The Rohingya Culture Center of Chicago (RCC) petitions for Rohingya refugee seniors to have access to interpreters during their citizenship application and interview process and for immigration officers to take doctors notes into account.

     Rohingya refugees are particularly different from other refugees around the world. The Rohingya people have been denied an education from the government of Burma/Myanmar for generations. This has caused various age groups of Rohingya people to be uneducated and illiterate in any language. Due to genocide and torture, Rohingya of all ages have immense trauma that can impact their daily lives. There was also no Rohingya community in Chicago before refugees started arriving here. Once Rohingya refugees are resettled in the United States, it is extremely difficult to learn English writing, reading, and even speaking. 

     RCC is concerned for our seniors in our community because of the unique difficulties they face. With the lack of education and extreme trauma caused by their previous government, many seniors have difficulty retaining new information. This makes it severely difficult for Rohingya seniors to prepare for their citizenship interview. 

     RCC is also concerned for our seniors because after so many years of being in the United States and not becoming a citizen, they lose access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which can have drastic effects on their lives. While so many community members live at the poverty line, one without access to government benefits can easily fall below the poverty line.

     While there are difficulties in the United States as a Rohingya refugee, the dream of becoming a Rohingya-American is strong and present. The Rohingya community of Chicago recognizes the opportunity given in the United States. We know our children are in good hands at school and have access to knowledge that was not available to us. We know their future is bright here. RCC urges the United States of America to take into account the background of the Rohingya refugees who they have so kindly welcomed to share this nation.

     As some Rohingya have become American citizens, they have been able to receive a United States passport and travel to visit their family abroad who are either in refugee camps or resettles in other countries. The wish for our Rohingya community is for all to be able to reunite with their families while still physically able to do so. Some seniors in our community have been separated from their families for over 40 years. The reunification of families is so important to the Rohingya because of our traumatic past. 

     Please consider signing to show your support for Rohingya refugee seniors to have access to interpreters during their citizenship application and interview process and for immigration officers to take doctors notes into account.

Sincerely, 

Nasir Zakaria

Executive Director of Rohingya Culture Center of Chicago

(872) 777-6676