New York, NY , November 10, 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) today unveiled ALMA, a ground-breaking, multilingual virtual assistant designed to help refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and other newcomers navigate life in the United States with confidence and clarity. Starting over in a new country can be overwhelming; ALMA—AI for Life Mapping & Assistance—ensures that no one has to do it alone.
As the first-of-its-kind AI-powered companion tailored for refugees and newcomers in the U.S., ALMA combines artificial intelligence with IRC’s humanitarian expertise. It is available 24/7 via WhatsApp and offers friendly, reliable guidance on a wide range of topics including:
- Assistance with social services
- Employment and workforce integration
- Financial literacy and housing counseling
- Client documentation and local services
- Rights and responsibilities in the U.S.
ALMA is fluent in Dari/Farsi, English, Spanish, and Swahili, making it accessible to a wide range of IRC clients and communities. While ALMA is not a legal advisor, it helps users take the right next steps and connects them to trusted resources and local support.
“ALMA is more than a chatbot; it’s a companion for the journey,” said Tara Catanach, Project Director of Virtual Reception & Placement. “It’s designed to meet people where they are: on their phones, in their language, and with answers they can trust.”
ALMA is accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Promotional flyers are available in English, Dari, Spanish, and Swahili to help partners and clients spread the word. For more information, visit https://welcome.rescue.org/us/en/services/alma.
For media inquiries, please contact:
IRC Global Communications