Assistance for Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and SIV Applicants | LIRS
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Resources for Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and SIV Applicants

Are you a refugee, asylum seeker, or Special Immigrant Visa applicant in need of help? 

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has refugee resettlement offices in 33 locations throughout the U.S. LIRS is committed to ensuring the provision of safe, secure, and culturally competent services to clients served by our local offices. Refugees and SIVs served by LIRS offices will receive a comprehensive set of services including Cultural Orientation, school enrollment, coordination of initial health appointments, referrals to English classes, family reunification, and employment preparation and placement. 

If you are an SIV or refugee in need of help, please email resettlement@lirs.org

Resources for Ukrainians

The most important thing at the moment is for you and your family to remain safe. Find resources about visas and open border crossings here 

If your family member is a U.S. citizen, you may find more information and an online form for them to complete here. 

UNHCR has provided information for people who are fleeing into Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and all other countries. Below, you will find further country-specific resources about seeking asylum and border procedures in: 

Finally, here is a resource for seeking legal aid.  

Our hearts are with you and your family. Please stay safe and do not give up hope.

Our Offices

LIRS offices are located in committed and welcoming communities. Locate a resettlement office near you!  Below, please find a list, alphabetized by state, of the local agencies that carry out this life-transforming work.
Alabama Inspiritus, Birmingham
Arkansas Canopy of Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville
Arizona Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Phoenix
California Islamic Circle of North America Relief USA Programs Inc., Fullerton Bethany Christian Services, Fresno
Colorado Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado Springs, Greeley
Florida Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, Jacksonville Lutheran Services Florida, Tampa, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, Orlando, Miami
Georgia Inspiritus (formerly Lutheran Services of Georgia), Decatur/Atlanta, Savannah Islamic Circle of North America Relief USA Programs Inc., Duluth
Iowa Lutheran Services of Iowa, Sioux City, Des Moines
Maryland Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Hyattsville/Greenbelt, Arbutus, Frederick LIRS Baltimore (Field Office), Baltimore
Massachusetts Ascentria Community Services, West Springfeld
Michigan Samaritas, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Troy
Minnesota Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Minneapolis, St. Cloud
Missouri Refugee And Immigrant Services & Education, Joplin
Nebraska Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Omaha
New Mexico Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Albuquerque, Las Cruces
New York The Center, Utica
North Carolina Lutheran Services Carolinas, Raleigh, Salisbury
North Dakota LIRS North Dakota (Field Office), Fargo
Ohio Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, Columbus
Oregon Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Portland
Pennsylvania Bethany Christian Services, Allentown, Lancaster, Jenkintown/Philadelphia, Wexford
South Carolina Lutheran Services Carolinas, Columbia, Myrtle Beach
South Dakota Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, Sioux Falls
Tennessee Inspiritus, Nashville
Texas Refugee Services of Texas, Fort Worth, Houston
Virginia Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Fairfax, Woodbridge/Dale City LIRS Alexandria (Field Office), Alexandria
Washington Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Tacoma, Vancouver
Wisconsin Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Milwaukee
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