Program areas at Hias
See schedule oprogram service activity 3hias offers pro bono legal services to refugees, asylum seekers and other forcibly displaced persons through our direct immigration legal services program in new york and silver spring, as well as through an active network of over 1000 pro bono attorneys nationwide. In 2022, Hias directly, or through pro bono attorneys, served approximately 1500 clients, of which over 1000 were retained for full or limited scope representation. In 2022, Hias created a social services team, aimed at providing comprehensive and complementary services, including clinical case management and a robust volunteer/community support program to our legal clients. This additional support helps clients not only navigate the complications and difficulties of long legal processes but also in adjusting to life in a new community. Hias continued to have a presence on both sides of the southern u.s. border, through our Hias border fellows, who have been able to collaborate with staff at Hias mexico. Hias' position as one of the only international organizations operating on both sides of the border has provided a unique vantage point that allows us to channel facts on the ground into our advocacy work in the policy arena.
See schedule oprogram service activity 2as the oldest resettlement agency in the world and the only jewish organization designated by the federal government to undertake this humanitarian work, Hias works to help refugees build stable lives throughout the country. Despite a record high of more than 35 million refugees worldwide, the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the u.s. was capped at 125,000 in 2022, although the actual number resettled was only 25,465. With fewer new arrivals, Hias intensified our work across the u.s. to enhance the economic and social integration of refugees as they adjust to american life. Through our national resettlement network of 23 affiliates, Hias provided clients with new programming and resources to support their full economic and social inclusion in the united states.hias' economic inclusion programs take a holistic approach by supporting and empowering clients through early employment or entrepreneurship, while simultaneously enhancing their financial capability to achieve long-term economic independence. Hias works with clients not only to gain new skills for optimal employment and a changing workforce, but also to build their financial knowledge, savings, and assets--such as purchasing a vehicle or home, starting a business, or saving for higher education. Across a range of industries, Hias partners with local and national employers to integrate refugees into the workforce and provide training for career development and upward mobility. Our network of affiliates also works with community partners to help refugees launch or expand small businesses, access continuing education, and develop english language proficiency.in addition to economic inclusion, Hias' social inclusion programs help refugees access critical services and successfully integrate into their new communities while maintaining their culture and identity. Hias works with clients to improve mental health and psychosocial well-being, build social support networks, and adjust to daily life in a new country as they begin to heal from the trauma of displacement.
Other program servicesadvocacy is fundamental to our work. We advocate for the rights of forcibly displaced people and lead the jewish movement for refugees and asylum seekers. We educate, organize, and mobilize american jews to put their values into action and advocate for refugees in the u.s. and globally. We work with grassroots advocates, opinion leaders, legislators, and policymakers to protect and advance policies that promote fair and humane asylum laws, refugee resettlement, and integration policies. We fuel the jewish response to the global refugee crisis by equipping clergy, leadership, congregations, and individuals with the tools and ideas to fight for the rights of asylum seekers locally and hold elected officials accountable. Our advocacy team works in Washington, d.c., directly engaging with congress and the administration to expand the rights and protections of refugees nationwide.statewide coalitions and local partnerships fuel Hias' work in the community at the grassroots level across the nation. Throughout the country, and with the focused work of our established regional outreach programs in the Washington, d.c. area, new york, and los angeles, Hias engages with a broad range of organizations and leaders across the country to educate communities about the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers and mobilize support to advance their rights.in 2022, Hias led or was part of 148 community programs, educational sessions, trainings, and briefings, with participation from 5,000 households. Hias developed three major grassroots advocacy campaigns and dozens of online actions and petitions, engaging tens of thousands. In 2022, Hias continued our flagship community engagement program, Hias welcome circles, supporting congregations in sponsoring refugee families, and restarted our clergy delegations to the u.s.-mexico border.