Unspeakable violence, extreme persecution, and the severe impacts of climate change are forcing families from around the world to flee their homes in record numbers. From El Salvador and Ukraine to Afghanistan, Haiti, Venezuela and beyond, families embark on long and dangerous journeys to seek protection in the US because they have no other choice. 

Once they arrive, however, they are often on their own to find community, pursue their protection claims, and begin to heal from their trauma. Refugee families resettling in the US benefit from a robust system that is national in scale, local in approach, and helps ensure a long and warm welcome. In contrast, people seeking protection via asylum or parole are often left unable to access the critical services and assistance they need. The children and adults who have sought safety via asylum or humanitarian parole face a US immigration system that is ill-equipped to help them.

 At LIRS, we believe everyone—regardless of status—should be welcomed with dignity and open arms.