Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a nonprofit organization that provides services to refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants in the United States. Founded in 1939, the organization has a long history of working with Lutheran World Relief, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the U.S. Department of State to provide assistance to those in need. The organization is a member of the Lutheran Services in America network and works closely with other organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Catholic Charities USA. The organization's work is also supported by ELCA World Hunger, a program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that works to address hunger and poverty around the world.

● History

The organization was founded in 1939 in response to the growing number of refugees fleeing Nazi Germany and other parts of Europe during World War II. The organization's early work focused on providing assistance to Lutheran refugees and immigrants, but it soon expanded to include people of all faiths and backgrounds. Over the years, the organization has worked with a variety of partners, including the International Rescue Committee, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and the Church World Service, to provide services to refugees and immigrants. The organization has also worked closely with government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to ensure that its services are coordinated with those of the government. The organization's history is also closely tied to that of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which have both provided support and resources to the organization over the years.

● Mission and Work

The organization's mission is to provide services to refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants in the United States. The organization's work is guided by its Lutheran values of compassion, justice, and hospitality, and it seeks to provide services that are welcoming and inclusive to people of all faiths and backgrounds. The organization works closely with a variety of partners, including community organizations, faith-based organizations, and government agencies, to provide services that meet the needs of its clients. The organization's work is also supported by a variety of foundations and corporations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Coca-Cola Company. The organization is a member of the National Immigration Forum and works closely with other organizations, such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Association of Social Workers, to advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees.

● Programs and Services

The organization provides a variety of programs and services to refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants in the United States. These programs and services include refugee resettlement, asylum seeker support, and immigrant integration services. The organization also provides job training and employment services to help its clients find work and become self-sufficient. The organization works closely with a variety of partners, including local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies, to provide services that meet the needs of its clients. The organization is a partner of the U.S. Department of Labor and works closely with other organizations, such as the National Restaurant Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to provide job training and employment services to its clients. The organization also provides mental health services and counseling to help its clients cope with the trauma and stress of refugee or immigrant experiences.

● Advocacy and Policy

The organization is a strong advocate for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants in the United States. The organization works closely with a variety of partners, including community organizations, faith-based organizations, and government agencies, to advocate for policies that are welcoming and inclusive to people of all faiths and backgrounds. The organization is a member of the National Immigration Forum and works closely with other organizations, such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Association of Social Workers, to advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees. The organization has also worked closely with Members of Congress, such as Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Zoe Lofgren, to advocate for legislation that supports the rights of refugees and immigrants. The organization is a supporter of the Refugee Act of 1980 and has worked to ensure that the law is implemented in a way that is fair and humane.

● Partnerships and Affiliations

The organization has a variety of partnerships and affiliations with other organizations that share its mission and values. The organization is a member of the Lutheran Services in America network and works closely with other organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Catholic Charities USA. The organization is also a partner of the U.S. Department of State and works closely with other organizations, such as the International Rescue Committee and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, to provide services to refugees and immigrants. The organization has also worked closely with foundations and corporations, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Coca-Cola Company, to support its work. The organization is a supporter of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and works closely with other organizations, such as the UNICEF and the World Food Programme, to provide services to refugees and immigrants around the world. Category:Immigration to the United States