through their eyes, we see the freedom.
the opportunity. the prosperity. we see
the peace we are blessed with in America.
Our story began in New York in 1911 with compassionate people who believed that the American dream could offer opportunity to the hardworking and courageous. 15 million people immigrated to the United States in the first two decades of the 20th century. We were founded to provide the support services that these newcomers desperately needed to transition to a new life.
NEW YORK, 1911
Leading the charge
Recognizing the need to provide specialized services to the foreign-born, Edith Terry Bremer started the first International Institute in New York City, which was modeled on Jane Addams’ Hull House in Chicago.
Serving Survivors
Since 1911
A swiftly growing network
With demand and interest rising, our social service pioneers forged alliances between groups to create a united nationwide network. Weaving threads from a myriad of ethnic backgrounds, we strengthened the fabric of American communities.
we respond to devastating situations and restore hope and prosperity to shattered lives.
Throughout history, we have been on the ground to closely assess and monitor the human impact of international atrocities. Our work has often been a catalyst to spark reforms to short-term safety responses and to initiate long-term solutions that ensure dignity for all.
Rwandans, 1962
Sudanese, 1990
Burmese, 1994
Haitians, 2010
Vietnamese, 1979
Kosovars, 1991
Iraqis, 2003
Salvadorans, 2014
Rwandans, 1962
Vietnamese, 1979
Sudanese, 1990
Kosovars, 1991
Burmese, 1994
Iraqis, 2003
Haitians, 2010
Salvadorans, 2014
We are a recognized authority from the grassroots to the grasstops. Over the years, we have shared our wisdom and produced resources for uprooted people, academics, and world leaders.
Producing essential resources
Since the 1920s, we have distributed publications on immigration developments to the press and updated the legal community on immigration laws. We have also provided each generation of new Americans with information on how to restart their lives.
We published the first book on U.S. Citizenship
Presidential recognition
Throughout the years, dignitaries and presidents have acknowledged the importance of our work.
Shining a light on injustice
We have run groundbreaking campaigns to expose the mistreatment of people in harm’s way. After our campaign to end refugee warehousing, we are pleased to see UNHCR exploring alternatives to camps. For 50 years, we conducted global research on humanitarian situations and developed annual World Refugee Surveys.
America is unified not by race, religion or ethnicity but by beliefs and ideals. we are Unified by the belief that “all men are created equal.”
We have maintained the principle upon which we were founded – that the global family is strengthened when all of humanity is recognized. We continue to strive toward our goal of independent lives for all.
A chance to belong
We have always welcomed uprooted people. We greet them with open arms to make sure even the most vulnerable people in the world have a place to thrive.
We've been providing safe homes for over 100 years!
Building unity &
preserving diversity
We have always believed that society is enriched by cultural diversity. We have maintained our focus on preserving ethnic identity and ensuring inclusivity.
Paving paths to a future
From the start, our network has provided social and humanitarian services to create opportunities for cultural expression, civic growth, and individual prosperity.
Rallying the world’s support
We have harnessed the compassionate energy of the public and celebrity ambassadors to raise awareness and amplify the voices of the vulnerable.
Wyclef Jean performing at our 100th anniversary gala
We partnered with the UNHCR and influential Artists like Nat “King” Cole and Louis Armstrong to raise money for refugees
