Since 1975, refugees entering the United States have been entitled to receive public assistance from either a special refugee aid program or from any of the regular public assistance programs available to U.S. citizens. The refugee assistance program has an 18-month limit, whereas participation in other public assistance programs can continue as long as there is financial need. There is concern among state and federal agencies, as well as the general public, that refugees may become overly dependent on public assistance. The Bureau of Refugee Assistance (BORA) of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has contracted with five community service providers in four counties to develop year-long demonstration projects to increase the earning ability of refugee families, especially those receiving public assistance.
