IRC 2024 State Policy Guide
Each year the International Rescue Committee (IRC) works closely with state elected leaders to ensure
that the communities in which we resettle are welcoming places for refugees and other new Americans.
In addition to working directly on policy, we assess introduced legislation through our state tracker and
identify new model policies and the trends in legislation—all informing the policies included in this guide.
Year to year it has reflected emerging themes such as: resources for refugee-serving programs; reduced
barriers for re-credentialing and licensure processes in states; and access to in-state tuition, to name
a few. These measures not only help ensure refugees and other newcomers can access pathways to
economic self-sufficiency and integrate more smoothly, but they positively impact the broader community
as well. States and localities across the country can only benefit from the personal and professional
success that a recently arrived individual achieves as they rebuild their lives. This year’s state policy and
advocacy guide includes new policy themes and some familiar ones—but with nuanced examples as the
policy efforts take shape in different states and political contexts.
Recommendations provided are informed by stakeholder engagement and landscaping impacted
communities to understand service provision needs, and strategic assessments of the political realities
on the ground.
Resource
November 16, 2023