Immigration and Refugee Services of America

• Where is home base? – Washington DC

• What is key constituency or audience? – Refugees who are trying to move to the US to start a new life and become citizens.

• What are the agency’s main activities? - helps refugee families come to America and to find their first home and job

• Mission statement? Key goals? – “Our mission is clear. IRSA acts to defend human rights, build communities, foster education, promote self-sufficiency, and forge partnerships through an array of programs.” (IRSA)

• What are key im/migration issues of concern to this agency? - Helping refugees get settled and start a life in the US

• What is the most common basis for statements issued, agency’s research, press releases, etc.?

• Is the agency noticeably pro or con immigration? – Pro

• Any publications?  They publish a monthly paper called the “Refugee Reports” and they have actual Refugee testimonies on the web site http://www.refugees.org/field/listen.htm

• Names of key spokespersons/officers - Lavinia Limon, Executive Director of Immigration and Refugee Services of America (IRSA)

• Give at least one citation of this group in a news report– RCUSA Recommended Refugee Admission for 2004 ( http://www.refugeecouncilusa.org/rcusa2004doc.pdf )

• Other issues of interest? - Helping Refugees with special health needs such as AIDS

• Web site  - ( http://www.refugeesusa.org )

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