Rights and Responsibilities of Refugees

Transitional Resettlement Services: A Review of Previous Sections
"Role of the Resettlement Agency," discusses the services you are entitled to receive from your resettlement agency. It is your responsibility to make the best use of these services, which are available for only a brief time. Keep the resettlement agency informed of your progress in resettlement, speak candidly with the staff there about your desires and concerns, and try to be flexible.

"Employment," discusses your responsibilities as an employee. Even if your first job is not as professionally satisfying as you would like, your performance on that job will be considered carefully by future employers, so it is critical that you do your best in any job.

"Education," discusses the responsibilities of parents who have children in school. Try to take an active part in your child's education.

Laws in the United States
As a refugee, you are entitled to many of the same rights as everyone else living in the United States. All residents are entitled to protection of these rights in employment, housing, education, and eligibility for government services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or other differences. Laws in the United States are intended to protect your rights. As a resident of the United States, you should have a basic knowledge of your legal rights and responsibilities.

If you are accused of a crime in the United States, you are considered innocent until proven guilty. You have a right to an attorney who will represent you in court. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you. However, if you break the law, the resettlement agency cannot "solve" the problem by intervening.

American Laws That May Differ from Laws in Your Country

• In many places in the United States, it is illegal to smoke in public places such as theaters or offices. In other places, such as restaurants, people who smoke must remain in designated areas. If you smoke, ask your resettlement agency about the laws in your area.
• It is illegal to purchase, sell, or use narcotics or other addictive drugs and controlled substances. You should check with your resettlement agency regarding drugs that may have been legal in your home country but which are controlled or illegal in the United States.
• It is illegal to drive a car if you do not have a U.S. driver's license or if you have been drinking alcohol.
• Many states have laws regarding the safety of children in automobiles. For example, parents may be required to use seatbelts for children and special safety seats for infants. There are similar seatbelt laws for adults.
• Physical abuse of your spouse or your child is illegal.
• Sex with minors (under 18 years of age in most states) is illegal.
• Offensive comments or behavior of a sexual nature in the workplace (sexual harassment) is illegal.
• Male refugees between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service, a government agency which can call individuals for military service, usually in time of war. At present, all members of the U.S. armed forces are volunteers.
• In most places, it is not legal to hunt game or fish without a license, and you must learn and obey other laws relating to these activities.

CONTINUED>

The Cultural Orientation Project--http://www.culturalorientation.net, for more information contact sanja@cal.org
Last Updated: 4/25/00