What do Albert Einstein, Madeleine Albright, Casanova, Sigmund Freud, and Victor Hugo have in common? They were all refugees. The U.S. and people from around the world have benefited from the talents, perseverance, courage, and heart of a group vastly different from each other but who share a common will to survive.
WTAP serves foreign refugees who have recently been relocated to the Phoenix area by the U.S. State Department. These refugees are supported by local resettlement agencies that help with their transition. Refugee families often live in refugee camps for an average of10-12 years and come from all over the world. The refugees we help are here on a special visa and ultimately become U.S. citizens. They are highly motivated, resourceful and eager to start a new life. They develop strong ties to their new communities, make active contributions, work hard and pay taxes.
The United Nations defines a Refugee as “someone who has fled his or her country because he/she fears persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion.”
The definition is often expanded to include people fleeing war or other armed conflict. Refugees generally do not choose to leave their homes, but are forced to flee for their lives. Many refugees who are resettled in the United States or other countries desperately wait for their refugee spouses, parents and children who are still trapped in life-threatening situations overseas. We want them to know that the USA is a hopeful place of liberty and peace.