"A Step Forward: Lessons from Colombia’s Temporary Protection Status for Venezuelans" is a report based on IRC’s experience with the regularization process in the country, IRC assessments of humanitarian needs and integration barriers for Venezuelans in Colombia, and interviews conducted in June 2023 with IRC clients and staff across Colombia, national and local government officials, U.N. agency staff, and leaders of INGOs, civil society and businesses.

Amidst dramatic drops in refugee arrivals across the nation, the IRC in Boise headed to the Idaho State Capitol to advocate for continued support of resettlement programs and refugee communities. At the Refugee Appreciation Luncheon co-organized by the IRC in Boise, senators and representatives tasted food from refugee-owned businesses, mingling and asking questions of refugee community leaders in attendance. Meanwhile, the IRC in Boise's Advocacy Team met individually with Idaho's majority and minority leadership and the staff of congressional delegates.

New Roots is a multi-faceted agriculture and food initiative that works in partnership with refugees and other New Americans to support their health, community connections, and household economics through nutrition education, gardening, land-based micro-business development, and other wellness and educational activities.

Bob Gordon is a military veteran, retiree and lover of history and world travel. Kelly Daniels is an artist, business owner and first-generation American with personal ties to the refugee community. Together, they have nearly a decade of combined experience helping immigrants and refugees become American citizens!

Jean joined fellow professionals in this unique opportunity to network with experts within the Haitian diaspora specializing in technology, education, business, entrepreneurship, and politics. He spoke with Haitian-American elected officials and Haitian government officials about important topics such as migration and international development. He also attended sessions on leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship, which spoke deeply to his values and his commitment to leadership and service.

The IRC is thrilled to welcome Tara Rangarajan who comes from a career with the United Nations, where she has been a leader in improving working conditions and helping to lift millions of workers, mostly women and often migrants, out of poverty and into self-sustaining livelihoods. Prior to joining the UN, Tara spent ten years working for Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) as a senior advisor to large multinational companies across sectors on how to be a positive force for social change.

Bob Marshall and Michael LaPointe of Biga Pizza have gone above and beyond to support new Americans in Missoula. In 2020, Biga Pizza began partnering with the IRC in Missoula to employ newly arrived refugees. Michael, with over twenty years of restaurant experience, has been instrumental in this initiative, recognizing the challenges refugees face and providing them with the support needed to adapt to a new culture and work environment. This commitment has not only benefited the employees but has also enriched the entire Missoula community, showcasing the profound impact of compassion and inclusivity in business.

Our team at the IRC in Kansas has been working hard to respond quickly to client needs, as everyone in the community is feeling the social, economic, and health impacts of COVID-19. While programming is currently not business-as-usual, we continue to serve refugee families and survivors of human trafficking remotely, many of whom need support from the IRC and neighbors more than ever. 

New skillsets help refugees start a career and provide for their families. Abilene businesses can inquire about hiring refugees.