Refugee Resettlement

Refugees are adults and children who have been forced to flee the only home they have ever known in search of safety.

At Global Refuge, we believe that every human being should be welcomed with dignity and open arms. That is why we are dedicated to offering newly arrived refugees a warm welcome and a firm footing in the hopes that our newest neighbors might find peace and prosperity once again.

Who is a refugee?

As defined by the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, refugees are individuals who have fled their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Refugees apply for protection through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or directly at U.S. embassies while still outside of the U.S.

More than resettlement – a long welcome for refugees.

Refugee resettlement in the U.S. is more than just immediate and basic needs support. Settling into a new home, learning to navigate a new community, and getting a job are key foundations for success – but it takes a lot more to successfully integrate into American society.

Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has deep Lutheran roots and more than 80 years of expertise, meaning that the refugees we resettle have access to a unique community of compassionate and welcoming neighbors. Beyond just the case management and social adjustment services we offer, churches, community groups, and community organizations all play an important role in supporting New Americans as they learn cultural nuances and build a new life.

We have spent decades nurturing community-based initiatives to support refugees, and we lead the field in refugee resettlement because of the incredible support we receive from our community partners.

Whether sharing a meal or accompanying a new neighbor on a trip to the grocery store, this extended network comes together to create what we call the long welcome – a mosaic of support that will serve a refugee for many years after they first arrive in the U.S.

Ultimately, the goal of the long welcome is successful integration of each refugee client. This can be measured, in part, by a refugee’s involvement and participation in their communities, civic engagement, and a visible desire to contribute to their communities.