United States

United States

Afghan evacuees Rana, Wali, and Hewad Ahmadzai in their home on August 29, 2022 in Florida. Their family was resettled by Gulf Coast JFCS, a HIAS affiliate. (Zack Wittman for HIAS)

Founded

Late 1880s

Connect

For over a century, HIAS has been helping refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people rebuild their lives in the United States. Each year, the United States welcomes thousands of refugees from around the world; HIAS is one of 10 organizations partnering with the federal government in this work.

Working through our network of resettlement partners in 30 cities across the country, HIAS welcomes resettled refugees and supports them as they rebuild their lives. We also provide legal services and support to clients, including free legal representation for asylum seekers seeking to obtain legal status. 

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8,279 people

resettled in new communities across the United States in the 2024 fiscal year

Our Work in the U.S.

HIAS helps refugees and asylum seekers find safety and welcome in the United States through resettlement and integration, legal protection, and advocacy. With our network of U.S. resettlement partners, HIAS provides newly resettled refugees with the support they need to build strong foundations. This includes providing initial housing and basic needs, financial support, employment and education services, mental health resources, legal assistance, and much more. We also provide direct legal services to asylum seekers through our Silver Spring, MD and New York City offices and network of over 1,000 pro bono attorneys nationwide.

We provide legal support to help displaced people know their rights, have access to protective services—including access to health, employment, and social services—and help them navigate the often-complicated legal systems that lead to permanent status and security.

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Through our economic empowerment work, we ensure refugees have safe economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and contribute to their communities.

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HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.

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Engage Jewish Communities

We work with Jewish community groups, congregations, partner organizations, volunteers, and advocates across several countries to mobilize a powerful Jewish voice in support of the rights and safety of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

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Plaintiffs of a court case stand in front of the court.

From mobilizing grassroots advocates to engaging policymakers, advocacy is fundamental to HIAS’ work. With the Jewish community beside us, we stand up for the rights of forcibly displaced people globally.

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We provide legal support to help displaced people know their rights, have access to protective services—including access to health, employment, and social services—and help them navigate the often-complicated legal systems that lead to permanent status and security.

Learn more

Impact

Rahman and his four sons in New York, NY in August 2025. (Matt Schiavenza/HIAS)

Racing Against the Clock, a Chadian Family Reunites

After fleeing political persecution in Chad, Rahman sought asylum in the U.S. HIAS helped her win her asylum case, but her children were still back in Chad. After 11 years, Rahman was finally able to reunite with his four sons, thanks in part to HIAS’ legal team.

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HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.

Together, we can help create a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

Your gift will help us provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers and advocate for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

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