Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Beautiful Bridge?
Big Beautiful Bridge is a private organization developed to help South African refugees find gainful employment in the United States.
What does Big Beautiful Bridge do?
Big Beautiful Bridge assists both newly arrived South African refugees and those still awaiting approval notices in South Africa in finding employment to start a new life here in America.
Frequently Asked Refugee/Resettlement Questions
How does Big Beautiful Bridge help me get a job?
Big Beautiful Bridge helps you get a job by networking with various employers around the United States to uncover work opportunities for South African refugees and those still awaiting refugee approval in South Africa. Our team finds job opportunities through employer referrals, internet listings, and cold calling businesses.
Can Big Beautiful Bridge guarantee me a job?
No, Big Beautiful Bridge cannot guarantee you a job, but we can guarantee that we’ll work tirelessly to find opportunities that meet your skills and needs.
Can Big Beautiful Bridge help me get a job before leaving South Africa?
Yes, Big Beautiful Bridge can help you get a job before departing South Africa as a refugee so you have employment arranged the day you land in America.
Can Big Beautiful Bridge guarantee that I will be relocated to America?
No, Big Beautiful Bridge is not affiliated with the United States Department of State or any other government agency and has no jurisdiction or control over a refugee’s approval process.
Does getting a job through Big Beautiful Bridge guarantee refugee status?
No, getting a job through Big Beautiful Bridge does not guarantee refugee status, though it could help build your refugee case.
Do you have to pay Big Beautiful Bridge to get a job?
No, double no, you absolutely never have to pay Big Beautiful Bridge to get a job or to be added to our list of available candidates.
Are these jobs temporary or seasonal?
No, all jobs through Big Beautiful Bridge are full-time domestic positions unless otherwise stated. Jobs through Big Beautiful Bridge are not temporary or seasonal, nor are they H-2A visa or H-2B visa eligible jobs.
Frequently Asked Employer Questions
Why should my company consider hiring a South African refugee?
Your company should consider hiring a South African refugee for the following reasons:
Newly arrived South African refugees are legally allowed to work in America
South African refugees are looking for an opportunity to forge a new life in America and have a willingness to work
Many South African refugees have a strong, diverse working profile with skills and experience that fit many businesses’ needs
If you’re having difficulty filling positions with the domestic workforce, refugees offer an alternative domestic full-time solution
Are refugees legally authorized to work in the United States?
Yes, South African refugees are legally authorized to work in the United States, the same as any other domestic U.S. citizen.
How do I verify a refugee's employment authorization?
You will verify a refugee's employment authorization through their Employment Authorization Document, or I-766.
Do I need to sponsor a refugee for a work visa?
No, you do not need to sponsor a refugee for a work visa; they are legally authorized to work in America.
What industries do you serve?
Big Beautiful Bridge serves a range of industries including but not limited to:
Agriculture (crop farms, livestock farms, ranches, processing facilities, agribusinesses)
Construction (roofing, home building, welding, installations)
Home services (plumbers, electricians, HVAC, lawn care techs)
Professional services (accounting, legal, marketing, sales)
Hospitality (restaurants, hotels, lodges, theme parks)
Transportation (trucking, logistics, mechanical)
Education and coaching (teaching, coaching, mentoring youth)
How quickly can you provide candidates?
Big Beautiful Bridge can provide candidates the same day. Simply contact our team, explain your needs, and gain access to our pool of refugee candidates.
How do I submit a job opening?
Submit a job opening to the Big Beautiful Bridge team by calling 828-550-3796 or contacting us through our website at www.bigbeautifulbridge.com/contact (online database coming soon).
Can I interview candidates before hiring them?
Absolutely, you can interview refugee candidates as many times as you like before hiring them or making a decision. As an employer, you have the same freedom when hiring refugees as you would when hiring domestic U.S. citizens.
What kind of experience do your candidates have?
Big Beautiful Bridge’s refugee candidates come from a range of professional backgrounds and possess a diverse set of skills. We have refugees in our pool of candidates to match all sorts of jobs. Simply reach out, and we’ll match you with candidates (online matchmaking features coming soon).
How are your refugee candidates screened?
Big Beautiful Bridge screens our refugee candidates through a series of intake questions, resume and reference vetting, and mock phone and Zoom interviews to ensure candidates are prepared for the American job market and ready to work for your operation. Likewise, the U.S. government conducts thorough security screenings before admitting a refugee into the country, giving additional peace of mind when considering a refugee candidate.
What are my responsibilities as an employer of refugees?
Your responsibilities as an employer of South African refugees are the same as those for any other domestic employee, as South African refugees are legally authorized to work in America and are invited to take advantage of the free and open job market.