The resolution asking for a pause in the Eau Claire refugee resettlement project failed at Tuesday night’s County Board meeting.
The Eau Claire County Board voted against the resolution asking World Relief to arrange an economic impact study regarding the resettlement of 75 refugees to the area. Following a lively public comment period, representatives of World Relief gave a presentation regarding the resettlement project, explaining the process of resettlement and experiences they’ve had with other resettlements.
During the presentation, Tami McLaughlin and Ka Vang of World Relief shared their experiences with refugees from other parts of Wisconsin. They explained the process starts with the United Nations deeming individuals as refugees before a vetting process of at least 18 months and up to three years is done by the United States Department of State. They further explained that once the refugees are fully vetted, non-profit organizations like World Relief attempt to find a suitable location for them.
McLaughlin explained that Eau Claire was chosen as a location for refugee resettlement because of its low unemployment rate, low cost of living, and growing population. The organization at this time does not know who exactly will be relocated to Eau Claire, but know that 75 refugees in total have been approved because 75 refugees is the number recommended for one case worker.
The federal government will provide the refugees with $1,125 dollars each to be used for housing and food. World Relief and local partners will organize housing and work with the refugees to help them find employment and acclimate to the United States. They will also continue to support the refugees with housing, employment and language services beyond the three months of funding for resettlement provided by the federal government.
The resolution introduced by the County Board aimed to pause the resettlement project, asking for World Relief to provide the County with an economic impact study. Following the presentation, many supervisors thanked the World Relief representatives for promising to include them in the process going forward.
The resolution failed to pass by an 18 to 9 vote. The full county board meetings can be found here.