The IRC in NY chatted with one client who is a mother figure for her younger sister. They both left Afghanistan in early fall with the hope to be safe. Their mother had passed away and they left behind their family members. The older sister made it a priority to concentrate on what she could change.

Private donations contribute greatly to the success of the IRC's work. Although we receive state and federal funding for initial resettlement and employment services, the assistance we provide to refugee families beyond their first few months in the U.S. would not be possible without community support.

On October 10, 2018 the Trump Administration proposed drastically expanding the definition of who constitutes a “public charge” through a proposed rule in the Federal Register. Such a change would have a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of thousands of families that the IRC serves. This document details how to oppose this harmful change.

Private donations contribute greatly to the success of the IRC's work. Although we receive state and federal funding for initial resettlement and employment services, the assistance we provide to refugee families beyond their first few months in the U.S. would not be possible without community support.

The IRC’s office in Silver Spring is closed to protect the health of clients, partners, staff and the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Our staff will continue to work remotely and will maintain regular remote contact and appointments with the individuals and families we serve.

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.

One afternoon, a new client Abdul traveled with Carey Hobart, a volunteer from Bike Walk Wichita (BWW), to pick out bikes for he and his family. Along the way, Abdul began to describe his home in Afghanistan and the bicycle shop that he owned

Part two in a three-part series, these deep dives better explain the process of refugee resettlement in Kansas. In December, we covered the basics of who refugees are and initial resettlement in the U.S. This month, the focus is on refugee resettlement in Kansas during the first 24 months after arrival, including the efforts of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Kansas to help families positively integrate and thrive in their new community.

Jaya Maya came to the U.S. from Bhutan five years ago with her husband, mother-in-law, and son. After 22 years living in a refugee camp in Nepal, Jaya Maya is glad to be able to continue valuable cultural traditions around farming while nourishing themselves and their families with fresh grown produce through the assistance of the IRC in Baltimore's New Roots program.