1. Yaza Tint Swe yswe@exodusrefugee.org at IUPUI, October 4, 2012

2. Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc. Indianapolis, www.ExodusRefugee.orgwww.ExodusRefugee.org Local refugee resettlement agency Burmese American Community Institute., Indianapolis, www.BACI-Indy.orgwww.BACI-Indy.org Community Based Organization The National League for Democracy, Rangoon, Burma. www.NLDBurma.orgwww.NLDBurma.org Political party led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Disclaimer: This presentation is my personal opinion only and does not necessarily represents any of these organizations’ policy or position.

3.  The U.N.H.C.R. decides on who becomes “refugees.”  It gives referrals on who should resettle to third countries. Those countries are largely led by the U.S. with around 70,000 refugees intake per year. (ORR, UNHCR)  Each year, U.S. State Dept. decides how many people it will accept and Congress passes the law and the President has to sign it into law.  In the process, a bunch agencies are involved: IOM, ORR, USCIS, national resettlement agencies (EMM, CWS, etc.), State govts., State Welfare office, local health depts., local resettlement agencies, existing communities, etc. as well as dedicated individuals.

4. More than 3 million refugees have been resettled by the U.S. since 1975. (ORR) Burmese from Malaysia/India/Thailand/Burma Bhutan, Somalia, Eretria, Congo, Iraq, Syria, etc. Also Exodus clients are: Asylees and Victims of Human Trafficking. More info on refugee resettlement: Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) U.S. Department of Health & Human Services http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/grants http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/grants More than 3 million refugees have been resettled by the U.S. since 1975.

5. Recent political reforms from late 2011 have been very positive.  It is still in very baby-step stages.  Military group still controls the power.  “Rule of Law still needs in place.” (Suu Kyi) In the very long past …  The military has governed Burma since 1962.Oppressive military regime.  Civil wars in ethnic minorities regions.  Imprisonment of pro-democracy/freedom activists from 1988-2006  Unanswered reports by Christianity organization on “religious persecution” made by authorities.  Bad human rights record (Amnesty Intl., HRW, UN General Assembly)

6. Facts:  The Constitution was drafted by the military regime, not the people’s reps. It has guaranteed 25% seats in the parliament with voting rights. (2008 Union of Myanmar Constitution)  Hundreds of thousands of Burmese refugees are still in Thailand, Malaysia, India. (UNHCR) My analysis …  There is not a system and situation in place for refugees’ (and political activists’) safe return to homeland.  No replacement yet for lost homes and communities in the border areas.  Political freedom/rights are still questionable.  Business opportunities are still controlled by cronies of the military.

7. Availability of various interpreters:  Languages from Burma: Chin dialects, Burmese, Karen, Karenni, Kachin, etc.  Arabic, Nepali, Hindi, Eritrean, Farsi, Tigrinya, Spanish, etc.  Established Burmese and other communities from resettlers from early 2000s  Affordable housing  Employment opportunities (entry level jobs in distribution centers)

8. Organizations:  Resettlement Agencies: Exodus, Catholic Charities  CBO -- Community Based Organizations: Chin Community of Indiana, BACI, Burmese Community Center Education, etc.  Churches formed by communities that speak the same languages: about 20 in number now  Others: State refugee coordinator, Marion County Health Dept., Welfare office, Township School Districts, etc..

9. Services:  Confidentiality, Social Work ethics  Cultural assimilation education  English classes  Employment Services  Employer side: job development, job placement, job follow up, interpreting, transportation (temp and long)  Clients’ side: employment readiness training, basic skill trainings provided by contracted companies  Reception and Placement (R&P):  Housing, Health/medical appointments,  welfare, SSN, EAD, IDs, immunization shots,  School enrollment of children 18 and under. Contd…

10. Child Care vs. employment Transportation English

11.  Teaching English  Housing setup help  Medical and other appointment transportation  Employment transportation  Employment search  Airport pick up … and many others! Contact: Megan Hochbein mhochbein@exodusrefugee.org 317-921-0836

12. ► Money that goes directly the refugees ► In-kind contributions (volunteer hours, etc.) ► Basic housing items - Dining chairs, Children’s winter wears, lamps, dining tables, etc. Contact: Laurie Cueller (lcueller@exodusrefugee.org)lcueller@exodusrefugee.org (317) 921-0836 James Budden (jbudden@exodusrefugee.org)jbudden@exodusrefugee.org

13. When:Thursday, October 25, 2012 6-10 PM Where: Athenaeum 401 E. Michigan St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 Ticket:$35 in advance $45 at the door But… there are free tickets opportunities at our FACEBOOK.