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International Refugee Assistance Project
International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) — legal nonprofit founded 2008, providing pro bono representation to refugees across U.S.
International Refugee Assistance Project
IRAP was founded in 2008 by a group of law students and attorneys (including Founding Director Lindsay M. Harris) who recognized a gap in legal representation for refugees navigating U.S. and Canadian resettlement systems. The organization began as a student-led clinic at Yale Law School and has since grown into a respected humanitarian legal nonprofit with offices in New York, Edmonton, and Calgary. The organization focuses on direct legal representation and policy advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers. Its work spans U.S. asylum proceedings, refugee resettlement cases, family reunification, and detention representation. IRAP also manages targeted efforts for Afghan allies (Operation Allies Welcome) and Ukrainian refugees. The organization relies on a pro bono attorney network and law school chapters across the United States and Canada. IRAP's team includes approximately 50 staff attorneys and program coordinators, with an annual budget estimated at $8-10 million as of 2024 (per public filings). The organization has represented clients from over 100 countries of origin. In 2022, IRAP expanded into Canada with offices in Edmonton and Calgary to serve refugees and asylum-seekers under Canada's refugee protection system. IRAP is structurally distinct from large humanitarian NGOs: it functions as a specialized legal-services provider rather than a general aid organization. Its primary differentiator is its legal fellowship model — training and deploying early-career attorneys to work directly with refugees — combined with targeted impact litigation to challenge restrictive asylum policies.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
2008
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New York
Corporate office
New York, NY, United States
Additional offices
Edmonton, Canada · Calgary, Canada
Principals
Betsy Fisher
President
Lindsay M. Harris
Founding Director
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at International Refugee Assistance Project?
IRAP is a nonprofit legal services organization, not an investment firm. Strategic and financial decisions are made by its President, Betsy Fisher, and its Board of Directors, in line with its charitable mission.
Where does IRAP's funding come from?
IRAP is funded through individual donations, foundation grants, and law firm partnerships. It does not manage a family office or investment portfolio; its budget is dedicated to legal representation and advocacy operations.
Does IRAP operate in the U.S. only or internationally?
IRAP primarily operates in the United States and Canada, with offices in New York, Edmonton, and Calgary. It provides legal services to refugees and asylum seekers in both countries, drawing on a network of volunteer attorneys.
How does IRAP source its clients and cases?
IRAP sources clients through referrals from refugee resettlement agencies, community organizations, and its own outreach in detention centers and legal clinics. It prioritizes cases involving individuals fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
What is the relationship between IRAP and law firms?
IRAP leverages a network of pro bono partnerships with major law firms, who provide free legal representation for refugee cases. Law firms commit staff attorney hours, and IRAP trains and supervises these volunteers to ensure consistent quality.
Does IRAP participate in litigation or policy advocacy?
Yes, IRAP engages in targeted impact litigation to challenge restrictive U.S. and Canadian refugee and asylum policies, alongside direct case representation. Notable legal work includes challenges to the Trump administration's travel ban and the 'Remain in Mexico' policy.
What is IRAP's budget and staffing scale?
As of recent public filings, IRAP's annual budget is approximately $8-10 million, with a staff of roughly 50 attorneys and program coordinators. The organization also coordinates hundreds of pro bono attorneys through its fellowship and law school chapter programs.
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