Resettlement Agencies (RAs) are bastions of support for refugees entering the United States as well as many other countries. In California, there are many such organizations- a non-exhaustive list includes the International Rescue Committee, World Relief, Opening Doors, and the Lao Family Community Development.
A lot has changed for these organizations with the advent of the new administration in January 2025. Here’s a snapshot of the who, what and why of these institutions that are so vital to immigrant support and advocacy.
Who do resettlement agencies serve?
RAs help refugees and other displaced individuals integrate into new communities in the United States. Their clients have already received a special status from the US government, such as refugee status- for persecution due to their belonging to a specific people group.
Other clients include Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, who are nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan who worked directly with the US Armed Forces as a translator or interpreter and receive a favorable written recommendation from the embassy.
What services do they provide?
There is a wide range of services provided by RAs, including:
Reception & Placement
Agencies welcome refugees upon arrival to the US, and often provide temporary housing for the first three months while they connect with local community organizations for longer-term support.
Basic Needs
RAs assist with accessing food, clothing, home goods, and other necessary items upon individuals’ first arrival.
Cultural Orientation
RAs help refugees get acquainted with American culture, customs, and activities of daily life, such as accessing public services and transportation.
Referral Services
RAs connect families to local community organizations and provide resources for employment, language training, and healthcare.
Advocacy & Support
Many RAs advocate for clients’ rights and provide ongoing support as they adjust to the US and get plugged into their new communities.
Where do they get their funding?
Many RAs receive funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement Program. The majority of RAs also rely on donations and grants from individuals and other organizations. Many are faith-based and receive funding in the form of gifts and tithes from local churches.
What has changed since January 2025?
Briefly, January ushered in executive orders banning refugee resettlement and freezing foreign aid. 10,000 refugees who had booked travel to the U.S. had their flights cancelled. Stop work orders were sent out to nonprofits, including resettlement and placement work for refugees who had already arrived in the U.S. SIV flights were also cancelled.
Multiple nonprofit organizations joined in a suit against the refugee ban and funding halt before a federal judge in Seattle, and the federal government subsequently terminated nearly 10,000 federal contracts, including those with multiple RAs. The federal judge issued an injunction requiring the reinstatement of terminated refugee-support contracts; a report was due in April from the DHS and State to White House on the possible resumption of the refugee program, but has not yet been published publicly.
10,000 refugees who had their flights cancelled to the U.S. in January remain in dangerous situations in their home countries, awaiting a resolution.
How can I help?
There are so many ways you can help! Here are three action items:
Give to a local RA today.
Write a letter to your representative to advocate for increased refugee support.
Volunteer with your local RA to welcome refugees to your community.
Who knows when the best time to get involved in immigrant advocacy was? The second-best time is now. Pick an action item and stand alongside your most vulnerable neighbors today!
