Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Basic human needs — developing sustainable approaches for migrants and refugees to access food, health, housing and jobs.

Protection and justice — ensuring that policies and programs are just and protective of migrants and refugees who face the greatest risks, and that human rights are advanced through providing legal services, advocating for legal reform, and pursuing systemic change.

Children and families — providing care and protection, promoting family unity, and strengthening international families.

Integration — building welcoming and inclusive communities that reach out to those at risk.

Leadership and influence — acting and speaking with courage and integrity, building capacity and supporting the leadership of others.

Champion: Stand and advocate for our client audiences. | Champion immigration issues on behalf of vulnerable populations.

Deliver: Strengthen affiliate networks with other opportunities. | Deliver distinguished programs through affiliates & a variety of innovative service models.

Culture: Empowered learning, organizational growth. | Develop a culture of learning, connectivity, and purpose to facilitate strategic sustainable growth.

Funding: Develop diversified funding sources. | Diversify and expand sources of funding to maximize organizational impact.

Trailblaze: Incubate and expand new services. | Trailblaze new programs and initiatives to shape and adapt to the changing immigration landscape.

LIRS has welcomed more than 500,000 refugees to the United States through the initiative of Lutheran congregations that inspired our formation in 1939. More than eight decades later, Lutheran and other faith communities remain our vital partners as we continue to welcome newcomers.

Informed by our faith and our wealth of experience with migrants and refugees, LIRS has proven able to respond to people caught in conflict and facing persecution. LIRS has developed new service programs, birthed new service organizations, and influenced public policy in the best interests of those we serve. Our areas of expertise include children's services, community integration, refugee resettlement, and access to justice.

LIRS has grown from around 80 employees in 2020 to nearly 500 in 2023. We partner with more than 50 local organizations and programs across 35 states. Our work was made possible thanks in part to more than 100 advocates in the LIRS Ambassador Network, some 50,000 volunteers, and donors whose generosity combined amounted to $21.8 million in private funding.

In 2022, LIRS:
- Resettled 4,966 refugees from Afghanistan (2,479), Burma (613), Syria (561), Ukraine (378), Iraq (161), and other nations (774) through our nationwide partner network.
- Served 12,021 individuals fleeing the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan through the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program.
- Reunited 8,454 unaccompanied migrant children reunite with family members in the U.S.
- Provided loving homes for 2,325 children through foster care services.
- Welcomed 18,261 asylum seekers and supported six Welcome Centers in Las Cruces (NM), New York, Phoenix, Portland (OR), San Antonio, and Seattle.
- Launched innovative new programs like New American Cities, an economic empowerment and social mobility program that served 341 refugees and immigrants.
- Advocated for just and sensible immigration policies through 384 meetings with congressional offices, 7,241 messages from constituents to elected officials, and more than 9,052 appearances and mentions in national and local media.
- Received a gift of $15 million - the largest single donation in LIRS' 80+ years.