January 16, 2020
USCRI & Anti-Trafficking in 2020

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of a labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of adults and children are trafficked worldwide, including here in the U.S. It can happen in any community, and traffickers target individuals regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality.

“When you mention trafficking, people tend to think of sex trafficking,” says Elizabeth Lang of USCRI, “but actually over 60% of the people we serve are survivors of labor trafficking.” Read more.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we will be posting survivor stories, statistics, and information about trafficking on our social media. Follow USCRI on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to learn more, or visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
USCRI to Host Immigration Forum in Iowa

USCRI and the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) are hosting a Presidential Candidates Forum on Immigration on January 19 in Ankeny, IA.

All Republican and Democratic presidential candidates have been invited to participate. USCRI believes that American voters want facts, clear policy options, and a path forward to fix our broken immigration system. We look forward to hearing the candidates’ viewpoints. Joining us will be former refugees, immigrants, employers, community members, faith leaders, and students.
The American Dream

We often hear from immigrants that one of their dreams is to own their own home. Roman Klymenko, a refugee from Ukraine, purchased a home in Cleveland through USCRI's IDA program last year. “At first I thought it was too good to be true,” he said. “I was surprised USCRI provided so much support. My wife and I are very happy with our new home, which is in a strong Ukrainian community with good neighbors.”
Roman (right) and his parents in his new home
Through the IDA (Individual Development Accounts) Program, refugees attend classes on banking, saving, and the home buying process, while saving money for a home. Once they have completed the training and reached their savings goal, participants' savings are matched, up to $2,000 for an individual or $4,000 for a family. The program is also available to refugees purchasing a car, opening a small business, or saving for higher education.

Roman’s parents have recently moved from Ukraine and are living with him in his new home. They are taking English classes and adjusting to life in the U.S. and hope to purchase a car or a home themselves through the IDA Program someday.
Fundraising Update

Our year-end fundraising campaign was USCRI's most successful ever!

With your help, thousands of refugees and immigrants will go from harm to home. Thank you!
A Sound Investment
 
It can be difficult to quantify the "return on investment" provided by something like an English class or a meeting with an employment counselor, but we have begun doing just that. "Social Return on Investment" (SROI) compares the amount invested in social programs to the tangible benefits received. Our internal analysis shows that for every $5 invested in our employment program for refugees, $9 in tangible economic benefits to the local community are created. We'll take that return! Learn more.
As a nonprofit organization, USCRI relies on the generosity of people like you.
Your cash donation will help bring dignity and opportunity to immigrants and refugees.
DONATE
Questions? Comments? Contact us at [email protected] or (703) 310-1130.
Copyright © 2020 U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. All rights reserved.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 350, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 310-1130
[email protected]

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