In order to fully comprehend the scope of the crucial work conducted by the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, it is critical that we first understand what it means to be a refugee in Italy and study what the path to gaining refugee status practically looks like. In this paper, we will outline the pragmatic measures taken to receive refugee status, while also addressing the unfortunate logistics and social issues asylum seekers often endure. Following this, we will provide a personal reflection of our experience with the JNRC, as well as acknowledging the incredible work being done for refugees through this organization.
The definition of a “refugee” offered by the Italian government is specific in its criteria, which unfortunately make it narrow in breadth. Essentially, a refugee must first be a foreign citizen who is outside of the territory of the country of his/her citizenship based on a well founded fear of being persecuted for a number of different factors. These reasons include: race, religion, citizenship, belonging to a particular social group, or holding a particular political opinion. Moreover, not only must imminent danger be present, but said individual does not have the necessary resources or means to protect himself/herself within the borders of his/her country. Not only does the Italian government clearly identify the criteria of the personhood of a refugee, but it also outlines the kinds of persecution that are considered valid reasoning for a “well founded” fear. In order to be granted refugee status, the acts of persecution by the home country must: (a) “by their nature or frequency, present a serious violation of fundamental human rights”, or (b) “constitute the accumulation of various measures, among them the violation of human rights, whose impact is sufficiently serious enough to affect the person in a similar manner to part (a).” (Figueroa, Dante).
In order for these standards to be evaluated, immigrants must withstand a strict and lengthy application process. This course can essentially be broken down into four parts: (1) Identification and registration process, (2) Interview, (3) The Waiting Process, (4) Possible outcomes. First, while registering a refugee status seeker must undergo Fingerprinting and photographing and next fill out the “foglio notizie” form. The purpose of this form is to gather information about why a migrant is in Italy in order to detect whether he/she is an economic migrant or an asylum seeker (only asylum seekers will have the possibility of being granted protection). However, this form is only necessary at some Questuras, while other skip straight to the next form--the “C3”. The “C3” form asks about personal history, someone's journey to Italy, and reasons for fleeing a country. Next, in the interview process, following the submission of a formal request an asylum seeker must wait until he/she is called back for an interview before the Commissione Territoriale per il Riconoscimento della Protesione Internazionale (Territorial Commission). These interviews are gravely serious and precise. If a migrant provides information in the interview that is different from what she/she said on the C3 form, it will have a negative effect on the application. Unfortunately, the next step ultimately consists of waiting. However, by law, the Territorial Commission is required to interview a migrant within thirty days of receiving his/her application, and then make a decision within three business days. Lastly, the decision is made. There are two possible outcomes; (1) granting of refugee status, subsidiary protection, or another kind of protection or (2) rejection of the application. However, if an individual is not granted protection, there is an appeal process they may undergo (Applying for Asylum).
However, although this process is seemingly straightforward, in reality that is rarely the experience of asylum seekers. Questure in Italy face many logistical problems: interpreters for less-popular languages may not be available, most are overbooked, and appointments are often scheduled much later than expected. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the asylum seeker to find transportation and acquire access to the internet in order to receive notifications. However, these difficult tasks are only compounded by their lack of resources. Although technically a quick response is required, as mentioned previously, it often takes six months to a year to get an interview with the Questura after you submit your application, and the decision by the Territorial Commission can take up to two to six months to be released.
Not only do migrants endure these logistical failings, but they are also becoming increasingly less welcome in Italy. Since the issuance of the salvini decree in fall 2018, rejections of applicants for refugee status have increased dramatically. Rejections rose 25% right after the decree was passed, and this decline in approvals has continued (Tondo, Lorenzo). Essentially this decree removed the category of “humanitarian protection” from the possibilities of what an asylum seeker may be granted, thus, many more applicants are being denied any sort of protection, which has in turn increased the number of illegal immigrants in Italy (The ‘Salvini Decree’).
As is clear, asylum seekers and refugees within Italy are in need of aid. The Joel Nafuma Refugee Center is a day center for refugees and asylum seekers operating in the center of Rome under the St. Paul’s Within The Wall Episcopal Church. The JNRC offers many services such as basic supplies, job preparedness workshops, language courses, legal advice, and many other things. The center works hard to give these refugees and asylum seekers the best opportunities in Rome and a chance to escape the harsh reality of their home country. It came about because of an immigration influx into Italy in the 1970s from violence and persecution, primarily in African countries. Because during the time, Italy operated under an “open door” policy welcoming asylum seekers who have been pushed out of their homes, many people were able to get to St. Paul’s Within The Wall for help, creating a reputation of hospitality. After a while, Rev. Wilbur Woodhams who was in charge of the program, invited Rev. John Nafuma who was a Ugandan priest, to take over the refugee center. The outreach of the refugee center grew in size and became well-known in the city. Rev. Nafuma left the church, but with the help of committed volunteers, the mission kept going and formed a formal partnership with the parish in 1995 to secure financial stability, but still maintaining autonomy. Even though the JNRC has its doors always open, throughout the years there have been changes in the influx of guests because of the changing immigration laws in the country. How the worldviews refugees and asylum seekers has changed over time, but the JNRC stays committed to helping out those in search of a better future with the help of the parish and dedicated donors. The message on their website is dedicated directly to the refugees and asylum seekers, saying “Refugees and asylum seekers – We are so happy that you have arrived safely in Rome after a long journey, and even more so that you have found the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center (JNRC). We welcome you with open arms, no matter your race, religion, or ethnicity, as a place to come each day, along with many other asylum seekers from all over the world” (Joel Nafuma Refugee Center). This message shows their commitment to helping refugees and how welcoming they are.
Our experience in the center was very educational and inspirational. Part of what we did at the center was help in the supply room. The supply room is where many items that were donated, such as clothes, shoes, blankets, and toiletries are stored. Guests have the choice to enter everyday and present their card given to them in the registration process. The card has the number of items per month that they are allowed to take from the supply room. Many come in everyday to see if there are new donations of shoes or clothes that might be their size or just to take basic toiletries. This service provided by the shelter is essential to these refugees because many do not have the resources to buy new clothes or purchase essential everyday items.
In my time working here, there was a particular lady who came in who only spoke Spanish. Spanish being my first language, I immediately helped in translating. The lady was very flustered saying it’s very hard immigrating to a new place where one does not know anyone and there is nobody willing to help. I called over my supervisor and explained the situation to him. She was hoping to become a guest at the center and take advantage of the services they provide. After she was registered in the system, she immediately registered for Italian classes. Seeing this on my first day volunteering at the JNRC, inspired me and gave me a first hand experience about the situation. Another service that the JNRC provides which we had the pleasure of helping with is the job search program. We made posters and checklists to facilitate the job search process and explain the necessary steps. Hopefully these will be helpful for the guests and their experience with this wonderful program JNRC provides. Helping out in the center, made us realize how important programs like these are. The JNRC helps those who have nowhere else to go and the only thing they need is a helping hand while they settle in a brand new country.
After examining the path that migrants to Italy must take to obtain refugee status, it is clear that their troubles are not over once they have escaped their home country. So much time and effort goes in to becoming an official refugee in Italy and being legally allowed to remain in the country. Viewing the work of the JNRC in this light makes it seem even more important. After these migrants have gone through so much to not only arrive in Italy, but also to achieve refugee status, it is so important that the JNRC is there to help them through this process, as well as to help them begin their new lives once they have officially achieved asylum in Italy. The lives of these migrants are often forgotten, and they may not receive the help they need despite the rough terrains that they must overcome. Organizations such as the JNRC are so important is helping these people work toward the lives that they deserve to live.
Works Cited
“Applying for Asylum.” Refugee Info, www.refugee.info/italy/asylum-info-it/applying-for-asylum-italy?language=en.
Figueroa, and Dante. “Refugee Law and Policy: Italy.” Refugee Law and Policy: Italy, 1 Mar. 2016, www.loc.gov/law/help/refugee-law/italy.php.
“Joel Nafuma Refugee Center.” Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, jnrc.it/.
“The 'Salvini Decree': Your Questions Answered.” InfoMigrants, 1 Apr. 2019, www.infomigrants.net/en/post/15881/the-salvini-decree-your-questions-answered.
Tondo, Lorenzo. “Italy Rejects Record Number of Asylum Applications.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 14 Feb. 2019, www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/italy-rejects-record-number-of-asylum-applications.