Private Sector Initiative and Soviet Jewish Refugees

Private Sector Initiative (PSI)

DefinitionDefinition

The PSI is a program that admits and resettles refugees through privately-funded sponsorships. The State Department requires the PSI to provide full support for the refugee for two (2) years, or until the refugee is self-supporting, whichever comes first. The PSI must provide each refugee it sponsors with all of the following:

  • Arrival arrangements
  • Temporary housing
  • Early employment
  • Food, clothing and other basic needs
  • Information about obtaining Social Security cards
  • Assistance with school registration for children
  • On-going healthcare and medical insurance for two (2) years if the refugee cannot pay for health insurance during this time

PSI Projects

The two PSI projects which have been approved by the State Department are:

  • “The Foundation.” “The Foundation” sponsors and resettles Cuban refugees. Many of the refugees sponsored by “The Foundation” are resettled in the Los Angeles area
  • The FEZANA. FEZANA sponsors and resettles Iranian Zoroastrian refugees. Many of the refugees sponsored by FEZANA are being resettled in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Los Angeles.

Rule

There is NO law that bars a refugee who receives PSI from receiving public assistance. Refer to CalWORKs Handbook “Sponsored Non-Citizen" (EAS 43-119.1) page 19-19 and "Sponsored Non-Citizens” page 24-1, for Agency Sponsorship requirements. If the refugee applies for assistance and is otherwise eligible, aid must be established.

If the sponsor contacts the EW to determine whether any refugee resettled under their PSI program has applied for cash, medical or CalFresh assistance, the EW must obtain a “Authorization to Release Information” (SCD 1029) signed by the refugee prior to responding to the sponsor. This consent allows the requesting organization access to confidential information about the individual(s).

The EW must take the following steps when the noncitizen is involved in a PSI program:

  1. Contact the refugee's sponsor or VOLAG to verify what assistance they are providing the refugee.
  2. Verify whether the refugee has refused an offer of employment or voluntarily quit a job within 30 days. Use “VOLAG/Sponsor” (SCD 1468).
  3. Send a memo for any case that includes PSI refugees to the Refugee Program Coordinator (Julian Street) with the following information:
    1. Case name
    2. Case number
    3. Number of people in the AU
    4. Grant amount

Documents

PSI sponsored refugees will have an I-94 stating:

  • “This refugee admitted under sponsorship of the (name of sponsoring agency). Private financial resources are available. If public assistance is sought, please call (telephone number of sponsoring agency).”

Privately Funded Soviet Jewish Refugees

Definition

The CJF/HIAS is privately funding admission and resettlement in the U.S. of up to 8,000 Soviet Jewish Refugees. Approximately 1,000 of these individuals will resettle in the State of California. The CJF/HIAS is responsible for the cost of admission and resettlement of this specialized group of refugees. CJF/HIAS will provide support for two years after admission to the U.S. or until the refugee attains PRS under the INA, whichever comes first. CJF/HIAS support includes:

  • Processing
  • Documentation
  • Medical Examination
  • Reception, and
  • Placement

Rule

There is NO law that bars the refugee who receives CJF/HIAS from receiving public assistance. Refer to CalWORKs Handbook, “Refer to “Sponsored Non-Citizen (EAS 43-119.1),” page 19-19 for Sponsored Non-Citizens,” page 24-1 for Agency Sponsorship requirements. If the refugee applies for assistance and is otherwise eligible, aid must be established.

If the sponsor contacts the EW to determine whether any refugee under their program has applied for cash, medical, or CalFresh assistance, the EW must obtain a “Authorization to Release Information” (SCD 1029) signed by the refugee prior to responding to the sponsor. This consent allows the requesting organization access to confidential information about the specific individual(s). The EW must take the following steps:

  1. Contact the refugee's sponsor or VOLAG to verify what assistance they are providing the refugee.
  2. Verify whether the refugee has refused an offer of employment or voluntarily quit a job within 30 days. Use “VOLAG/Sponsor” (SCD 1468).
  3. Send a memo for any case that includes a CJF/HIAS sponsored refugee to the Refugee Program Coordinator (Julian Street) with the following information:
    1. Case name
    2. Case number
    3. Number of people in the AU
    4. Grant amount.

Documents

CJF/HIAS sponsored refugees will have an I-94 stating:

  • “This refugee is sponsored by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and (name of local Jewish organization). Private resources are available.

Related Topics

Noncitizen Categories & USCIS Codes Introduction

Asylees and Authorization to Work

Conditionals