New program lets private citizens sponsor refugees in US

By REBECCA SANTANA
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Everyday Americans will be able to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S. in a program launched Thursday by the State Department. The goal is to give private citizens a role in resettling the thousands of refugees who come to America every year. The State Department aims to line up 10,000 Americans as a “Welcome Corps.” to help 5,000 refugees during the first year. Groups of at least five Americans, who would be responsible for raising their own money to help the refugees, would apply to become sponsors. Assistance would include everything from greeting refugees at the airport to getting kids enrolled in school.