International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Dear Sharman,
The following is a draft of an informational piece that can be posted on websites, included in newsletters, emailed to colleagues and potential employers, etc. We are happy to include photographs or shorten/lengthen as needed. Thank you so much for your help.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC), a refugee resettlement organization, has been placing refugees legally admitted to the United States with Arizona employers since 1994. According to Robin Dunn Marcos, Regional Director of the International Rescue Committee in Phoenix, most employment placements have been within the service industry – primarily hotels but the IRC is eager to develop relationships with the agricultural community. Many of the refugees come from rural areas and in some cases have agricultural backgrounds so working in agriculture is an excellent fit. The major groups in recent months have included Cubans, Burmese, Bhutanese, Burundians, Congolese and Iraqis.
Refugees are legally admitted in to the United States under the U.S. Admissions Program. A refugee is someone who has fled their home country and has a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in social group or their political opinion. Refugees have full employment authorization upon arrival and are eligible to adjust their status to permanent residents within twelve months.
Refugees are thankful for the protection and opportunity the United States has provided them and are eager to be successful in their new home. The IRC’s goal is to assist the newly arrived refugees to attain economic self-sufficiency as soon as possible after arrival through early employment. IRC has professional linguistic and culturally appropriate employment coordinators who work with both the employer and the refugee to ensure a successful working relationship. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jon Vosper at the IRC at 602.433.2440, ext.235 or via email at jonv@theirc.org.
Kindest regards,
Robin Dunn Marcos
Regional Resettlement Director
International Rescue Committee
robindm@theIRC.org | 602 433 2440, x 209 | theIRC.org | skype. RDunnMarcos
