Stand with the Banned

Trump vs. refugees

No matter who’s been in the White House, Republican or Democrat, the United States has long been a beacon of hope for refugees. Until now.

January 2017: President Donald Trump's travel ban sparks chaos at airports and strands refugees bound for the U.S. People across the country rally behind them and America's tradition of welcome.

January 2018: Despite protests and a year of legal challenges, the travel ban still stands. What's worse, the Trump administration continues to find new ways to yank back the welcome mat.

Families in limbo

The Trump administration’s cruel and counterproductive policies separate families, leave refugees in limbo and do nothing to make America safer.

American dream crushed
Days before departing for the U.S., this Syrian family in Jordan was told they were banned from entering the country—unable to start a new life in America.

Shattered hopes
This Somali family in Kenya was scheduled to fly to Denver, Colorado last July—but just two weeks before they were to leave, their trip was cancelled.

A family made whole again
The Bazara family were the lucky ones—they were among the last refugees allowed into the U.S. before the Trump administration’s latest travel ban.

Keep making a difference

In the past year Americans have rejected the hateful rhetoric and "alternative facts" calling refugees dangerous. You’ve donated and volunteered, and you’ve made your voice heard. Don’t stop now!

Here are more ways to help refugees.

Despite attempts to slam the door on them, refugees arriving at America's airports have been receiving a warm welcome from their new neighbors. Here, IRC volunteers, staff and community members greet the Sadiq family from Pakistan at Washington Dulles International Airport. Photo: Sarah Stacke/IRC

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For most refugees, learning English is an important first step to building a new life in the U.S. Here, Nestorine Lakas, who fled violence in the Central African Republic, gets help from volunteer ESL teacher Jan Sanders at the IRC office in Atlanta. Photo: Evelyne Hockstein/UNHCR
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Volunteers also play an important role in helping refugees acclimate to their new commiunities. It was through a mentorship program run by the IRC in Boise that the Balubwila family from Kenya was introduced to the Nash family—their first friends in America. Photo: Jonathan McBride/IRC
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Businesses across the U.S. are hiring refugees, finding that they are some of their best employees. Here, Ahmed Baiy, an engineer from Iraq who resettled in Maryland with his family, prepares for a job interview with an insurance company. Photo: Charlie Bibby/FT
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Americans have been giving generously to organizations that assist refugees.Their donations have helped the IRC support courageous people like Klaw Htoo from Myanmar, who is building a new life for her daughters Gloria and Sophia in Atlanta. Photo: Evelyne Hockstein/UNHCR
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People across the country came out in force to protest when President Trump signed his travel ban order on January, 27 2017, stranding refugees and other travelers at airports. One year later, things have only gotten worse for refugees. Here's how you can stand with the banned. Photo: Andrew Oberstadt.
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