Language Training: Classes to help refugees learn English and adjust to life in the United States 🇺🇸.
The BRP also works with local resettlement agencies and community organizations to deliver these services across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) – Refugee Health Program
The Refugee Health Program ensures that refugees receive important health screenings and ongoing medical care. This includes:
- Initial Health Screenings: Checking for diseases like tuberculosis and other health issues soon after arrival.
- Culturally Sensitive Care: Making sure medical services respect refugees’ backgrounds and languages.
- Support for Special Groups: Providing extra help for groups like Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees.
DHS works closely with local health departments and resettlement agencies to make sure refugees get the care they need.
Recent Policy Changes and Their Impact
Shortened Eligibility for Cash and Medical Assistance
A major change took effect on May 5, 2025. The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) reduced the time refugees can receive Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) from 12 months to just 4 months. This means:
- Refugees arriving on or after May 5, 2025, have only four months to receive financial and medical help.
- After this period, they must find work or other ways to support themselves and get health coverage.
The Wisconsin BRP issued Operations Memo 25-15 to explain and enforce this change. This shorter support period puts more pressure on new arrivals to become self-sufficient quickly.
Federal Executive Order: Temporary Suspension of Refugee Resettlement
In early 2025, a new federal executive order temporarily ended the refugee resettlement program. This has led to:
- Delays and uncertainty for refugees waiting to come to Wisconsin.
- Family separation, as some family members are already in the United States 🇺🇸 while others are stuck abroad.
- Increased detention rates for asylum seekers, making it harder for them to get legal help.
These changes have made the process of resettlement and integration more difficult for many refugees and asylum seekers.
Services and Resources Available in Wisconsin
Despite the challenges, Wisconsin continues to offer important services for refugees and asylum seekers. Here’s what’s available:
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
- RCA: Provides money for basic needs like food, rent, and clothing for up to four months after arrival.
- RMA: Offers health coverage for up to four months for those not eligible for Medicaid or other programs.
Both programs are managed by the Bureau of Refugee Programs. Refugees must apply soon after arriving to get these benefits.
Employment and Language Services
- Job Readiness Programs: Help refugees prepare for work in the United States 🇺🇸, including resume writing and interview skills.
- Job Placement Assistance: Connects refugees with employers looking to hire.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes: Free or low-cost classes to help refugees learn English, which is key for finding work and adjusting to life in Wisconsin.
These services are provided by local resettlement agencies and community partners under contracts with the BRP.
Health Services
- Initial Health Screenings: Required for all refugees soon after arrival, covering infectious diseases and general health.
- Ongoing Medical Care: Access to doctors, clinics, and mental health services, with attention to cultural and language needs.
- Special Support for Humanitarian Parolees: Extra help for groups like Afghans and Ukrainians who arrived through special programs.
The Refugee Health Program at DHS coordinates these services with local health departments.
Legal and Social Support
- Legal Aid: Some nonprofit organizations and university clinics, like the University of Wisconsin Law School’s Immigrant Justice Clinic, offer free or low-cost legal help. This is especially important for asylum seekers and those in detention.
- Social Services: Help with housing, school enrollment for children, and connecting to community resources.
However, Wisconsin is often called a “desert” for immigration legal services because there are not enough lawyers and resources to meet the need.
Who Are the Key People and Organizations?
Several leaders and organizations play important roles in Wisconsin’s refugee support system:
- Jeff Pertl: Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, oversees refugee policies and programs.
- Bojana Zorić Martinez: Director of the Bureau of Refugee Programs, manages day-to-day operations and issues guidance.
- Erin Barbato: Director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at the University of Wisconsin Law School, provides legal help and expert advice on the challenges facing refugees and asylum seekers.
Local resettlement agencies, community groups, and health departments also play key roles in delivering services.
Step-by-Step: How Refugees Access Support in Wisconsin
Understanding the process helps refugees and those assisting them know what to expect. Here’s a typical pathway:
- Arrival and Health Screening
- Refugees arrive in Wisconsin and are connected to the Refugee Health Program for initial medical checks.
- Screenings include tests for diseases and an assessment of general health needs.
- Applying for Assistance
- Refugees apply for RCA and RMA through the Bureau of Refugee Programs.
- Applications must be made within the first four months of arrival to qualify.
- Referral to Resettlement Agencies
- Refugees are referred to local agencies that provide job training, English classes, and help with finding housing.
- These agencies also offer support with school enrollment for children and connecting to other community resources.
- Ongoing Health and Social Services
- Refugees continue to receive medical care and support from DHS and partner organizations.
- Mental health services and culturally appropriate care are available.
- Legal Assistance (if needed)
- Asylum seekers and detained refugees may seek legal help from nonprofit organizations or university clinics.
- Availability of legal aid is limited, so early contact is important.
Real-World Examples and Practical Implications
Shortened Assistance Period
Consider a family from Afghanistan arriving in Wisconsin in June 2025. Under the new rules, they have only four months to receive cash and medical help. This means:
- They must quickly find jobs and secure health coverage.
- If they don’t speak English, they need to enroll in ESL classes right away.
- The pressure to become self-sufficient is much higher than before.
Legal Service Access Challenges
An asylum seeker detained at the Dodge County Detention Center may struggle to find a lawyer. With few pro bono legal services available, their case could take longer, and they may remain in detention for months. This can cause stress and uncertainty for both the individual and their family.
Family Separation and Resettlement Delays
A Somali refugee in Wisconsin may have family members waiting overseas. With the temporary halt on new refugee arrivals, reunification is delayed, causing emotional distress and making it harder to settle in the community.
Health and Social Services Coordination
A Ukrainian humanitarian parolee receives a health screening and is connected to a local clinic that speaks their language. However, ongoing support depends on the clinic’s resources and federal funding, which can change from year to year.
Rights and Pathways for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Refugees and asylum seekers in Wisconsin have certain rights and options:
- Right to Apply for Assistance: Eligible refugees can apply for RCA and RMA within four months of arrival.
- Right to Work: Refugees are allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸 and can get help finding jobs.
- Right to Health Care: Refugees receive health screenings and can access ongoing medical care.
- Right to Legal Representation: While not guaranteed, refugees and asylum seekers can seek legal help, though resources are limited.
Pathways to permanent residency and citizenship exist, but these require meeting federal requirements and often take several years.
Comparisons: Wisconsin vs. Other States
Wisconsin’s support system is similar to those in other states, as most programs are federally funded. However, the state’s rural areas and smaller cities may have fewer resources than larger states like California or New York. The shortage of legal services is a particular challenge in Wisconsin, making it harder for asylum seekers to get the help they need.
Future Outlook and What May Change
The situation for refugees and asylum seekers in Wisconsin could change depending on federal policies and local efforts:
- Federal Policy Changes: The temporary halt on refugee resettlement may be lifted if there are changes in the federal administration or successful legal challenges.
- State Efforts: Advocacy groups and legal clinics are working to increase funding and resources for legal aid.
- Integration Programs: Wisconsin may seek more federal grants or private partnerships to improve job training, language classes, and health services.
Staying informed about policy changes is important for refugees, service providers, and advocates.
Where to Get Help: Official Contacts and Resources
If you or someone you know is a refugee or asylum seeker in Wisconsin, here are key contacts:
- Wisconsin Department of Children and Families – Bureau of Refugee Programs
Website: dcf.wisconsin.gov/refugee
Email: [email protected] -
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Refugee Health Program
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 608-261-6319
Address: Bureau of Communicable Diseases, 1 West Wilson St., Madison, WI 53701-2659 -
Legal Assistance:
University of Wisconsin Law School Immigrant Justice Clinic (contact via UW Law School website)
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) provides legal and social services nationwide.
For more information about refugee programs and eligibility, visit the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement official website.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Act Quickly: Refugees must apply for cash and medical assistance within four months of arrival.
- Seek Support: Use local resettlement agencies for job training, English classes, and social services.
- Stay Informed: Policy changes can affect eligibility and available services, so check official sources regularly.
- Ask for Legal Help Early: Legal aid is limited, so reach out to available clinics or nonprofits as soon as possible.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the landscape for refugees and asylum seekers in Wisconsin is shaped by both state and federal policies, with ongoing changes affecting support and integration. By understanding the available resources and acting quickly, refugees and asylum seekers can make the most of the support offered in Wisconsin.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families’ Bureau of Refugee Programs or visit their official website for the latest information and guidance.
Learn Today
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) → A federal-funded short-term financial support program aiding refugees with basic needs after arrival.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) → Temporary health coverage for refugees not eligible for Medicaid or other public health programs.
Bureau of Refugee Programs (BRP) → Wisconsin state office overseeing refugee resettlement and administering assistance services.
Executive Order → A directive issued by the President affecting federal refugee resettlement policies and program operations.
Humanitarian Parolees → Individuals granted temporary entry to the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons, such as Afghans or Ukrainians.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, Wisconsin offers refugees limited support amid federal policy changes. Assistance spans health, finances, and job training through key agencies, but shorter aid duration intensifies integration challenges for new arrivals seeking safety and stability in the state’s evolving refugee system.
— By VisaVerge.com
