The USAIM Mission

The Mission of the U.S. Association for International Migration ( USAIM ) is to broaden public awareness and mobilize private sector resources in support of domestic and international programs that provide assistance to migrants and refugees. We do so primarily by supporting and promoting the work of the International Organization for Migration ( IOM ) which is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

The IOM Mission

The International Organization for Migration ( IOM ) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading actor on the global migration front, IOM engages government, civil society and the private sector to capitalize on the positive effects of migration. In designing and implementing its programs, IOM seeks to:

• Enhance economic and social development in today’s increasingly mobile societies
• Respond to emergencies resulting in, or from, populations on the move
• Deliver efficient, effective and humane services to clients and stakeholders
• Facilitate rapid and reliable information exchange on evolving migration issues
• Build capacity for managing future migration challenges

IOM’s Work

IOM is the principle international and humanitarian body meeting the challenges of migration. Established in 1951 to settle European displaced persons, refugees and migrants, IOM has now grown to encompass a variety of migration management activities throughout the world. More than 12 million refugees and migrants in 125 countries have experienced IOM help in resettlement, integration, or transfer. IOM is an intergovernmental organization of 120 member States, and 19 holding Observer status. While not a part of the United Nations system, IOM maintains close working relations with UN bodies and operational agencies. IOM assists persons in need by providing a full range of migration services, and sometimes de facto protection, to migrants, refugees, externally and internally displaced persons, as well as those migrating for study or work. By working with governments, the UN and other international organizations or voluntary agencies, IOM fosters orderly migration throughout the world. IOM defines its outlook on migration issues through specialized service areas, forming the backbone of the Organization’s expertise. They are: Movements, Assisted Returns, Migration Health Services, Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building, Counter Trafficking, and Labor Migration.

To learn more about IOM, please visit www.iom.int. How to help

USAIM is seeking relationships with US foundations and corporations that are interested in international humanitarian issues. Our particular areas of concern are international emergency relief, counter-trafficking, health (especially HIV/AIDS), mass information for migrants and refugees, and micro economic development programs. USAIM seeks support for IOM programs in over 100 countries around the globe. Today, migrants and refugees rely on IOM for international assistance. USAIM is there to lend a helping hand.

Join USAIM in making a difference in people’s lives – lend a helping hand.

In order to obtain further information about USAIM and to start a dialog, please contact us at info@usaim.org.

TO DONATE: Please make your tax-deductible check payable to USAIM and mail it to the address below, or use the online donation button. 

USAIM
1752 N Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 862-1826 ext 253
Fax: (202) 862-1879  

Examples of Private Sector Partnership

USAIM has worked hard to build partnerships in the private sector in order to ensure continued support for IOM’s programs in countries affected by natural disasters, violent conflicts and economic hardships.

Programs in such areas as returns, health of migrants, reintegration of refugees and displaced persons, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, registration for elections, community improvement, and grassroots governance, have placed IOM on the map of humanitarian assistance on the global level. Support from the private sector enables USAIM to contribute to the implementation of much needed programs throughout the world.

The following are a few examples of successful USAIM – Private Sector Partnerships:

UBS funded an IOM counter trafficking program in Indonesia in 2006 that included an information campaign, provision of livelihood support, infrastructure and training for 500 vulnerable women/heads of household, and the strengthening of individual capacity for impoverished and tsunami affected families. This project complemented another IOM program on the island of Nias financed by UBS: a care-home facility and non-formal education center for orphans, abandoned and other vulnerable children from impoverished families who were at risk of being trafficked.

David Boyd-Thomas noted, “UBS has been pleased to partner with IOM Indonesia on two different projects in Tsunami-effected areas of the country. We have been impressed by the professionalism, diligence, and speed with which IOM has been able to undertake projects. In particular, their logistics capability under less than ideal circumstances has proven to really make a difference for the lives of many thousands of Indonesians who are setting out to re-establish themselves and their communities after the horrific terror of 26 December 2004.”

Dow Chemical in 2007 financed an IOM project in Pakistan that assisted earthquake-affected populations and helped promote social and economic recovery. This funding provided for the manufacture, transport and installation of two pre-fabricated school units for 600 primary school children. Once permanent structures are constructed, these units will be dismantled and moved to another area.

Dow also provided modular housing units in tsunami affected areas in Indonesia in 2005. This IOM project promoted social and economic recovery on the island of Nias by providing displaced persons with appropriate temporary shelters as the first step towards recovery.

The Peery Family Foundation made a significant contribution to support an IOM project in Argentina that enables impoverished migrant families living in the slums of Buenos Aires to undertake income generating activities and subsequently allow their children to attend school. This funding provided an opportunity to set up micro-credit programs that benefit disadvantaged migrant populations in Argentina and enable them to move forward and obtain self-reliance through their respective business ventures. These activities contribute to the prevention of child labor in affected communities by offering families sustainable alternatives to sending their children into the labor force.