New name.
Same mission.
LIRS is now Global Refuge.
Welcoming newcomers since 1939.
See Our Evolution
Olesia and Kira’s Story: Our Whole Life Packed Up
Olesia came to the United States with nothing but a small bag and her six-year-old daughter, Kira, in tow.
Experience the StoryFollow their journeys
Sharing the stories of immigrants and former refugees in their own words.
Every person has a story. We invite you to learn from the resilient people who have shared theirs with us.
Emillie’s Story: Crossing the River
Emillie was only 8 years old when she and her family were forced to flee the Democratic Republic of Congo. They spent 15 years living in Uganda as refugees—but they knew it was not their home.
Yemelianova Family’s Story: Everything Will be Peaceful
When the Yemelianova family's journey to the United States was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had no idea they would find themselves fleeing a country at war only two years later.
Helal’s Story: My Crime is Being a Woman
Helal Massomi was forced to flee her country and seek safety in the United States.
Pedro’s Story: An Artist’s Journey to America
Pedro* fled to the United States to escape persecution for speaking out against his home country's government. The former physics and economics professor now makes a living selling his art on the street.
Ana Rosa and Her Family: Seeking Hope
After being forced to flee Venezuela, Ana Rosa and her children, all born deaf, embarked on a long, dangerous journey through Central America to seek refuge in the United States.
Helal’s Story: My Crime is Being a Woman
Helal Massomi was forced to flee her country and seek safety in the United States.
Oleh’s Story: Son of Our Hearts
The Forgione family first met Oleh in 2016 as part of an international exchange program before welcoming him into their home after the war in Ukraine broke out.
Anonymous Asylum Seeker’s Story: Fording to Freedom
Following a treacherous journey to seek safety in the United States, one immigrant was met not with a warm welcome, but with an extended stay in a detention center.
Venezuelan Asylum Seeker’s Story: A Better Future for Our Children
The following was shared by an asylum-seeking couple from Venezuela, who have chosen to remain anonymous for their security.
Krish’s Story: From Refugee to CEO
My name is Krish Vignarajah and I’m honored to join the Global Refuge family as its new CEO.