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.
Roman and Sofia’s Story: Refuge from Ukraine
One year after the war in Ukraine began, Global Refuge staff traveled to Philadelphia to meet some of the Ukrainians who have been served by our partner office, Bethany Christian Services.
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.
Nassir’s Story: Bringing Afghanistan Home
Nassir Ahmad, Philanthropic Advisor, came to the United States in 2014 through the Special Immigrant Visa program after serving as a combat interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.
Hussain’s Story: A Life of Duty
Hussain Kazimi came to the United States in 2014 on a Special Immigrant Visa after serving the U.S. mission in Afghanistan as a translator.
Muzhgan’s Story: My First Home
Throughout Muzhgan's life, she was often overlooked and undervalued by her male colleagues. Today, she is a leader at the State Department.
Tatiana’s Story: Finding America from Ukraine
Tatiana fled the war in Ukraine with little more than the clothes on her back and her eight-year-old son's hand in hers.
Viktoria’s Story: From Ukraine to the U.S.
After Viktoriia fled Ukraine, she spent several months in Europe waiting for a chance to reunite with family in the U.S. While there, she found a surprising way to support herself.
Zarmina’s Story: A Call to Welcome
Zarmina Hamidi was just about to start work on a CBS sitcom when she watched her home country of Afghanistan fall under Taliban control.
Mohammad’s Story: No One in Afghanistan is Safe
When Mohammad* came to the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) office in Fairfax, VA, he was still reeling.
Special Feature: A Mother’s Day Reflection
I will never question a mother’s sacrifice to ensure the well-being of her children. Everything costs something, be it time, money or both. Before I came to the U.S., I was drowning in debt.