Migration has been at the top of the European political agenda since 2015 following a spike in people, including refugees and asylum seekers, arriving to southern European countries by sea. Today, European Union (EU) leaders remain constrained by internal political divisions over how to manage arrivals to Europe. The resulting shortcomings in the European policy response have been seized upon by populist movements across Europe as evidence that migration is out of control, in turn fueling anti-immigrant sentiments.

Speaking the same language is not a prerequisite for friendship for Joanne, a dedicated family mentor volunteer, who continues to build supportive relationships with newly arrived refugee families.

In May 2023, Victoria Barrier Solutions LLC—a residential and commercial fencing and railing business—was born. “We create fencing and railing from all kinds of materials including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. We also build decks for homes.”

When Khatima first approached the IRC in Utah’s financial capabilities team, she was unfamiliar with credit-building loans and their potential long-term benefits to settling into life in the U.S. A year later, she’s worked diligently to increase her credit score and improve her financial self-sufficiency.

In the IRC’s new women’s economic empowerment program, low-income immigrant women learn to manage their families’ resources and navigate the American financial system.

Give newcomers a warm welcome by donating winter coats and gift cards for youth & adults!