The U.S. refugee program was suspended in Jan 2025; this guide helps community leaders advocate for its return through outreach and media engagement.

The IRC and three corporate partners—Citi Foundation, LinkedIn and Cisco—are helping refugees gain economic independence and build a stable future.

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.

Keila's story highlights the full arc of resettlement from displacement form Venezuela to hearing about MicroEnterprise Development program in Cultural Orientation, to starting up her own business with the knowledge she gained from her IRC-MED coach.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, including airstrikes and forced displacement orders, is severely affecting civilians and destroying infrastructure. Critical shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water are worsening daily, while restrictions on aid deliveries are preventing essential items from reaching those in need.

The IRC will once again serve an a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site to provide free tax filing services to San Diego county households who make less than $67,000.

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