Tribal Self-Governance Study
Description of Program, Service, Function or Activity (PSFA)

INVENTORY

1. Agency Name: Office of Refugee Resettlement

2. Program Name: Refugee and Entrant Assistance_Wilson/Fish Programs

3. CFDA #: 93.583

4. Program Objectives: To develop alternative programs that promote early employment of refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants and Amerasian immigrants. States and non-profit organizations may develop innovative approaches for the provision refugee cash and medical assistance, social services, and case management otherwise available through the State- administered program.

5. Titles and Descriptions of at least Three Funded Grantees: The United States Catholic Conference, a non-profit organization, is grantee for both the Kentucky Wilson/Fish and the Nevada Wilson/Fish. The State of Massachusetts Office of Refugees and Immigrants is the grantee for the Massachusetts Wilson/Fish.

AUTHORITY

6. Authorizing Statute(s): Refugee Act of 1980, Section 412(e)(7), 94 Stat. 111, 8 U.S.C. 1522, as amended, Public Laws 96-212, 97-363,and 99-605; Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, Title V, 94 Stat.1809, 8 U.S.C. 1522 note, as amended, Public Laws 96-422, 96-424, 97-35, 100-202, 100-436, 100-461, 101-167, 101-302, 101-513, and 101-517.

7. Regulatory/Administrative Requirements: 45 CFR Part 400

8. Mandatory Statutory Changes Needed to Operate PSFA as a Demonstration: Our statutory authority does not explicitly include tribes, or Sovereign Indian Nations as eligible grantees or contractors.

APPLICANTS, BENEFICIARIES and FORMULAS

9. Type of Funding: No separate funding. The Wilson/Fish program diverts a portion of funds earmarked for the State-administered program for refugee cash and medical assistance and social services to fund alternative projects that promote early employment and self-sufficiency. Funds may be used only for the purposes set forth in the grant award.

10. Eligible Applicants: States and non-profit organizations may apply to initiate an alternative program.

11. Allotment Formulas, Etc.: This program has no statutory formula.

12. Applicant Provisions/Allotments in Law for Indians: None.

13. Eligible Beneficiaries: Assistance is limited to refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Amerasian immigrants, as defined in the authorizing Acts, who have appropriate documentation of immigration status from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

14. Beneficiary Provisions/Allotments in Law for Indians: None

15. Amount and Percent of Total that is Mandatory for Indians: None

FINANCIAL

16. Total FY 2000 Funding: $5.4M

17. Amount and Percent of Total Funding Awarded to Indians: None

18. For Awards to Tribes: Number, Range and Average Amounts: None

19. Total FY 2001 Funding and Amount for Indians, If Known: None

OTHER

20. -- how long assistance is funded Project periods are generally for 4 years, with annual budget periods. Non-competing continuation applications required each year.

-- fund use restrictions Funds may only be used for the purposes stated in the grant award.

-- reporting requirements Quarterly fiscal and program reporting

-- audit requirements OMB Circular A-133

CONTACTS

21. DHHS Workgroup Contact: Sharon McCully

22. HHS Agency/Program Contact: Gayle Smith

Back to ACF Inventory