The vast majority of individuals receiving services in the past year have come here from Haiti, where political turmoil, natural disasters, water scarcity, famine, and widespread gang violence have displaced millions. Many put their hopes in the U.S. and set off on a long and perilous journey, and for tens of thousands, Massachusetts is their final stop — and their new beginning. Here they join the third largest Haitian diaspora in the U.S. 

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, IINE has welcomed and served more than 700 Ukrainians, helping them to obtain cash assistance and medical benefits, secure housing, enroll in ESOL courses, and enter the workforce. IINE has also supported thousands of Afghans since August 2021 as they make new lives for themselves and their families in New England.

IINE provides life-saving support to these families by unlocking and delivering federal and state benefits (including food, healthcare, and housing support) for which they are eligible and cannot receive without the help of an organization like ours.

Immigration law is complex. IINE advocates for increased state and federal funding to expedite immigrant entry into our workforces, lobbying regularly to improve and expand services that support the stabilization and integration of families with so much to offer our community and economy.

By helping hundreds of refugee and immigrant families to integrate into their communities, we create a stronger, richer, and more diverse culture and society in New England. Our clients also play an important role in the economy, contributing far more over time than they ever receive in initial support. As Massachusetts’ number of jobs grows at a much faster rate than our workforce, refugees and immigrants are critical to the expansion of our economy as they join the U.S. workforce, contribute to the local and federal tax base, purchase homes, and start businesses.