Chart showing how Oregon's grassroots organizations assist forcibly displaced individuals
The forced displacement of individuals is a global humanitarian crisis, one that Portland State University’s School of Social Work opposes. Whether it’s Afghans fleeing the Taliban’s takeover of their country or Haitians escaping human-made disasters or natural hazards, it is the professional duty of both social workers and child, youth, and family practitioners to speak out against the mistreatment these communities face. Because of our country’s actions and policies, we in the United States are complicit in many ways in the unprecedented rise in forced displacement worldwide.
We express solidarity with members of our community affected by these forced migrations and will support these displaced individuals when they arrive in the United States, particularly in communities here in the Pacific Northwest. With this statement, our school expresses our care and concern about forced migration, while providing resources for our community to support those affected by it.
Two documents inform the core principles of our disciplines, social work and family science: the NASW Code of Ethics and the NCFR Ethical Principles. Each emphasizes the need to eliminate discrimination based on race or immigration status. The NASW Code of Ethics also advocates for living conditions that are conducive to basic human needs, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, and oppressed people and groups. People who are forcibly displaced from their home countries should have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully.
In the United States, forcibly displaced individuals are resettled and given legal immigration status once they are granted permission to come to this country. Contracted by the Department of State, a host of community organizations and state agencies then take over the resettlement and acculturation process. These agencies perform essential tasks like picking refugees up at the airport, finding housing, and helping furnish homes with basic necessities.
Oregon is currently preparing to welcome hundreds of refugees from Afghanistan, in addition to the individuals and groups from across the globe already being resettled. According to Kat Kelley (MSW Alumni, SSW Adjunct Instructor, and Director of Strategic Initiatives for Catholic Charities of Oregon) there are currently no service dollars dedicated to incoming Afghans. Community organizations like hers are instead working with philanthropy, the state, and a few counties to establish funding options. Oregon’s lawmakers are meeting with representatives from several nonprofit organizations to prepare to welcome these Afghan refugees. A recording of their August 26 meeting is available here.
“Afghans have lived through over four decades of wars and conflicts, and now they are fleeing persecution and torture by Taliban,” says Dr. Mitrah Naseh of the School of Social Work, “They are among the most resilient groups that I have worked with. Less than 3% of the current Afghan refugee population will have a chance to start a new life in the United States through resettlement this fiscal year and I hope that our community helps them thrive.”
In support of immigration law and refugee resettlement, the School of Social Work continues its field, research and service partnerships with non-profit agencies across the state of Oregon. These include Immigration Counseling Services (ICS), where Dean Jose E. Coll serves as chair of the board. As an immigrant, he is committed to this partnership and its community impact. The School also partners with Catholic Charities of Oregon, where Dr. Alma M. Ouanesisouk Trinidad served as a former board chair.
Our commitment to working alongside refugee and immigrant communities is long-standing. A new initiative is also underway through the Regional Research Institute, where the School of Social Work is hosting The Center on Social Work and Forced Migration, led by Dr. Naseh. This center aims to lead and coordinate social work and social welfare research, education, and training to improve the quality of life and well-being for internationally forcibly displaced people. The School of Social Work also provides coursework on Critical Refugee & Migrants Study, taught by Dr. Naseh in the summer of 2021 and again in the spring term of 2022.
Online modules CFS 497 and 498 — developed for our Child, Youth, and Family Studies program by Dr. Staci B. Martin — also provide online practicums on migration, immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people. Additionally, the school partners regularly with community organizations to place students in field or practicum positions to assist with the resettlement of newcomers.
This humanitarian crisis requires our solidarity, support, care, and concern if we’re going to ensure the basic human needs of these people are met.
If you would like to help forcibly displaced individuals who are resettling in Oregon or the United States, here are several organizations we recommend supporting:
In Oregon:
Nationally and Internationally: