Advocate for Refugee Rights
Overview
HIAS’ advocacy work in the United States and abroad is guided by over a century of expertise in assisting forcibly displaced people. We advocate for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people, regardless of their national, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. HIAS works to protect and advance fair and humane refugee and asylum policies. In the U.S., our work largely focuses on refugee resettlement and asylum; throughout the world, we advocate for policies that serve displaced people, including through protection and safety, economic integration, ending gender-based violence, and responding to emergencies. Through this work, we seek to create a world in which all forcibly displaced people can rebuild their lives and find safety, welcome, and opportunity.
800+
congregations have taken action for forcibly displaced people with HIAS
111,816
letters were sent by HIAS supporters to government representatives in 2021, advocating for humane refugee and asylum policies
Strategies
HIAS works to uphold and expand the rights and protections of refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people around the world. We accomplish this by:
-
Engaging directly with Congress, federal governmental agencies, and the administration to protect refugee rights.
-
Urging the international community to support international and local organizations in their response to ongoing and emergent humanitarian crises.
-
Mobilizing our supporters to stand up for the rights of forcibly displaced people by contacting their elected officials.
Take Action -
Engaging the Jewish community in grassroots advocacy.
-
Carrying out local, on-the-ground advocacy for displaced people served by our country offices around the world.
Impact
Resources & Publications
Jul 27, 2022
At Risk and in Need
Jul 27, 2022
In this policy brief HIAS examines the serious protection risks that certain groups — women and girls; unaccompanied and separated children; LGBTQ individuals; people with disabilities; and non-Ukrainian refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons — are experiencing.
Sep 13, 2022
Waiting for the Sky to Close
Sep 13, 2022
As part of a partnership with HIAS, VOICE conducted a four-week rapid assessment of Ukraine and five bordering countries to assess the needs of women and girls affected by the war and the needs of WROs and groups responding to the emergency.