Oregon panel reviews refugee program growth, budget and impact of recent federal orders

Claire Sequin, Director of Self Sufficiency Programs at the Oregon Department of Human Services, told the Joint Interim Subcommittee on Human Services on March 12 that Oregon has seen a sharp rise in refugee arrivals and in demand for state-administered benefits and contracts.

"The resettlement and placement arrivals increased 298% from 2018 to 2024," Sequin said, and the number of people accessing ODHS cash benefits rose to more than 7,200 in federal fiscal year 2024. She said the department now administers 50 active grants and contracts and has expanded contracted providers from six to 25 to meet needs statewide.

The subcommittee heard a program overview and budget context from Sequin and program staff Amra Biberich, Oregon Department of Human Services Refugee Program Manager and State Refugee Coordinator, and Sohail Alami, policy analyst with the Oregon Refugee Program. The presenters described program elements (cash and medical benefits, employment services, extended case management and legal services), recent demographic trends, and the program's funding mix: roughly 87% federal funding and 13% state general fund support.

Why it matters: Oregon’s refugee services support initial resettlement and longer-term integration. Biberich told the committee that expanded state funding in recent biennia for…