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Upon Arrival

Osman Mohamed, of Somalia.For many refugees, the first year can feel like a race against the clock to set up a new life.You get a little cash up front and a few months of help from a social worker.Then, you’re mostly on your own.We followed three refugee arrivals, from touchdown at Sea-Tac Airport to eight months into their lives here. Eight months, because that’s when refugees without families stop receiving small federal payments.Their stories are as different as the countries they come from, but they start with a similar thread – leaving despair behind and grasping for hope. Listen to our one-hour special (mp3)http://cpa.ds.npr.org/kuow/audio/2017/01/1124-REFUGEE-SPECIAL.mp3

Reporter discussion: Following the path of new refugees

KUOW | By Matt Martin

Published August 29, 2016 at 1:14 PM AKDT

Tu Tu on his first shopping trip. — Burmese refugee Tu Tu goes on his first shopping trip in the U.S.

Bill Radke speaks with KUOW's race and culture reporter Liz Jones about her series about refugee resettlement in the Puget Sound region. Jones tracked three refugees from the moment they arrived in this country until about eight months in, which is when their federal benefits run out and they’re on their own to make it in America.

The goal was to show what their lives are like, the obstacles they’re up against as they race against the clock to start a life here.

KUOW's Upon Arrival: How refugees find their way in Seattle