Refugee office reports rising arrivals and program growth as federal contracts shift to new model

Holly Triska Dolley, State Refugee Coordinator for North Dakota, told the Senate Appropriations Committee the Office of Refugee Services has expanded services across the state and is preparing for federal changes to how initial resettlement services are contracted.

“Chapter 50 of North Dakota Century Code gives the authority to administer refugee services in our state of North Dakota,” Dolley told the committee as she described the office’s mission to build community collaborations that help newcomers become economically self‑sufficient.

Why it matters: Changes at the U.S. Department of State — including termination of prior contracts with national resettlement agencies — will shift more decisions about placement and initial reception toward states and local jurisdictions, affecting how and where newcomers are resettled and how state grants must be managed.

Program size and staffing: Dolley said the office has seven full‑time staff and one temporary staffer. The state’s refugee work covers employment assistance, English…