We are going to take a deep dive into the process of refugee resettlement at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Wichita. This month, we’ll focus on the basics of initial resettlement, including the process a refugee must undergo to be considered for resettlement in the U.S. and the days leading up to their arrival through the eyes of IRC staff and volunteers in Wichita.

After four years of drastic cuts to the number of refugees admitted to the U.S., the IRC in Salt Lake City prepares to meet a wave of new arrivals in an effort to responsibly rebuild refugee resettlement. 

Over the next three months, the IRC in Salt Lake City will take a deep dive describing our efforts to serve refugee families as they resettle in our community, work toward self-sufficiency, and positively integrate as a new neighbor in the Beehive State.

In September, IRC staff members—some former refugees—met with Senator Mike Lee’s office to share their experiences helping to educate on the benefits of a strong refugee resettlement program in the U.S.

The International Rescue Committee in Los Angeles will soon begin an unprecedented initiative to improve housing, education and employment prospects for recently resettled Syrian refugees by enhancing collaboration between the state’s 22 resettlement agencies

The U.S. has a long history of providing welcome to those needing safety. For decades, life-saving protection for refugees has been possible through the U.S. resettlement program and asylum. Today, we see these pathways to safety for those who have fled persecution and violence coming under attack, leaving some of the world’s most vulnerable people behind. Every day, our team is hard at work advocating for solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, Temporary Protected Status recipients, DREAMers and other marginalized people worldwide.

The U.S. has a long tradition of offering refuge to those fleeing persecution and war. These vulnerable populations have suffered unimaginable hardship and face tremendous obstacles as they start their new lives. The IRC staff and volunteers provide support to refugees from their first moments in the country to help set them on a path to self-sufficiency.