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

• 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
 

HELP NEAR BIRMINGHAM:

• Adelante Alabama Worker Center

A community of day laborers, domestic workers, low-wage and immigrant workers to defend their rights in Birmingham through programs in accompaniment, deportation defense, English classes, and legal/ wage help

• 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 and Savannah 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
 
Ø  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

• 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:

• U.S. Conference of  Catholic Bishops
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
• International Rescue Committee
• World Relief
• Ethiopian Community Development Council
• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
• Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
• Church World Service
• Episcopal Migration Ministries