IOM’s Brian Graham told me that anyone who was not told about how to request a deferral and or writeoff and was reported to TransUnion for failure to pay, IOM would correct that person’s credit report–for that I am quite appreciative. I want to know if someone has successfully challenged the legality of the travel loan–case law, statutes used, etc. In Idaho, people are shocked when I tell them about the travel loan. I am doing a travel loan clinic in Boise (April 20) and Twin Falls (April 19). We have rooms in each city for about 250 people.

Thanks for all you do,

Zoe Ann Olson

Attorney at Law

1-208-345-0106, x. 1508

IOM is creating a website with information about the travel loans and eligibility criteria for deferrals and write offs. I told him that I want standard guidance and all agencies must tell refugees the rules from the beginning before they sign a promissory note.

IOM will write off the travel loans with documentation for death, repatriation, bankruptcy, permanent disability (with a Dr’s letter saying the refugee is disabled and can’t work), minor orphans. Case-by-case for incarceration, victims of violence, domestic violence victims and documented financial hardship.

Received deferrals for temporary disabilities and documented under or unemployed.

IOM is going to correct the credit report of all of my clients that were reported to TransUnion for defaulting on their loans because the agencies did not notify them of their right to a deferral and or write off and thus should never have been reported. The issue of damaged credit is still outstanding.

I explained to them that families need to be able to make their own travel arrangements especially if it is cheaper, and translate promissory notes in other languages and the bills too.

They are going to provide better orientation on the travel loan in the refugee country and here with Title VI compliant services.

They are going to redo their computer system to better monitor travel loan collection practices.

I would like to know if anyone has successfully challenged the legality of said loan. The promissory notes are governed by DC law. To collect a debt in Idaho once in default, an entity has to show the person owes the debt and that the collector (IOM) has registered in the State of Idaho to collect a debt. Our clients’ loans have been deferred or written off. Now I am working on the deferrals—hoping to get more write offs and or reduced payments for disputed loans and or hardship. On April 19 and 20, I will provide a fair housing and travel loan clinics in Boise and Twin Falls.

Thank you,

Zoe Ann Olson
Attorney at Law
Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc.
1-(208)-345-0106, extension 1508
Facsimile 1-(208)-342-2561
310 North 5th Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
zoeannolson [at] idaholegalaid [dot] org

I’ve noticed that after the State Department does their once in ten year inspection, or after the local media reveal irresponsible or inept resettlement services, that the abuses often persist. I think the program would benefit from a procedure practiced by other federal agencies — requiring contractors to give back money for at least minimum-required material items not given to the refugees, or services not performed to at least the minimum-accepted standard. Contractors do better when there are consequences. The other problem is that minimum-standards are too minimal, e.g. there is no requirement for assistance in opening a banking account (see Operational Guidance to Resettlement Agencies, #4 in Links section at bottom of left column).