New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

Stand with refugees.

With the election decided, we know mass deportations and an end to refugee resettlement may be ahead. Help us protect families now!

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Advocacy

Promoting just, humane immigration policy

Raise your voice alongside refugees and immigrants

Staff and volunteers in meetings at the Capitol on World Refugee Day 2023.

Global Refuge (formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service – LIRS) stands with and advocates for immigrants and refugees, and seeks a just, fair and generous culture of welcome. Global Refuge provides services for newcomers, including refugees, unaccompanied children, and special immigrant visa (SIV) holders, and operates through a combination of direct service and its network of over 75 community-based affiliates in 42 states.  

Since its inception, Global Refuge has served and assisted more than 750,000 individuals as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Global Refuge’s mission is that, as a witness to God’s love of all people, we stand with and advocate for immigrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice.

Our advocacy, supported by our community, is rooted in our faith, inspired by those we serve, informed by our team of experts, and guided by our vision that immigrants and refugees should be protected, embraced, and empowered in a world of just and welcoming communities.

Our Work

Each year, Global Refuge sets advocacy priorities that serve as a roadmap for our work with the administration, legislative offices, faith partners, network affiliates, coalitions, and immigrant leaders, and reflects our mission to welcome the stranger with compassion and dignity.  

2024 Advocacy Priorities

  • Build the Refugee Resettlement System

    Strengthen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program’s (USRAP) capacity to welcome and integrate refugees.

  • Protect Unaccompanied Children

    Secure the protection and welfare of unaccompanied children and increase efforts to reunify and strengthen immigrant families.

  • Strengthen and Lift Up Newcomers’ Economic and Civic Integration

    Strengthen the economic integration of immigrants and refugees and encourage and broaden citizenship as legally available.

  • Provide Protection Pathways Vulnerable Populations

    Provide protection pathways for persons with permanent and short-term needs, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIVS) holders, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parolees, and those displaced by climate

  • Promote Humanitarian Values and Human Dignity

    Safeguard access to asylum and expand community-based programming to ensure asylum seekers are treated with dignity and comply with their immigration proceedings.

Take Action

Advocate with Us

Find resources, links, and take action to make your voice heard in support of our priorities for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Advocate with Us

Welcoming Refugees

Global Refuge is committed to welcoming refugees into communities across the United States. Learn more about refugee admissions in the U.S.

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Facing the Reality of Climate Displacement

For 80 years, Global Refuge has assisted forcibly uprooted people from around the globe. But increasingly, we are seeing an unprotected group seeking refuge: persons who are displaced, in whole or in part, due to climate disasters. See our latest research and take action.

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Afghan refugees stand near a bus

Working to Welcome and Integrate our Afghan Neighbors

The evacuation was just the beginning. We must continue to advocate for our Afghan neighbors in the U.S. and abroad.

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Welcoming and Protecting Children

Our advocacy focuses on recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of unaccompanied immigrant children and ensuring they are provided compassionate care as they seek protection, reunification, integration, and compliance with immigration court proceedings.

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You can change lives.

Explore the many ways to support Global Refuge.

Get Involved

Explore the many ways to support Global Refuge.

Get Involved

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