Welcome The Capital Region of New York has a strong tradition of welcoming people from all over the world with numerous organizations providing services and support to newly-arrived immigrants and refugees.
This website is just the beginning of exploring the incredible programs that are constantly being offered to the Capital Region’s immigrant community and those that support them. On this website, you’ll find:
Information on organizations and resources that provide various types of support and opportunities to help newcomers on their path to self-sufficiency and success
Ways to support refugee and immigrants through volunteering and donations
Definitions and descriptions of things that relate to refugees and immigrants as well as answers to other frequently asked questions
February 5, 2025. IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.Here are summaries of some of the president's recent executive orders that impact refugees and immigrants along with the official USCRI statements in response. The USCRI Reception & Placement (R&P) department has received an official stop-work order from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). The R&P department of USCRI Albany plays a critical role in ensuring the successful integration of refugee families during their first 90 days in the U.S. This program provides essential services, including airport reception, housing assistance, furnishing homes, school enrollment, medical appointments, food support, cultural orientation, and much more. With these services now discontinued, we are facing an urgent crisis of hunger, homelessness, and instability for these vulnerable families.
At present, financial donations to USCRI Albany cannot directly reach these affected families. To provide immediate relief to the 48 families (146 individuals) still within the R&P program, they are urgently seeking donations of gift cards (VISA, Walmart, Hannaford, Price Chopper etc.), which will be distributed to those in greatest need. We are also starting an essential supply drive to provide essential hygiene, cleaning supplies, and food to these families. Items can be purchased via their Amazon wish list or delivered directly to their office. Please also encourage any groups or organizations that you are a part of to take place in this emergency drive.
Here, as well, is the Amazon wish list for RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus) which does such great work in the region.
