International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
LightNews LightNews
banner
irap.bsky.social
International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
@irap.bsky.social
1.3K followers 210 following 220 posts
The International Refugee Assistance Project helps #refugees navigate #resettlement processes & works to improve relevant policy. Links/Reposts ≠ endorsements.
Posts Replies Media Videos
irap.bsky.social
IMPORTANT SIV UPDATE: All SIV applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025. Visit bit.ly/SIV-update for more information.
November 14, 2025 at 9:32 PM
irap.bsky.social
This week, law students from IRAP chapters across the United States participated in IRAP #AdvocacyWeek2025. Students met with congressional offices to urge them to support four of our policy asks:
November 7, 2025 at 10:04 PM
irap.bsky.social
Bahati Kanyamanza, IRAP's Global Partnerships Director, penned an op-ed for @theguardian.com where he draws from his own journey as a refugee to explain why gutting the U.S. refugee program would be a betrayal of America's deepest values.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
October 21, 2025 at 8:16 PM
irap.bsky.social
Quote from plaintiff Yasini Doe: “I knew that my work in the security sector for the U.S. government would make me a target, and I take precautions to avoid any interactions with the Taliban. My family and I change locations frequently... I am afraid that if I go somewhere and I have to show my ID to a government officer, the government will know that I worked with the U.S. government and will kill me.”
October 16, 2025 at 8:13 PM
irap.bsky.social
Quote from IRAP Senior Staff Attorney Mevlüde Akay Alp: “Without the ability to access this vital lifeline, these plaintiffs and their families are stuck in hiding from the Taliban in Afghanistan with no viable pathway to safety.”
October 16, 2025 at 8:13 PM
irap.bsky.social
Keep an eye on our channels at 5pm ET/2pm PT for a special livestream event!
September 3, 2025 at 4:38 PM
irap.bsky.social
ICYMI: The #BigUglyBill excludes refugees from accessing healthcare and food assistance, despite refugees helping sustain public benefits for ALL Americans.

Read more: refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
July 18, 2025 at 2:24 PM
irap.bsky.social
Across generations, we’ve come together to create a better life for ourselves & our families. Accessing education is one way Kateryna, Anita, & Claudia have done just that.
Together we can make communities where everyone has the #FreedomToLearn, grow & thrive.
#WeWillWelcome
July 14, 2025 at 7:01 PM
irap.bsky.social
We have the freedom to welcome - let’s express it together.

Join us July 14th through the 18th for a Week of Action by pledging your commitment to building inclusive, safe, and resilient communities. Add your name today.

#WeWillWelcome
bit.ly/WelcomingPle...
July 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
irap.bsky.social
Andry, a loving friend and asylum seeker detained in California, was forcefully taken by federal agents, stripped of all his belongings and rights, forced into CECOT, a mega-prison in El Salvador in April, without due process. It is time for the administration to #FreeAndry! Learn more freeandry.org
May 13, 2025 at 4:34 PM
irap.bsky.social
Sara* applied for refugee status in 2014. This year she was on the verge of reuniting with her son & grandchild — until the #RefugeeBan upended their lives. She should be celebrating #MothersDay safe at home with her family. But we’ll keep fighting until families like Sara’s can be together & safe.
May 11, 2025 at 4:24 PM
irap.bsky.social
Our outdated immigration system separates U.S. citizens from spouses and children who are undocumented. The #AmericanFamiliesUnitedAct would provide relief and keep families together in the U.S. Learn more here: www.fwd.us/news/america...
March 26, 2025 at 3:11 PM
irap.bsky.social
300+ state & local elected officials nationwide are standing up to set the record straight: Our refugee neighbors & the U.S. refugee resettlement program enrich & strengthen communities across the country.
We must #DefendRefuge.
bit.ly/DefendRefug
March 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
irap.bsky.social
NEW: Status report in refugee ban lawsuit confirms government is undermining court ruling

Read our full statement: refugeerights.org/news-resourc...
Screenshot of quote: “This report raises more questions than it answers. By the government’s own admission, their suspension of refugee processing and funding has wreaked havoc on the refugee admissions program, leaving the government unable to even estimate for the court when the program will again be fully operational. Rather than showing progress, it confirms what was apparent when the government issued termination notices to resettlement agencies just 24 hours after the preliminary injunction went into effect: this administration’s flagrant intent to undermine and circumvent the judiciary and Congress. To comply with the court’s order, the government must immediately resume all refugee processing and rebook travel for the thousands of refugees who had it canceled. Every day the Trump administration fails to fully comply with the court’s order, the greater the harm to refugees, and the greater risk to our democracy and the rule of law.”
March 11, 2025 at 2:38 PM
irap.bsky.social
Shoutout to the incredible law student advocates who joined
@irap.bsky.social in #AdvocacyWeek2025 to urge Congress to protect refugees. Join the movement TODAY—contact your elected officials & let them know that you count on them to #DefendRefuge!
Take action now ➡️ bit.ly/DefendRefuge
March 5, 2025 at 5:44 PM
irap.bsky.social
This week, law students from across the United States are advocating with @irap.bsky.social in #AdvocacyWeek2025 to urge Congress to respect and protect the U.S. refugee program—and vote no on H.R.32 - the “No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities” Act. Learn more about our asks ⬇️
February 27, 2025 at 4:32 PM
irap.bsky.social
“We will speak out for those people who are fleeing persecution, war, and other forms of violence. We will continue to demand that justice will be served.” Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Jewish Family Service of Seattle

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷: IG @wadedotphoto
A photo of Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod, Jewish Family Service of Seattle, speaking to a crowd gathered in support of welcoming refugees.
February 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
irap.bsky.social
“We reject anything and any power that tells us that we are us against them because we know that you are us and we are you. We are all in this together.” Rev. Emillie Binja, Creator Lutheran Church

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷: IG @wadedotphoto
A photo of Rev. Emilee Binja, former refugee and current pastor, Creator Lutheran Church, addressing a crowd gathered in support of welcoming refugees.
February 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
irap.bsky.social
“[Resettlement] was more than just a new beginning – it was a lifeline...I urge this nation...to reinstate the refugee resettlement program & unfreeze the funding that allows this lifeline to continue.” Tshishiku Henry @refugeecongress.bsky.social

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷 @wadedotphoto
A photo of Refugee Congress delegate, Tshishiku Henry, addressing a crowd gathered to support welcoming refugees.
February 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
irap.bsky.social
“On behalf of the City of Seattle, I’d like all of our refugee community to know that we see you, we support you, and we love you.” Greg Wong, Deputy Mayor, City of Seattle

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷 IG: @wadedotphoto
A photo of Deputy Mayor of the City of Seattle, Greg Wong, addressing a crowd gathered in support of welcoming refugees.
February 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
irap.bsky.social
“We feel validated by today’s preliminary injunction, but know there are miles to go before refugees, separated families, and our communities can be reassured that the United States remains a nation of welcome.” Rick Santos, CWS

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷 IG: @wadedotphoto
A photo of Rick Santos, CEO of Church World Service (CWS), speaking outside the hearing on the refugee ban.
February 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
irap.bsky.social
“We are encouraged by the court’s ruling today, and are hopeful that it will lead to a restoration of our ability to continue to welcome refugees...America is at its best when it welcomes refugees.” Mark Hetfield, @hias-refugees.bsky.social

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷 IG: @wadedotphoto
A photo of HIAS President, Mark Hetfield, speaking at a rally in support of welcoming refugees.
February 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
irap.bsky.social
“So many faith leaders and other friends were with us in the courtroom, and they joined us in celebration on the courthouse steps. Our lawsuit is a stand for justice and accountability." David Duea, LCSNW

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷 IG: @wadedotphoto
A photo of people gathered outside a Seattle courthouse to show support for welcoming refugees.
February 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
irap.bsky.social
“Today, the court recognized that President Trump cannot overrule this country’s laws with the stroke of a pen." Deepa Alagesan, Senior Supervising Attorney, Litigation @irap.bsky.social

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷 IG @wadedotphoto
A photo of Deepa Alagesan, Senior Supervising Attorney, Litigation, IRAP speaking at a press conference on the refugee ban lawsuit.
February 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM
irap.bsky.social
Today, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in Pacito v. Trump, the first lawsuit challenging the suspension of the U.S. refugee resettlement program (USRAP) and the withholding of critical funds to support refugee resettlement.

refugeerights.org/news-resourc...

📷 IG @wadedotphoto
A photo of Tshishiku Henry, Refugee Congress delegate from Washington state, addressing media and supporters outside of a hearing on the refugee ban.
February 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM