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Over 60 million people around the world are now displaced from their homes, having been forced to flee from war, persecution and disaster. Only a lucky few are given the chance to resettle in a third country. The United States and the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ offer refugees sanctuary and the opportunity to build a new home for themselves and their families.

Bothina Matar taught English in Syria before she and her young family fled the war and resettled in Texas. Now she trains refugee women hired by Gaia, the Dallas-based fashion accessories company where she works, and has become a mentor to other newcomers. Watch and share her inspiring story.  

Each year, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Charlottesville resettles some 200 refugees, helping them to achieve economic self-­sufficiency, a sense of security and social integration. Through the New Roots program, refugees are able to share their heritage and build healthy lives in Charlottesville. This short film tells the stories of a few notable growers who are doing just that.

Watch the heartwarming moment sisters Kimbembi and Seva from the DRC are reunited in the U.S.For refugees like the Welo family, the journey doesn't end when they arrive. With support from Uber, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is helping resettled families navigate their new lives. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

The 2024 States Lay the Foundation Summit explored the stories that bring us together to introduce, advocate for, enact, and implement legislation to support refugees and new Americans as they rebuild their lives in the United States.

Refugees and asylum seekers aren’t numbers, but people with lives you would recognize. They are mothers, fathers, daughters and sons. They are neighbors, teachers, students, employees and business owners. They are also your closest friends. We asked refugees resettled in the U.S. and their neighbors how they became friends, what they learned from each other and why more Americans should welcome newcomers. Explore more stories.