Refugees are often denied citizenship and basic rights in their home countries. Participants at a recent IRC naturalization workshop share what becoming a U.S. citizen means to them.

This past semester, ten high school students from four different countries were selected to represent their peers on the first IRC CONNECT Leadership Council. The IRC CONNECT Leadership Council was created to offer recently resettled students a formal opportunity to develop their leadership skills,explore civic engagement and build confidence in their ability to create change in our communities.Over the past couple of months, students have participated in a variety of activities including the SUMMIT Leadership Course at George Washington University and workshops focusing on public speaking, critical thinking, and debate skills.

Last month, the IRC in Silver Spring spoke on a panel about organizations serving vulnerable groups in Maryland.

The IRC in Atlanta’s partnership with the Technology Career Program (TCP) at TechBridge—an Information Technology (IT) training course—has helped more than 20 refugees and immigrants to gain a head start in the rapidly growing technology industry over the past year. One recent TCP graduate, Maiwand—who was evacuated from Afghanistan last fall—has gone above and beyond in his commitment to the program, and shares with us below his journey to rebuilding his life and career here in Atlanta.

Since January 2018 the IRC in Dallas has been on a journey to create a space for refugee youth to share their thoughts, experiences, and interests.

Women are able to improve English and progress towards employment and furthering their education through IRC's Women's Empowerment Program.