State and Washington, D.C., officials expect the release of approval sites for refugee resettlement around the country, including Rutland, by the end of this week.
Amila Merdzanovic, director of the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program, said Monday, Sept. 26, that a decision on the city’s application is expected by Friday, Sept. 30.
“We’re still waiting to hear. We were told September,” she said.
Stacie Blake, director of government and community relations at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Washington, said Tuesday that everyone is waiting for the release of approval sites. The list of 350 approval sites is expected by Friday.
If approved, Rutland could start seeing arrivals as early as December 2016 or January of 2017.
First, however, Congress needs to pass a budget by Friday.
“Of course, all of us are waiting for Congress to pass a budget to fund the resettlement program,” Blake said.
Assuming site and budget approval, Blake said the next step is to open a Rutland office and begin hiring and training staff.
“Once folks are fully trained and we’ve secured an office space, and storage space, then we will be ready to receive families,” she said.
When asked about possible delays due to community concerns, or concerns from elected officials, Blake said the issue of refugee resettlement is a federal matter.
“I trust that any new person who moves to Rutland would be welcome,” she said.
Patricia Minichiello is a freelance reporter and editor of vtpresspass.com. You can reach her at [email protected].
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