The Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) involves many post-arrival activities to support newcomers’ early integration in the U.S. Use this tip sheet to identify resources to begin in your work.
Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience.
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The Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) involves many post-arrival activities to support newcomers’ early integration in the U.S. Use this tip sheet to identify resources to begin in your work.
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This guide outlines key RCA rules, distinguishing which aspects are fixed by federal regulation and which areas allow state-level flexibility. This information is intended as a comprehensive reference for understanding where states can shape their RCA programs and where they must comply with uniform federal requirements. The guide covers critical topics including eligibility time limits, […]
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The people who power refugee resettlement in the United States are deeply committed to their work, but what do their days actually look like, and how is the workforce holding up? Switchboard’s Annual Survey of Refugee Service Providers (ASRSP) seeks to fill this gap in our collective knowledge about those who work to support newcomers […]
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The Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) requires resettlement providers to do several activities before a client arrives. Use this tip sheet to identify resources to support your pre-arrival work.
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Use this at-a-glance timeline to track every required service and deadline throughout a client’s Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) service period. This handy reference is organized by milestone so you can quickly confirm what’s due and when, from pre-arrival housing prep through case closure. There’s a dedicated section on separated refugee children and minors to […]
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Hosted on July 15th, 2026, the training was delivered by Claire Hopkins, Training Officer, Switchboard, and Jasmine Griffin, MA, LPC, Training Officer, Switchboard Roundtable Overview Refugee and newcomer students experience high rates of bullying and may not understand how to effectively manage these situations, which could lead to social isolation, stress, and even behavior shifts where […]
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In housing programs for refugees and other newcomers, thoughtful engagement of volunteers and interns can expand capacity and enhance program delivery. The four strategies below can help you successfully partner with a “hidden workforce” of volunteers and interns to support newcomers in finding safe, stable housing.
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Recent federal changes to Employment Authorization Documents are creating new challenges for newcomer workers and the service providers who support them. This blog post outlines what providers need to know and offers practical strategies for keeping clients employed and connected to services during periods of documentation uncertainty. Across the refugee- and immigrant-serving field, providers are […]
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The Annual Survey of Refugee Service Providers (ASRSP) Pilot surveyed 346 refugee service providers across the U.S. in January 2025 to capture insights into their professional experiences, well-being, and working conditions. This report highlights key findings on burnout, mental health, direct service delivery, workplace safety, and organizational conditions, alongside actionable insights and Switchboard resources for […]
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Professionals working with refugees and other newcomers are often driven by a strong sense of responsibility, but unrealistic expectations and unclear boundaries can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness. Trauma-informed care (TIC) reminds us that client support and staff well-being are deeply interconnected. The four tips below offer guidance for maintaining empathy and clear professional […]
