What Is Jesuit Refugee Service/USA?
Accompany. Serve. Advocate
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA is the U.S. office of Jesuit Refugee Service, an international Catholic organization that accompanies, serves and advocates for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
Through global support, U.S.-based programs and policy advocacy, JRS/USA helps forcibly displaced people access protection, education, mental health and psychosocial support, emergency assistance, livelihoods and community-based accompaniment.
In 2024, Jesuit Refugee Service served 1,154,535 people across 58 countries.
Who We Are
JRS/USA works to support the mission of Jesuit Refugee Service by accompanying, serving and advocating for refugees and other forcibly displaced people around the world. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, we believe every person deserves to live with dignity, safety and hope.
Our Mission
Accompany. Serve. Advocate.
Our mission is to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees and other forcibly displaced people so they may heal, learn and determine their own futures.
You can view our JRS 2025-2029 Strategic Framework here.
What JRS/USA Does
JRS/USA advances this mission through global support, direct service, advocacy and community engagement.
- Supports JRS programs around the world through funding, oversight, monitoring and evaluation
- Advocates before Congress and U.S. government officials for policies that protect refugees and displaced communities
- Mobilizes supporters to raise awareness, take action and stand with forcibly displaced people
Our Global Impact
Jesuit Refugee Service works in places where refugees and displaced communities face urgent need, prolonged uncertainty and barriers to safety, education and opportunity.
Quick Facts
- 1,154,535 people served in 2024
- 55+ countries reached
- Core areas of work include education, emergency assistance, livelihoods, mental health and psychosocial support, reconciliation, and advocacy
Our Work in the United States
In the United States, JRS/USA serves forcibly displaced migrants through accompaniment-based programs and advocates for policies that uphold human dignity and protect people seeking safety.
JRS/USA walks with people navigating complex immigration systems, detention and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a new place.
Why Refugee Accompaniment Matters
At the end of 2024, 123.2 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing public order. JRS/USA responds to this reality by walking with displaced people, supporting programs that meet urgent needs and advocating for policies rooted in human dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions About JRS/USA
What is Jesuit Refugee Service/USA?
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA is the U.S. office of Jesuit Refugee Service, an international Catholic organization that accompanies, serves and advocates for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
What does JRS/USA do?
JRS/USA supports global refugee programs, serves forcibly displaced migrants in the United States and advocates for policies that protect refugees and displaced communities.
Where does JRS work?
Jesuit Refugee Service works in 58 countries, serving refugees and other forcibly displaced people through education, emergency assistance, livelihoods, mental health and psychosocial support, protection, reconciliation and advocacy.
Is JRS/USA a Catholic organization?
Yes. JRS/USA is rooted in the mission of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, and serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.
How can I support JRS/USA?
You can support JRS/USA by donating, becoming a monthly donor, signing up for the newsletter, advocating for refugees or learning more about JRS programs around the world.
