Our Mission

Voice for Refuge Action Fund was founded in 2020 to build the power of refugee voters and increase representation of former refugees and refugee champions in all levels of government. That same year, we endorsed 38 refugee, immigrant, and pro-refugee candidates around the country and called on the new Biden Administration to take action to support refugees and immigrants. 

Voice for Refuge Action Fund is a first-of-its kind organization created to advance pro-refugee policies at the national, state, and local level, to hold elected leaders accountable and to support the election of pro-refugee candidates at all levels of government.

We hold a strong, core belief that directly impacted individuals should have the opportunity to represent their communities. We prioritize supporting refugees, former refugees, immigrants, and asylees already engaged in or curious about politics, advocacy and civic engagement.

Representation Matters

Refugees should be represented in government and have a voice in the policies that impact them.
We hold a strong, core belief that directly impacted individuals should have the opportunity to represent their communities. We work to break down the obstacles to political participation faced by former refugees that are intrinsic to the system of oppression and exclusion created by our society and laws.

Accountability Matters

Elected officials must be expected to take action to uphold welcome, generosity, and human rights for all.
Holding leaders accountable to the communities they represent includes equipping those communities to vote, advocate, and feel confident to use their own voice, and in their own language. We do this through publishing scorecards, calling out bad actors and thanking champions, and by equipping refugee communities to participate in elections through voting and volunteering.

Elections Matter

Those elected have a lasting impact on refugee communities and supporting new refugees welcomed into the United States.
We work with refugee candidates to help them in their first time or re-election campaigns by providing one-on-one campaign mentorship with experienced staffers, toolkits and training on specific topics, and endorsements from our organization. Refugee representation, to our organization about refugee leaders being empowered to run for local, state, and federal offices themselves.

We empower former refugees to participate in civic engagement and advocacy to hold leaders accountable. Holding leaders accountable to the communities they represent includes equipping those communities to vote, advocate, and feel confident to use their own voice, and in their own language.

We work to break down the obstacles to political participation faced by former refugees that are intrinsic to the system of oppression and exclusion created by our society and laws. This includes addressing barriers that are intersectional, with refugee lived-experience being just one part of a person’s experience that results in political exclusion, disenfranchisement, and underrepresentation.

“This nation is built on a promise of "opportunities". People across the globe seek to better their lives through these promises. As a refugee from Vietnam, our family came here to escape political execution and to build a future. This is our story. We are the HOPE and DREAM builders. As we look forward into the prosperous future of the United States of America, we see clearly that refugees and immigrants are the best people who have a vision of not just building a better life for our family, but for all Americans.”
Representative My-Linh ThaiState House District 41, Washington
“When we talk about immigrants and refugees, we have to remember we are talking about people. I’m a daughter of immigrants. Immigrants have always made our society stronger and better, and that hasn’t changed. The question when we are looking at immigration policy is: Do we choose compassion or cruelty? Do we choose care or fear? We should use the opportunity of new migrants seeking asylum to bolster our social safety net and make sure we’re providing housing, healthcare, and jobs for everyone.”
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant ForrestState Assembly District 57, New York
“As a refugee and immigrant myself, I know what is possible when communities commit themselves to making opportunity, health, and safety available to all. When we care for our most vulnerable, we all become more secure.”
Representative Naquetta RicksState House District 40, Colorado
“Our nation, built in part by the hopes and dreams of immigrants and refugees must continue to support the strength that diversity brings, while also recognizing the beauty and honor of the land and people who cherished this home long before so many sought refuge here.”
Representative Jennifer Dailey-ProvostState House District 22, Utah
“Not only am I a migrant, but my paternal and maternal families are themselves products of global migration. It is the most human and natural instinct to seek a better life, and our planet's history is full of tragic moments when angry people separate "insider" from "outsider." Our strongest moments, on the other hand, when we innovate, grow, and create partnerships, have been borne out of nurturing migrants and migrant cultures.”
Representative Leonora DodgeState House District Chittenden 23, Vermont
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Our Early Impact

62

Candidates endorsed in the 2022 primary and general elections

+1200

Signatures collected in support of the Afghan Adjustment Act

535

Members of Congress ranked and scored based on their response to the relocation and resettlement of Afghans

5

Toolkits released for candidates on topics relevant to refugee campaigns

1

Feature in New York Times for our advocacy

Building a more Representative Democracy

Local, state, and federal representatives play a critical role in supporting and welcoming vulnerable individuals displaced by violence, persecution, and climate change. Can you chip in $10 or $25 today to help us continue to support pro-refugee candidates around the country?

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