Who is a refugee?
According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a refugee is defined by several key characteristics:
“A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.”
What is Asylum?
According to the UN Refugee Agency, asylum is defined as the following:
“A form of protection which allows an individual to remain in the US instead of being removed to a country where he or she fears persecution or harm. Under US law, people who flee their countries because they fear persecution can apply for asylum. If they are granted asylum, this gives them protection and the right to stay in the US. Those who are granted asylum are called asylees.”
How does the IRUSA help refugees in the United States?
The Reception and Placement (R&P) Program is a collaborative effort to support refugees during their initial resettlement. IRUSA does the work of initial resettlement in partnership with institutional partners, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). Resettlement agencies work with local communities to enhance federal funding through volunteer support and donations, ensuring that refugees receive the help they need to thrive in their new environment.
Where Does IRUSA Resettle Refugees?
Islamic Relief USA is committed to effective refugee resettlement through strategic partnerships with local organizations. By collaborating with trusted entities already supporting immigrants and refugees, we aim to build a robust, sustainable resettlement network. Our approach ensures that we can manage and expand our efforts effectively.
- Ontario, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Chicago, IL
- Falls Church, VA
- Milwaukee, WI
Our Core Values in Refugee Resettlement
At Islamic Relief USA , our commitment to refugee resettlement is guided by our core values. These values ensure that our efforts are rooted in compassion, justice, excellence, sincerity, and custodianship. By adhering to these principles, we strive to provide the highest level of support to refugees:
- Compassion: IRUSA emphasizes providing support and guidance to our partners, understanding the unique challenges refugees face. In turn, our partners are expected to prioritize the emotional, social, and practical needs of refugees, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Justice: Social justice drives our efforts to advocate for fair treatment and equitable resource allocation. We support partners in promoting inclusive practices and addressing systemic issues, working towards greater inclusivity.
- Excellence: IRUSA upholds high standards in oversight and technical support to ensure that partners deliver top-tier services. Partners are expected to maintain professionalism and continuously improve.
- Sincerity: We are committed to transparent and honest communication, building trust with our partners.
- Custodianship: Custodianship reflects our responsibility for sustainable and ethical practices. The IRUSA USRAP HQ team guides affiliates to focus on long-term positive impacts, while partners are expected to ensure the well-being of refugees and their communities.
Where We Work
- Ontario, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Chicago, IL
- Falls Church, VA
- Milwaukee, WI
Interested in Partnering with IRUSA?
Our work is enriched by local partnerships that enhance federal support through volunteer work and charitable donations. Resettlement agencies, including IRUSA, collaborate with community organizations to ensure refugees receive comprehensive assistance. This collaborative effort helps to provide the essential support needed for refugees to thrive in their new environments and integrate successfully into their communities.
If you are an individual or group interested in either connecting with an existing affiliate to volunteer or donate toward important costs like securing client housing, or an organization interested in learning more about becoming an R&P affiliate and collaborating with IRUSA in refugee resettlement, please contact us us at [email protected]. We are always looking to expand our network with dedicated partners who share our commitment to supporting refugees and immigrants.