# Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR): What We Do ## ORR's Mission and Vision The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has a two-fold mission: * **Mission:** To promote the health, well-being, and stability of refugees, unaccompanied children, and other eligible individuals and families through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based services. This means ORR considers the cultural backgrounds of those it serves, acknowledges the potential impact of trauma, and focuses on the strengths and resilience of individuals and families. * **Vision:** To ensure all new arrivals are welcomed with equitable, high-quality services and resources so they can maximize their potential. This vision emphasizes fairness and access to resources for all those ORR serves. ORR's commitment to culturally responsive services might involve providing interpreters or culturally appropriate materials. A trauma-informed approach would prioritize safety and avoid re-traumatization. ## ORR's History and Mandate Established under the Refugee Act of 1980, ORR initially supported refugees, unaccompanied refugee minors, and Cuban/Haitian entrants. Over time, its mandate has expanded to include: * Asylees * Survivors of torture * Victims of trafficking * Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders The evolving needs of refugee populations have led to a broadening of ORR's responsibilities over the years. In 2003, Congress significantly expanded ORR's role to include the care of unaccompanied children. ## Who ORR Serves ORR provides benefits and services to eligible individuals from various groups: * **Refugees:** Individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries. * **Asylees:** Individuals who have sought and been granted protection from persecution in the U.S. * **Cuban/Haitian Entrants:** Individuals who arrived in the U.S. from Cuba or Haiti under specific immigration programs. * **Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders:** Individuals who assisted the U.S. government in foreign countries and are eligible for immigration. * **Amerasians:** Individuals born in certain Southeast Asian countries with at least one U.S. parent. * **Victims of Trafficking:** Individuals who have been subjected to human trafficking. * **Survivors of Torture:** Individuals who have experienced torture outside the U.S., regardless of immigration status. It's important to note that eligibility for ORR services depends on specific criteria and may vary depending on the program. ## ORR's Programs ORR is structured around two main programs: * **Unaccompanied Children Program (UCP):** Provides care and placement for children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian. * **Refugee Program (RP):** Serves all other populations eligible for resettlement services, providing a range of support and resources. Understanding the distinction between these two programs is crucial for navigating ORR's services. ## Key Takeaways * ORR's mission is to support the well-being of vulnerable populations. * ORR's mandate has expanded significantly since its inception. * ORR serves a diverse range of individuals and families. * ORR operates through two distinct but interconnected programs. For more detailed information on specific programs and eligibility requirements, refer to the links provided in the original document.