Elon University hosts a panel discussion on the needs, challenges and opportunities of refugees and immigrants in Greensboro.
Heather Scavone
Scavone joined Elon as the Clinical Practitioner for the Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic in 2011. Scavone represents hundreds of refugees and asylees each year.
“A family member may never see their spouse or children again,” said Scavone.
When families immigrate, the transition from one country to another structurally redefines the family. To successfully achieve cultural competence, organizations must incorporate it into every level of their structure.
Family unity promotes:
- Good mental health
- Economic self-sustainability
- Social integration.
For example, three minor children in Uganda are waiting to come to the U.S. Their mother, sends in her paycheck each week to support her children, which causes economic sufficiency.
According to the law:
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are automatically eligible
- Parents and minor siblings are sometimes eligible under a special State Departmental program
Sharon Morrison
Morrison, assistant professor of public health and research fellow in public health education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Morrison informs the audience about the Montagnards that populate Greensboro.
- The Montagnard nationality are from the highlands of Vietnam
- Greensboro hosts the largest number of Montagnards, around 10,000.
- Montagnards are culturally unique, under-studied and medically undeserved
Morrison also focused on the barriers:
- Low income poverty
- Culture and Language disconnection
- Health inequalities
Dr. Mussa Idris
Idris is an assistant professor for anthropology and sociology at Elon. Idris addresses his personal experience as an asylee from Eritrea, Ethiopia.
- Idris was the first in his family to go to college and finished second in his class
- He received a masters degree
- He went back to Eritrea and was prosecuted for his beliefs
- He received his U.S. green card in 2008
- He became an American citizen in 2013
“I am so fortunate at Elon to pursue my passion and help others in the United States,” said Idris.
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