# International Refugee Assistance Project

International Refugee Assistance Project is a Legal aid and advocacy organization based in New York, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Legal aid and advocacy organization
- **Headquarters:** New York, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** New York, NY, United States
- **Founded:** 2008
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** refugeerights.org
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-refugee-assistance-project

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

IRAP is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.

## Sectors

- Legal Services
- Nonprofit

## Offices

- Edmonton, Canada
- Calgary, Canada

## People

- Betsy Fisher — President
- Lindsay M. Harris — Founding Director

## 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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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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