ELL (English Language Learning) Web Resources 

Six websites that ELL instructors may find helpful to supplement other materials that they may be using. Click here to see the list.

An excellent 30 minute podcast describing the history of and definition of asylum system in the United States. Listen Here

The UN Refugee Agency

​The UN Refugee Agency was established in response to a 1951 treaty on refugees.

​From their website "We work to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home. Since 1950, we have faced muliple crises on multiple continents, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to.  We help to save lives and build better futures for millions forced from home."

Ascentria Care Alliance

Ascentria Care Alliance continues its legacy. Ascentria is a member of Lutheran Services in America (LSA), the national umbrella network of Lutheran social ministries that together comprise one of the nation's largest charities. Ascentria also is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is a recognized human care agency of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).Our goals: To break the cycle of poverty, and build thriving communities where everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential, regardless of background or disadvantage.  Our Unaccompanied Minor Program provided  unaccompanied refugee youth with financial support and comprehensive services to assist in their resettlement and adjustment to their new culture, provide for them while they pursue educational goals, and prepare them for eventual independence. Services are tailored to the needs of refugee youth, blending their cultural identity with their new American environment. Our refugee youths receive the same child welfare benefits and services as other foster children in the state of Massachusetts.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Immigrants and Refugees

ORI’s mission is to promote the full participation of refugees and immigrants as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social, and civic life of Massachusetts.

OXFAM's I Hear You

Minnie Driver, Margot Robbie, John Cho, and other artists lend their voices to tell the real life stories of some of the world's most vulnerable refugees. 
RIM - Refugee Immigration Ministry

A tremendous resource for asylum seekers.  "Building Community with Uprooted People to Serve the Common Good," is the mission of Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM). This faith-based organization was founded in 1986 and provides community-based support to individuals and families who have been uprooted by violence. Research has shown that when someone has lost everything, they hold on to their faith. RIM's faith-based approach builds collaboration between community faith groups in order to provide support to each client from his or her own faith. 

HIAS - A Jewish Response to the Refugee Crisis

HIAS works around the world to protect refugees who have been forced to flee their homelands because of who they are, including ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. For more than 130 years, HIAS has been helping refugees rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.​
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MIRA: Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Coaltion

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) is the largest organization in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees. ​

International Institute of New England (IINE)

Currently resettling Syrian refugees in Lowell.  "The Mission of the International Institute of New England is to invest in the future of our cities and towns by preparing refugees and immigrants for participation in the social, economic and political richness of American life through active citizenship.”  

Catholic Charities

“Refugees from all corners of the world including Burma, Bhutan, Cuba, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan and Vietnam are welcomed to Boston by Catholic Charities staff.. The newcomers are provided with a modest apartment furnished with basic necessities; and assisted with acculturation, job placement services and English language training. Along with this critical assistance, refugees receive compassion, understanding and positive reassurance from our staff to help in the attainment of independence and self-sufficiency.” 

BRIDGES

BRIDGES is a collaborative effort among various community representatives, and various federal, state and local government agencies, primarily from law enforcement. BRIDGES is a forum for dialogue and for establishing a network to address civil rights and security. BRIDGES is not a separate organization, but rather is a function of those who participate in the process.