Seeking asylum is a legal right for families and individuals fleeing from violence and persecution. However the asylum-seeking process can be difficult and lengthy, leaving them in prolonged vulnerabilities and uncertainties. The IRC in Phoenix has seen a large increase in asylum-seekers and asylees seeking services. In fiscal year 2018 alone, the IRC has served 49 asylees and 31 asylum seekers, primarily from Latin America and Africa.

Volodymyr and his wife, Victoria, once hosted families fleeing other parts of Ukraine. But when war hit their hometown in February 2022, it was their turn to rebuild their life somewhere new. This is their story.

Volunteering at an IRC-run clinic in Jordan has given this Syrian mother hope to aspire for a better future.

Bob Gordon is a military veteran, retiree and lover of history and world travel. Kelly Daniels is an artist, business owner and first-generation American with personal ties to the refugee community. Together, they have nearly a decade of combined experience helping immigrants and refugees become American citizens!

Until last year, Line had spent almost her entire life in a refugee camp. 

The continuing war in Ukraine is causing extreme civilian harm, as millions of people have been forced to leave their homes and find shelter in neighbouring or further countries. Poland is one of the countries hosting the largest number of refugees from Ukraine. The IRC has worked in Poland since February 2022 to provide vital support to those affected by the conflict, so they can return home when it is safe, not because they have to.

Learn how the IRC has been on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries, supporting people whose lives have been disrupted by the conflict.

Led by Ukrainian Caseworker, Katya Galytska, and with live interpretation provided by Ukrainian Case Aide, Alina Linchevska, the workshop brought around 50 new Ukrainian neighbors—including many families with small children—to the IRC in Atlanta office for coffee and breakfast, socializing and networking, and opportunities to engage with and ask questions of expert staff from across our programs.

Danielle Parker, an AmeriCorps member, shares her process of adapting Cultural Orientation for newly arrived refugees during a time of physical distancing restrictions due to COVID-19.

Andrii Kokorin and Mariia Borysova are living in the United Kingdom with their family after fleeing the war in Ukraine.