For refugees coming to the United States, the process of attaining citizenship is long and challenging.

Five years ago, Maria was a 26-year-old single mother of two living in Honduras. After fleeing for life and being granted asylum in the U.S., Maria received assistance from the IRC in Baltimore and was able to reunite with her two sons this year.

The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year.