The results of the 2024 US presidential elections indicate that Donald Trump, whose term will begin on January 20, 2025, will be the next President of the United States. As the International Rescue Committee (IRC), we call on the Trump administration to: to continue America’s traditions of humanitarian leadership and care for our most vulnerable.

The IRC strongly encourages elected officials to collaborate with civil society groups to strengthen protection and protection. asylum systems. It is vital to protect the dignity and rights of displaced individuals; especially while reaffirming America’s long-standing commitment to supporting both parties. refugees and asylum seekers.

IRC is committed to putting our customers first and delivering essential services when and where they are needed, regardless of the challenges that arise. almost right now 300 million People around the world need humanitarian assistance and protection. This includes millions of people forced to flee due to conflict or disaster. 120 million people displaced and 50 million are currently outside their home country.

Nine-year-old Ashley* waits for her mother Maria to serve meals at an IRC-supported shelter in Juárez, Mexico. After being forced to flee their home in Honduras due to a gang extortion, mother and daughter traveled for months to seek asylum in the United States before being turned away at the southern border under Title 42.

Photo: Paul Ratje for IRC

How can you help refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants?

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers is not just an act of charity, it is a life-saving opportunity that expands our humanity. These individuals are more than just figures in distress; they are parents, children, and neighbors seeking the stability and peace we all value. By understanding their plight and responding with compassion, we can extend a lifeline that fosters hope and resilience.

We hope you recognize that your contributions to refugees and displaced families are an important force for good.

Here’s how you can help:

donate to reliable organizations

Financial contributions are crucial to trusted organizations like the IRC, which provide essential services such as healthcare, education and emergency assistance. The IRC plays a critical role by helping individuals affected by humanitarian crises, including refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

Your donation can help refugees and asylum seekers become self-sufficient.

Policy change advocate

Policy changes at the local, national and international levels can profoundly impact the lives of displaced people. Support refugee-friendly policies by contacting elected officials, raising awareness on social media, and joining advocacy groups to amplify the call for change.

With more than 120 million displaced people worldwide, the United States must remain steadfast in its bipartisan commitment to meeting and maintaining resettlement infrastructure.

take action via IRC.

Yuliia and her family were resettled by the IRC after they were forced to flee their home in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Yuliia is working to pursue her career as a dentist in the USA and is currently working as a registered dental assistant.

Photo: Ariana Drehsler for IRC

Volunteer your time and skills

Volunteers and interns are vital to the IRC’s mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive immigration services to refugees and immigrants. Across the United States, IRC offices offer a wide variety of volunteer and internship opportunities throughout the year, including support for English as a Second Language (ESL) and civics classes.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities and internships.

Educate yourself and others

Legal right to seek asylum In the United States, it is a human right and a critical lifeline for those fleeing persecution or violence. However, Trump’s policies and Biden For the last eight years, governments have created serious obstacles to accessing this legal right. Deterrence policies, Title 42 And “Asylum ban”not only violated U.S. and international law, but also pushed people into dangerous situations; 13,000 documented cases of violence Against those deported to Mexico under Title 42.

refugee resettlement It offers a safe and permanent solution to individuals who have to flee due to war, persecution and disaster. The United States recognizes that it is a global leader in these efforts. 3.2 million refugees Since the Refugee Act of 1980, with the support of both Democratic and Republican leaders. This initiative saved countless lives and contributed to significantly strengthening the U.S. economy. Net positive impact of $124 billion from 2005 to 2019.

Understanding the complexity of displacement is key to meaningful advocacy. visit US Election center Learning how incoming officials can shape the country’s direction on these important issues.

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No matter who is in office, the commitment to support refugees and asylum seekers is a shared humanitarian responsibility. By donating, advocating, volunteering, educating, and supporting economic empowerment, each of us can contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive world.

How does the IRC support refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants?

From our 29 offices throughout the United States, we provide critical support to newly arrived refugees through emergency assistance, integration services, and employment assistance. In addition to helping resettle refugees, we offer support to asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border by providing emergency shelter, legal assistance, and access to health care.

In 2023 alone, IRC successfully resettled more than 12,500 people and assisted nearly 50,000 people through our U.S. Asylum and Cross-Border programs by providing humanitarian reception, case management, and related services.

IRC remains committed to our work, no matter the challenges, to put our customers first and serve them where and when they need us most.

*Last name omitted for privacy reasons