The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is a unique public-private partnership that demonstrates the best of our government, communities, and programs to support refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States. It has been an essential legal immigration pathway and a key part of U.S. immigration policy for generations, starting with the Refugee Act of 1980. Following recent decisions which indefinitely pause resettlement, tens of thousands of refugees are now stranded overseas, families are separated, and resettled refugees already here in our communities are cut off from needed support to start their new lives. The local partners who participate in the resettlement program as employers, educators, volunteers, and in other capacities are community leaders who can serve as external validators of the myriad benefits of refugee resettlement to local communities. Many are already seeking ways to contribute their perspective and position within communities to support. This guide offers steps on how to help.

The IRC in Wichita is currently running a series, "Refugee Resettlement," describing the efforts to resettle and serve the refugees and their families who call the Sunflower State "home." Part three, the final in the series, focuses on the programs and services offered to support refugees' and New Americans' efforts to positively integrate beyond resettlement.

Months of escalating hostility towards Ukraine have culminated in a concerted invasion of the country and the launch of military attacks across multiple cities in Ukraine starting from February 24th, 2022. As of March 26, 2022, an estimated 2.2M people have fled to Poland from Ukraine. Many have been welcomed by the Ukrainian diaspora in Poland, many more are being hosted by Polish families, and the rest reside in recently established shelters and reception centers. While the Polish government, Polish NGOs, UN agencies, and local civil society actors have provided multisectoral relief across the country, this rapid needs assessment aims to better understand the priority needs, vulnerabilities, and barriers to accessing information, services, and humanitarian support that people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine face in Poland, including those experienced by groups with heightened vulnerability.  This assessment will be used to inform the IRC’s strategic response to these displaced populations in Poland and will be widely shared with the overall humanitarian community, including with Polish civil society and governmental bodies who have provided rapid and much needed relief to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. 

In an event hosted by the IRC in Sacramento, Sacramento’s Refugee Resettlement Agencies invite you to join us on Tuesday, June 20th as California observes House Resolution 23 in honoring the strength, courage, and contributions of refugees resettled in Sacramento! Come celebrate with food, drinks and family-friendly activities on the New Roots Farm in West Sacramento.