Switchboard Blog
Switchboard’s blog posts offer a wide range of insights on the newcomer experience, including practical tips for navigating the resettlement process, resource lists tailored to community needs, case studies about relevant programs, engaging stories of successful integration, and more.
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2025 Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test: What Service Providers Need to Know
On September 18, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Federal Register Notice announcing implementation of the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. Starting on October 20, 2025, the test will consist of 20 questions chosen from a pool of 128 rather than 10 questions from a pool of 100 in the 2008 version. Passing…
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This blog highlights early childhood education (ECE) as a promising career pathway for newcomers, detailing various roles from child care providers to program directors along with their education requirements. It outlines opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and offers strategies for career advancement through leadership development, certifications, and professional networking. Service providers will find…
- Switchboard
Newcomers who develop digital skills find employment faster and achieve economic self-sufficiency sooner. By investing in digital literacy training, resettlement agencies can help newcomers build confidence and create meaningful connections as they transition from initial support to full workforce participation. Many local resettlement agencies have requested guidance on offering a robust digital literacy (DL) curriculum to…
- Switchboard
This blog offers practical strategies to advocate for wage increases on behalf of newcomer clients facing cost-of-living challenges. It offers concrete approaches for both direct advocacy with employers and for preparing clients to advocate for themselves. The blog also discusses common challenges and legal considerations that could arise. Understanding the Wage Challenge The rising cost…
- Switchboard
Introduction In response to workforce shortages and heightened global awareness of Afghan and Ukrainian refugee crises, businesses have shown unprecedented interest in hiring newly arrived refugees. Recognizing this opportunity, Global Refuge launched the Preferred Refugee Employer (PRE) program to help companies welcome newcomers into the workforce through informed, supportive employment practices. Many employers struggle to attract…
- Global Refuge
As measles outbreaks continue to emerge across the United States, service providers working with newcomer populations need accurate information and culturally appropriate resources. Understanding measles transmission, recognizing symptoms, and knowing vaccination recommendations are essential for protecting vulnerable communities. This blog post provides guidance and resources for service providers on measles—a highly contagious viral illness currently…
- Switchboard
Effective resource maps transform scattered information into accessible, actionable knowledge. They highlight appropriate services, reveal gaps in existing networks, and foster collaboration between organizations. For newcomer communities, these tools can be the difference between isolation and community, between barriers and opportunities. This blog explores six innovative mapping projects that are changing how communities connect with…
- Switchboard