Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

To people who have been forced to leave their homelands to start new lives in the United States, LIRS promises lasting support. Our work touches the lives of immigrants and refugees from arrival through employment in a meaningful career. Every moment on the journey is part of what we call “the long welcome.” Since 1939, that is what we do.

RECEPTION AND PLACEMENT
In partnership with the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), LIRS is one of nine national agencies authorized to resettle newly arriving refugees to the United States. As one of the oldest and largest agencies, our national network consists of local nonprofits across the country working to help refugees secure homes, work, and essential community resources.

PREFERRED COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
The Preferred Communities Intensive Case Management program is a client-centered program that empowers the most vulnerable to achieve their highest degree of independence through education, individualized/trauma-informed case management, and holistic community integration support. Funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), this program serves our most vulnerable refugee and other ORR-eligible populations by providing critical interventions for clients within their first five years after arrival.

MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
LIRS provides employment and case management services to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants with the goal of economic self-sufficiency through employment within six months of enrollment.

NEW AMERICAN PATHWAYS & REFUGEE CAREER PATHWAYS
In partnership with corporate foundations and private donors, LIRS’ New American Pathways program provides career upskilling and advancement to refugees and other immigrants around the country, allowing them to move from “survival” jobs into meaningful careers. Through Refugee Career Pathways, LIRS assists refugees in the advancement of their educational and career goals through activities like career counseling, mentorship, and internships.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
LIRS holds a contract with the ORR Technical Assistance provider, Switchboard, to provide training and expertise around refugee employment and economic empowerment. LIRS publishes resources, conducts webinars, and creates blog posts and podcasts to support local resettlement providers.

BORDER SERVICES
LIRS coordinates services for asylum seekers at the southern border, departing immigration detention, and at their final destinations, including the provision of necessities such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, medical triage and basic care, Know Your Rights counseling, emergency housing, and case management services.

DETENTION VISITATION
LIRS works with a network of organizations and congregations that provide support to migrants in detention through visitation and letter-writing.