Celebrate World Refugee Day and welcome our newest Texans to this community on Saturday, June 20 from 1-5 pm at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum! This event is FREE, open to the public, and will offer a wide variety of activities for the whole family!

This year’s World Refugee Day will feature: Sara Hickman, WinoVino, El Tule, a Refugee Fashion Show, a naturalization ceremony, and performances by refugee musicians and dancers. Refreshments will be provided by Catering by Rosemary.

Currently, 10 million refugees around the world are under the protection of UNHCR. Less than 1% will be fortunate enough to be resettled in one of the 10 or 12 countries that have a formal refugee resettlement program. For this year alone, the US is planning to accept and resettle a total of 75,000 refugees. In Austin alone, we expect to resettle at least 600 refugees — families from Iraq, Burma, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, Somalia, Ethiopia, the Congo, and Burundi.

Refugees living in Austin are legal, international refugees brought to the United States by the Department of State because they have been persecuted in their home countries. The US government only provides for short term assistance — all refugees are expected to be self-sufficient within 2 to 4 months of arrival regardless of their level of education, English speaking capabilities and exposure to western society.

All refugees apply for their permanent residency one year after arrival and plan to become citizens within 10 years after arrival. To celebrate this transition, a naturalization ceremony will be taking place during the World Refugee Day for refugees who are becoming U.S. citizens!

Please join AAIM, The Bob Bullock State History Museum, Caritas of Austin, Catering By Rosemary, Iranian Christians International, Multicultural Refugee Coalition, Center for Survivors of Torture, and Refugee Services of Texas as we honor the unique journeys of refugees living in Austin.

See you on Saturday, June 20th!