NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Refugees who just arrived in Nashville legally are suddenly in limbo after President Donald Trump ordered a funding freeze for all federal assistance programs.
The president also halted the arrival of refugees who were already cleared to move here.
“It is extremely overwhelming for a new arrival. My own family came to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union in 1993, so I know firsthand how difficult it is,” Max Rykov said.
Ryvok works for Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE). It's a refugee resettlement and social services agency that works with refugees who first arrive to the U.S. legally.
“We welcome those refugees; we pick them up at the airport; we find them their first apartment, their first jobs,” Rykov said.
On top of that, NICE helps refugees navigate the health care system, pay their bills and integrate into the U.S. by providing classes on English literacy, citizenship, and workforce development.
“The families that we work with have fled war zones, persecution, and violence, and resettlement is another one of those traumas that they experience,” Rykov said.
Last year, NICE helped resettle about 500 people in Middle Tennessee. They were working with 150 people or 36 families before the suspension of the U.S. refugee admissions program, which halts travel for refugees who were already cleared to move to the U.S.
“It takes about two years of rigorous screenings, interviews and medical, and those who went through this process and have been waiting patiently were told they can no longer arrive,” Rykov said.
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On top of that, federal funding was put on pause for federal assistance programs. Rykov said they heavily rely on federal funding to help refugees get on their feet when they first arrive.
“It's just a little bit over $1,000 per person, which is supposed to last them 90 days, so they have to start working very quickly, but that is the lifeline that they depend on,” Rykov said.
NICE is asking for monetary donations so they can continue to provide services to families in need.
Max told News 2 their immediate need is $64,000 in order to help cover rent and utility costs for families over the next month.
This upcoming Monday, NICE is also holding a virtual webinar at 5:30 p.m. so the community can learn more about how refugees in Middle Tennessee are impacted and how you can get involved. You can find all the information here.
