Refugee resettlement work remains as an inevitable reality of global phenomenon
stemming from multiple effects of population-in-movement, and thus, it calls for
humanitarian involvements of the United Nations and those leading nations that
have helped resettling refugees. The United States of America has led this effort
more steadily than any other countries on the globe in resettling refugees from
diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds through a network system of cooperation
between the government and voluntary sectors of human services. Moreover, it has
sought for effective service delivery structures appropriate to the levels of
resettlement needs and processes with the participatory efforts in training of
professionals and in facilitating research activities.
The rapid changes which are seen in the 21st century come with undeniable
consequences of economic, political, religious, environmental, and military realities in
the region of the North Eastern Asia. It has led to an increase of migrants exiting
their home countries including the North Korean refugees. This is a critical time to
give a careful attention to the processes of migration and refugee resettlement from
both psycho-social and professional capacity-building perspectives in dealing with
complex issues involving the refugees.
The foci of this presentation are on: 1) The Characteristics of the U. S. Refugee
Resettlement Policies; 2) The Resources for Supporting the Refugee Services; and 3)
Implications of Reference for Policy and Professional Manpower Development of
Refugee Social Services in Korea. Suggestions and recommendations are also
provided.