Before the Refugee Act of 1980, refugee resettlement in the U.S. was largely conducted privately or through community groups. The act standardized the process and today most refugees in the U.S. are primarily welcomed through resettlement agencies, such as the International Rescue Committee.

Humanitarian and development needs are growing, while financial resources are increasingly constrained. As stewards of limited funds, we have a responsibility to make the most positive change in the lives of as many people in need as possible. We can make better decisions on which activity to implement and how to implement it, based on equity, client needs, effectiveness, efficiency, and quality.