Tennessee Faces Refugee Support Challenges Amid USRAP Suspension in 2025

Key Takeaways

• USRAP suspension in July 2025 halts new refugee resettlement in Tennessee.
• Refugees and asylees in Tennessee can access housing, job help, and legal aid.
• New Tennessee law criminalizes shelter for undocumented asylum seekers, limiting housing options.

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker hoping to settle in Tennessee in 2025, it’s important to know exactly what support is available, who qualifies, and what steps you can take if you don’t meet current requirements. The landscape has changed a lot due to recent federal and state policy shifts, especially the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Below, you’ll find clear eligibility criteria, detailed requirements, examples, disqualifying factors, alternative options, and practical tips to improve your chances of getting help.

Who Qualifies for Refugee Support in Tennessee in 2025?

To qualify for most state-level refugee support in Tennessee, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a refugee or asylee as defined by U.S. immigration law. A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence and has been approved for resettlement by the U.S. government. An asylee is someone who is already in the United States 🇺🇸 and has been granted asylum after proving they face danger in their home country.
• Have arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) or have been granted asylum by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigration judge.
• Be physically present in Tennessee and seeking support from local agencies.

Current Situation: Suspension of USRAP

As of July 2025, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is suspended. This means:

• No new refugees are being resettled in Tennessee through USRAP.
• Existing refugees and asylees already in Tennessee may still access some support services, but these are limited due to funding cuts and policy changes.
• Asylum seekers (those waiting for a decision on their asylum claim) face even more limited options, especially if they are undocumented.

Detailed Requirements for Support

Let’s break down the main requirements for each group:

1. Refugees Already Resettled in Tennessee

You may qualify for support if:

• You arrived in Tennessee through USRAP before the suspension took effect.
• You have proof of refugee status (such as your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record stamped “Refugee” or your USCIS approval notice).
• You have not yet become a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder), or you are within the first five years of your arrival.

What support can you get?

• Housing assistance: Help finding and paying for a place to live.
• Basic needs: Food, clothing, and household items.
• Employment guidance: Help finding a job, writing a resume, and preparing for interviews.
• English language classes: To help you adjust and find work.
• Case management: A caseworker helps you set goals and connect with services.

Example:
A family from Syria arrived in Nashville in 2023 through USRAP. They can still get help from Catholic Charities with rent, job searches, and enrolling their children in school.

2. Asylees (People Granted Asylum in the U.S.)

You may qualify for support if:

• You have been granted asylum by USCIS or an immigration judge.
• You have proof of your asylee status (such as your asylum approval letter or I-94 with “Asylee” status).
• You are living in Tennessee.

What support can you get?

• Many of the same services as refugees, but you may need to show proof of your asylee status.
• Some programs have waiting lists or limited funding due to recent cuts.

Example:
An individual from Venezuela was granted asylum in 2024 and moved to Tennessee. They can contact the Tennessee Office for Refugees for help finding a job and learning English.

3. Asylum Seekers (Waiting for a Decision)

You may qualify for very limited support if:

• You have applied for asylum but have not yet received a decision.
• You are living in Tennessee.

What support can you get?

• Basic emergency help from local charities or churches (food, clothing, sometimes temporary shelter).
• Legal referrals to help with your asylum case.
• Community support from advocacy groups.

Important:
Due to a new Tennessee law, it is now a crime for organizations to provide shelter to undocumented people. This means many groups are afraid to offer housing to asylum seekers who do not have legal status yet. A lawsuit is challenging this law, but for now, options are very limited.

Example:
A woman from Honduras applied for asylum in Memphis and is waiting for a decision. She can get food and legal advice from local charities, but finding shelter is much harder due to the new law.

Disqualifying Factors

You will not qualify for most state-level refugee support in Tennessee if:

• You arrived after the USRAP suspension and are not already approved as a refugee or asylee.
• You do not have proof of your refugee or asylee status.
• You are an undocumented immigrant or an asylum seeker without legal status (especially for housing support).
• You are not living in Tennessee.

Alternative Options if Not Eligible

If you do not qualify for official refugee or asylee support, here are some other ways to get help:

• Community and faith-based organizations: Some churches, mosques, and community groups offer food, clothing, and sometimes legal help, even if you are not a recognized refugee or asylee.
• Legal aid organizations: Groups like the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can help you find a lawyer or get advice about your case.
• Advocacy groups: Organizations like the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE) work to protect the rights of refugees and immigrants and may offer workshops, job fairs, or referrals.
• Volunteers and donations: Many local groups rely on volunteers and donations to help newcomers. If you are not eligible for official support, you may still benefit from these community efforts.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Support

If you want to increase your chances of getting help as a refugee or asylum seeker in Tennessee, consider these steps:

1. Gather all your documents: Keep copies of your I-94, asylum approval letter, or any paperwork showing your status. You will need these to prove you qualify for services.
2. Contact local agencies early: Reach out to Catholic Charities, the Tennessee Office for Refugees, or NICE as soon as you arrive or get your status. Services are limited and may be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Ask about waiting lists: If a program is full, ask to be put on a waiting list or for referrals to other groups.
4. Look for English classes and job training: These programs can help you become more independent and may open doors to more support.
5. Stay informed: Policy changes happen often. Check the websites of local agencies and advocacy groups for the latest updates.
6. Volunteer or get involved: Sometimes, helping others in your community can connect you with resources and support.

Key Organizations and How to Contact Them

• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville:
  Offers housing help, job support, and basic needs for refugees and asylees.
  Catholic Charities of Tennessee
• Tennessee Office for Refugees:
  Part of Catholic Charities, coordinates refugee services statewide.
  Tennessee Office for Refugees
• Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE):
  Provides advocacy, job help, and community support.
  NICE
• Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC):
  Offers legal help and advocacy.
  TIRRC

Official Government Resources

For the most up-to-date information on refugee and asylum policies, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Refugees and Asylum page.

Examples of How Policy Changes Affect Real People

• Refugee Family in Nashville:
  A family from Afghanistan arrived in Tennessee in 2022. They received help from Catholic Charities with housing and job searches. After the USRAP suspension, their relatives who were waiting to join them are now stuck overseas, and the family cannot get additional support for reunification.
• Asylee in Knoxville:
  A man from Eritrea was granted asylum in 2024. He received job training and English classes through the Tennessee Office for Refugees. However, his cousin, who is still waiting for a decision on her asylum case, cannot get the same help and struggles to find stable housing.
• Asylum Seeker in Memphis:
  A mother and her two children fled violence in El Salvador and applied for asylum in 2025. Due to the new Tennessee law, they cannot find a shelter willing to take them in, so they rely on food pantries and legal clinics for basic help.

Policy and Legal Challenges

• Suspension of USRAP:
  The federal government stopped new refugee admissions, which means fewer people can get help in Tennessee. Local agencies like Catholic Charities have had to cut back services due to less funding.
• Tennessee Anti-Immigrant Law:
  This new law makes it a crime to provide shelter to undocumented people, including many asylum seekers. Organizations are worried about being punished for helping those in need. A lawsuit is trying to overturn this law, but for now, it limits what help is available.
• Legal Battles:
  A federal judge ordered the government to restart refugee admissions, but the administration appealed and canceled contracts with resettlement agencies, saying they don’t have the resources to help new arrivals.

Advocacy and Community Support

Even with these challenges, many people in Tennessee are working hard to support refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers donate time and money, advocacy groups push for better laws, and local communities welcome newcomers. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these grassroots efforts are more important than ever as official programs shrink.

Summary Table: Who Qualifies for What Support in Tennessee (2025)

What to Do Next

• If you are a refugee or asylee in Tennessee:
  Gather your documents and contact Catholic Charities or the Tennessee Office for Refugees as soon as possible. Ask about available programs and waiting lists.
• If you are an asylum seeker:
  Seek legal help right away. Ask local charities about food and basic needs, but be aware that housing support is very limited.
• If you are not eligible for official support:
  Look for community groups, faith-based organizations, and advocacy groups that may offer limited help.
• Stay informed:
  Laws and policies are changing quickly. Check official government sites and local organizations for updates.

Final Tips

• Act quickly: Resources are limited and may run out.
• Keep all paperwork: Proof of your status is required for most support.
• Ask for referrals: If one group can’t help, they may know another that can.
• Get involved: Volunteering or joining community events can connect you with more resources.

For more information on refugee and asylum programs in the United States 🇺🇸, you can visit the USCIS Refugees and Asylum page.

By understanding the current rules and knowing where to look for help, you can make the most of the support that is still available in Tennessee, even during these challenging times.

Learn Today

USRAP → U.S. Refugee Admissions Program that processes refugee arrivals approved by the U.S. government for resettlement.
Asylee → Person granted asylum in the U.S. after proving persecution risk in their home country.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, government agency managing immigration benefits and asylum claims.
Refugee → Someone forced to flee their country due to persecution or violence, legally admitted under USRAP.
Suspension → Temporary halt of a program or process; here, USRAP’s refugee admissions stopped as of July 2025.

This Article in a Nutshell

Tennessee’s refugee support faces challenges after USRAP suspension. Refugees and asylees still get help, but asylum seekers face severe limits, especially housing. Community groups and legal aid remain vital amid changing policies, offering food, legal referrals, and advocacy to vulnerable newcomers during this uncertain time.
— By VisaVerge.com