Who is considered a refugee?

Refugees are individuals who have fled their country due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a certain social group. A refugee is approved and processed outside of the US and enters with permission to stay.

What is the difference between a refugee, an asylee, and an immigrant?

Like a refugee, an asylee also flees persecution. However, an asylee enters the US first and then requests permission to stay by applying for asylum. An immigrant chooses to leave his or her country for economic or family reasons.

What is the breakdown of the refugee population?

Currently there are an estimated 13 to 15 million refugees throughout the world, with women and children being the majority. The largest groups of refugees currently resettling in the Houston area are from Sudan, Somalia, Cuba, Vietnam, Bosnia and Sierra Leone.

What is the Matching Grant program?

The Matching Grant program is an alternative approach to welfare. Funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the Matching Grant program provides resettlement assistance to refugees administered locally through voluntary agencies. The goal of Match Grant is to help refugees achieve self-sufficiency within four months of their arrival without accessing public cash assistance.

What can I do to help refugees resettling in Houston?

Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

How can my congregation or faith group sponsor a family?

IM relies on congregations to sponsor refugee families. If your congregation would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Aaron Tate or call 713.533.4990.