New name.
Same mission.
LIRS is now Global Refuge.
Welcoming newcomers since 1939.
See Our EvolutionAdvocacy
Promoting just, humane immigration policy
Raise your voice alongside refugees and immigrants
Global Refuge (formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service – LIRS) stands with and advocates for immigrants and refugees, and seeks a just, fair and generous culture of welcome. Global Refuge provides services for newcomers, including refugees, unaccompanied children, asylum-seekers, and special immigrant visa (SIV) holders, and operates through a combination of direct service and its network of over 75 community-based affiliates in 42 states.
Since its inception, Global Refuge has served and assisted more than 750,000 individuals as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Global Refuge’s mission is that, as a witness to God’s love of all people, we stand with and advocate for immigrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice.
Our advocacy, supported by our community, is rooted in our faith, inspired by those we serve, informed by our team of experts, and guided by our vision that all immigrants and refugees should be protected, embraced, and empowered in a world of just and welcoming communities.
Our Work
Each year, Global Refuge sets advocacy priorities that serve as a roadmap for our work with the administration, legislative offices, faith partners, network affiliates, coalitions, and immigrant leaders, and reflects our mission to welcome the stranger with compassion and dignity.
2024 Advocacy Priorities
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Build the Refugee Resettlement System
Strengthen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program’s (USRAP) capacity to welcome and integrate refugees.
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Protect Unaccompanied Children
Secure the protection and welfare of unaccompanied children and increase efforts to reunify and strengthen immigrant families.
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Strengthen and Lift Up Newcomers’ Economic and Civic Integration
Strengthen the economic integration of immigrants and refugees and encourage and broaden citizenship as legally available.
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Provide Protection Pathways Vulnerable Populations
Provide protection pathways for persons with permanent and short-term needs, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIVS) holders, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parolees, and those displaced by climate
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Promote Humanitarian Values and Human Dignity
Safeguard access to asylum and expand community-based programming to ensure asylum seekers are treated with dignity and comply with their immigration proceedings.
Take Action
Advocate with UsFind resources, links, and take action to make your voice heard in support of our priorities for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Welcoming Refugees
Global Refuge is committed to welcoming refugees into communities across the United States. Learn more about refugee admissions in the U.S.
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Facing the Reality of Climate Displacement
For 80 years, Global Refuge has assisted forcibly uprooted people from around the globe. But increasingly, we are seeing an unprotected group seeking refuge: persons who are displaced, in whole or in part, due to climate disasters. See our latest research and take action.
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Working to Welcome and Integrate our Afghan Neighbors
The evacuation was just the beginning. We must continue to advocate for our Afghan neighbors in the U.S. and abroad.
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Welcoming and Protecting Children
Our advocacy focuses on recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of unaccompanied immigrant children and ensuring they are provided compassionate care as they seek protection, reunification, integration, and compliance with immigration court proceedings.
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You can change lives.
Explore the many ways to support Global Refuge.
Get InvolvedExplore the many ways to support Global Refuge.
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