For individuals migrating to or seeking refuge in the United States, obtaining legal status is often the pivotal moment in their resettlement journey, granting them protection from deportation and access to crucial economic opportunities. Unfortunately, in recent years, the path to legal status has become increasingly challenging. With the immigration backlog at an all-time high and refugee and immigrant rights at stake with the upcoming election, many are left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their future.

Drawing on the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) experience supporting asylum seekers and refugees, we find that the reception approaches that work for people seeking protection, host communities, and asylum systems, embrace five key principles: dignity, sustainability, coordination and responsibility sharing, fairness, and benefit for all.

Thanks to a generous donation, the IRC in Salt Lake City brings early childhood development kits to young refugees helping them develop crucial cognitive skill through play.

Join us as we celebrate Eid today and reflect on the kindness of Valley Ranch Islamic Centers' Young Scholars students who donated food items for IRC Dallas refugee families.

The IRC in Atlanta's free English classes are back in person! Offering flexible schedules and both online and in-person classes, these English classes for refugees and immigrants are complemented by an early childhood education program, ensuring families can improve language and literacy skills together.

This summer, the IRC in Atlanta’s Youth programs launched a Back 2 School Supply Drive to collect fully stocked backpacks to ensure the refugee families we serve have everything they need as children enroll in their new schools and begin to rebuild their lives. Thank you to all the amazing groups and individuals who donated!

Each year, A Taste of the IRC is an opportunity for our community to come together to learn more about the life-saving importance of the refugee resettlement program. For the first time, our California offices—in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, and Turlock—are hosting a joint fundraiser to highlight our work across the state of California!

Private donations contribute greatly to the success of the IRC's work. Although we receive state and federal funding for initial resettlement and employment services, the assistance we provide to refugee families beyond their first few months in the U.S. would not be possible without the support of our community.

We're estimated to receive more than 400 refugees in 2024. We will be welcoming clients in Des Moines, as well as expanding our services into Marshalltown and Iowa City. Learn how you can support us!