Additional Information
Academic Sources:
“The Economic Impact of Refugees in America.”
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/05.23_refugee_report_v3_0.pdf.
“The labor market integration of refugees in the United States: Do entrepreneurs in the network help?”
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2018.10.001.
“Refugee Entrepreneurship: A path to overcoming employment barriers and ensuring Self-Reliance.”
https://gbv.wilsoncenter.org/article/refugee-entrepreneurship-path-overcoming-employment-barriers-and-ensuring-self-reliance?utm.
Current News:
“Here’s How Trump Has Made It Harder for Migrants Seeking Asylum and Citizenship.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/us/politics/trump-immigration-changes.html.
“Trump administration sets lowest-ever cap on refugee admissions to U.S.”
“U.S. tightens immigration work permits in latest move to expand crackdown.”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/immigration-work-permits-uscis/.
Local Non-profits:
Homes Not Borders
Homes Not Borders is a Washington, DC-area nonprofit focused on helping refugees, special immigrant visa holders (SIVs), and asylum-seekers feel at home in the United States. Founded in 2019 and based in Landover, MD, the organization provides household furniture, home goods, and set-up services for newly arrived families so they can settle comfortably without spending their limited resettlement funds. It also offers employment support, artisan empowerment programs, storytelling initiatives, and a cash assistance “Moving Up” fund to help clients with career development. Homes Not Borders prioritizes dignity, cross-cultural respect, and community building, working with volunteers and partners to transform houses into welcoming homes and support long-term integration in the DC metro area.
Mozaic DMV
Mozaic DMV is a nonprofit in the greater Washington, DC area dedicated to helping refugees, especially women and children, feel at home and thrive in their new communities. Mozaic offers a wide range of programs that support refugees’ basic needs, social integration, and long-term stability, including urgent assistance and food & care packages, life skills, education, career development, and citizenship preparation. Their Mozaic Kitchen trains refugee chefs in culinary and business skills while distributing meals and empowering participants to earn income through catering and food events. The organization’s community hub also fosters resilience, connection, and dignity as newcomers rebuild their lives and contribute their talents.
Nourish DC Collaborative
Nourish DC Collaborative is a Washington, DC nonprofit partnership launched in 2021 by the District government in collaboration with Capital Impact Partners and several community development financial institutions to strengthen the city’s local food ecosystem. Its mission is to expand economic opportunity, healthy food access, and neighborhood vibrancy by providing flexible loans, technical assistance, and grants to emerging and existing locally owned food businesses. Nourish DC focuses on providing minority-owned enterprises with capital, business training, and mentorship to help them grow, create jobs, and maintain restaurants. Since its launch, the Collaborative has deployed millions in financing, awarded hundreds of thousands in grant funding, and offered guidance to hundreds of food entrepreneurs across the District.
Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center
The Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center (IROC) is a Washington, DC-area nonprofit dedicated to welcoming and supporting newly arrived immigrants and refugees across the DMV. Founded in 2019, IROC works to fill gaps in the resettlement process by giving critical support to families that often don’t receive their initial 90 days of government assistance. The organization connects refugees with volunteers who provide resources such as groceries, household items, and baby supplies, and who help with job searches, resumes, and vocational scholarships. IROC also offers community-building opportunities that help families feel welcomed and empowered as they begin new lives in the U.S.