Web Resources

We have compiled a list of some excellent websites that serve as resources for Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and those who serve them. They are linked for easy accessibility.

TRUSTWORTHY REPORTING OF CURRENT EVENTS:

The New York Times
The United Nations
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
The Washington Post

GENERAL:

Cultural Orientation Resource Center: Technical assistance about orientation for refugees before or after their arrival
Immigrants in Alabama: Statistics and information on immigration in Alabama
International Rescue Committee: For information and help for refugees in over 40 countries and 20 US cities
National Partnership for New Americans: Partnership of some of the largest immigrant advocacy groups dedicated to providing resources to immigrant and refugee organizations
Office of Refugee Resettlement: Through the US Department of Health & Human Services, programs and resources for refugees in the US
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition: This organization helps individual immigrants & refugees, as well as organizations
TRAC Immigration: Independent information, facts, and figures about federal immigration enforcement
UNHCR: To become educated about the refugee crisis around the world, and how you can help
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum Seekers Handbook: Handbook for communities & organizations that will be supporting migrants seeking to obtain legal asylum
U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services: Government information about green cards, working, citizenship, and other tools and resources
Welcoming America: Dedicated to teaching communities' ways to be more inclusive towards immigrants
Colorado Hosting Asylum Network: To support Asylum Seekers through both personal relationships and with material resources, looking toward a successful outcome in Immigration Court and a meaningful life in the United States.

HELP NEAR BIRMINGHAM:

Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice: Network of individuals and organizations to defend the rights of immigrants in Alabama
Birmingham Urban League: Works to empower underserved community through education advancement, jobs, housing and healthcare programs
Catholic Social Services: For those resettling in Alabama, provides a broad range of services for resettlement, as well as case management with the goal to achieve self-sufficiency
Christ Health Center: Low cost pediatric and primary care, dental services, counseling, and mediation management
Community of Hope Health Clinic: Free medical care for uninsured adults in Shelby County
Grace Klein Community: A wide variety of resources for the poor and underserved including housing, emergency needs, food, and more
Greater Birmingham Ministries: Advocates for immigration reform, as well as provides many resources for the underserved including assistance for food, clothes, utilities, and holiday help
Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama: Community development and advocacy for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama through programs in economic development, citizenship and immigration, leadership development, and much more
Inspiritus: Refugee services in Atlanta, Savannah, and Birmingham including orientation, case management, employment, financial coaching, youth education, and more
Jefferson County Department of Health: For the latest health information and resources in Jefferson County

Jefferson County Literacy Council: Free Small classes and private tutors improve literacy, provide English, computer, and citizenship classes in several locations in Jefferson County with flexible hours
La Casita: A Variety of Free Services including ESL and many other classes and counseling. Assist with filling out legal applications, immigration forms & provide referrals for other services
The Ministry Center at Green Springs: Free English as a Second Language Classes; food pantry in Birmingham
Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama: The Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama is a free health clinic and is a collaborative effort by the Birmingham Islamic Society and the Association of Physicians of Pakistani-descent in North America (Alabama chapter)
Salvation Army Birmingham: Helps in a variety of areas including emergency and permanent housing, assistance with bill payments, free alcohol and drug rehab, and assistance with Christmas gifts
United Way of Central Alabama: Countless services in education, finance, health, case management, and crisis response. Call 2-1-1 for assistance!

LEGAL & ADVOCACY:

Alabama Access to Justice Commission: Legal information for the poor, including how to find a lawyer and how the court system works
Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project: Advocate for change for asylum seekers, provide rapid response legal services, and connect asylum seekers through technology
Legal Aid Society of Birmingham: Provides extensive legal services for to those who are low-income in Jefferson County
Legal Finders: Provides information about the rights of Undocumented Immigrants
Migration Policy Institute: Research and analysis to improve immigration/ integration policies
National Immigrant Justice Center: Policy reform, public education, and legal services to refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and their advocates

National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: Committed to defending and expanding rights or immigrants and refugees while building alliances around the country
The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services: Free and low-cost legal services, social programs, bond assistance, and advocacy for immigrants and refugees
Shut Down Etowah Campaign: Advocates for the closure of Etowah Detention Center

UUSC: To learn more about how to support refugees and their rights in your community
Go to these sites for lists of free and low cost attorneys to help with immigration:
- https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
- https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/index

Organizations Approved for Refugee Resettlement by the U.S. State Department: