Section 441.61.11. Adverse actions regarding sponsor applications.

Applications shall be denied when it is determined by the department that any of the paragraphs or subparagraphs below apply:

       61.11(1) The potential sponsor:

        a.           Seeks to benefit financially by sponsoring a refugee family.

        b.           Refuses to fill out and sign the Sponsorship Application.

        c.           Is not economically self-sufficient.

        d.           Seeks to engage a refugee family in political, economic, religious, or social activities which are intended to restrict the refugees’ freedom of choice after they have arrived in Iowa. This includes but is not limited to instances where a potential sponsor seeks to impose the sponsor’s beliefs, lifestyle, or efforts for economic gain on the refugee.

        e.           Refuses to take part in the department’s orientation programs for sponsors.

        f.            Lacks the commitment of time and resources necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of sponsorship as defined in the Sponsorship Application.

        g.           Performed inadequately as a prior sponsor and failed to fulfill the responsibilities of sponsorship as defined in the Sponsorship Application, Form 402-0043.

        h.           Has been convicted of an aggravated or serious misdemeanor or felony and that conviction may directly or adversely impact the refugee family or would endanger the family.

       61.11(2) The placement of a refugee family with a specific sponsor would cause undue physical or psychological hardship on the newly arrived refugee due to geographic isolation from support services or activities.