The Refugee Translation Project: Phase 2

We have met our initial fundraising goal, but my friend Inbar is throwing a Dance-A-Thon benefit DJ party for the project on April 29. So the new page will allow people to donate as well as contain updates of where the project is at. We have translators lined up and are currently in the process of forging relationships with various refugee support networks in the city.

About our project:

The Refugee Translation Project provides free, professional translation services for refugees seeking asylum in the New York metro area. We offer English translations of asylum statements originally written in Turkish and in Arabic. As the project picks up momentum, we will add more languages to our services.

We serve refugees who have fled their countries under threat of imprisonment, torture, and even death. Those who make it to the New York area and wish to stay here must submit personal statements in English. One of the most important factors for asylum seekers is that they can fully convey their stories to their lawyers and to the courts. These statements are crucial to the refugees' success. Unfortunately, many of these people have lost almost everything they own and cannot afford to pay for the speedy translation of these important documents. To ease the burden, the Refugee Translation Project offers these professional translation services for free so that refugees can focus their limited resources on making a home here. 

The fundraising goal is to create an initial fund that will pay for the translation of asylum statements. The project already produces translations for Turkish-speaking refugees and will soon provide Arabic translations. We have Arabic translators ready to work with us. We are currently in the process of establishing working relationships with refugee support groups in New York in order to connect with clients in need. 

So far we have raised $4,106, which will be used to offer free translation services. During Phase 2, as we connect with people and groups working with refugees in the New York area, there will be a Dance-A-Thon benefit DJ party to grow the fund.  

As the project picks up momentum, we hope to secure more permanent funding and expand the languages and organizations we work.

The costs of translations depends on the word count and original language. Asylum letters range from 1500 – 6000 words, costing $150 to $660 to translate.

Refugees who have arrived in the New York area seeking asylum are oftentimes in extreme financial straits. As newly arrived immigrants, their community networks and access to resources are limited. The costs of translating the statements necessary to apply for asylum can be a huge financial burden. The Refugee Translation Project relieves this particular burden so that these people can concentrate their resources on planting roots in their new home.