There are over 272 million international migrants worldwide. People leave their home countries for several reasons, including employment, education, conflict, extreme violence, and economic crises. However, immigrants typically require assistance with settling and assimilating into a new country. Fortunately, many charities help immigrants and work to improve immigration laws. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for supporting immigration?

The best charities that support immigration are the National Immigration Forum and Catholic Charities USA. Charities like the American Civil Liberties Union, National Immigration Law Center, and American Immigration Council advocate for immigrants’ rights in the US. 

Whether you want to advocate for better immigration laws, provide legal representation to detained immigrants, or reunite immigrant children with their families, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities supporting immigration are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Support Immigration Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission and positive impact on immigrants’ lives and their families.

They have excellent financial and transparency ratings and are committed to assisting migrants and fighting for their rights.

Many of these charities offer free legal services and family reunification to immigrant families in the US.

Some organizations advocate for better immigration laws and policies to make it easier for migrants to resettle in their new country.

Yet, they all share the same goal of supporting immigration.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Support Immigration in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for supporting immigration (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Support Immigration

National Immigration Forum

Catholic Charities USA

American Civil Liberties Union

National Immigration Law Center 

American Immigration Council 

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

International Rescue Committee 

Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights

Southern Poverty Law Center

(At the end of this article, we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

National Immigration Forum: Helping Immigrants to Succeed

The National Immigration Forum was founded in 1982 by Rick Swartz and Phyllis Eisen to advocate for the importance of immigrants in the US. Today, they promote responsible immigration policies and address economic and national security needs to foster an environment for all people, including immigrants, to achieve their potential.

The National Immigration Forum has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The National Immigration Forum advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation.”

National Immigration Forum

The National Immigration Forum uses advocacy and politics to create solutions for American residents, including immigrants, to succeed. They do this by campaigning for immigration policies to serve the national interest and meet the needs of the economy, workers, and families. They also develop fiscally responsible and humane policies to promote commerce and the rights of immigrant workers and families in the US. 

Since their founding, the National Immigration Forum has collaborated with national networks to advocate for immigration reforms. For example, in 2021, they educated the public and campaigned for improved immigration policies, reaching over 4 million people online. The Forum also trained 1,621 proficient employees with limited English-speaking skills. In addition, they helped to complete 528 citizenship applications for immigrant workers in the US.

You can donate directly to the National Immigration Forum through their website. You can also recommend a gift to the Forum through a Donor Advised Funds form.

Catholic Charities USA: Advocating for Impoverished Immigrants

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 by nearly 400 people to deliver social and legal services to people from poorer backgrounds, including immigrant communities. Today, they are a large charitable organization assisting immigrants in the US.

Catholic Charities USA has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To provide essential services to immigrants and refugees to the U.S.”

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA supports immigrants on their journey into the US. They provide them with food, donated clothes, and temporary shelter. They also assist families with social work case management and provide asylum-seekers with immigration legal assistance. In addition, the charity helps resettle refugees and immigrants from around the world.

Since their inception, Catholic Charities USA has assisted immigrants and refugees with resettling in the US. For example, in 2021, they welcomed and integrated over 608,000 vulnerable people, including immigrants, into the US. They also helped to resettle 12,000 Afghan immigrants in 36 states in the US. In addition, in 2020, they provided in-kind support worth $19.3 million to immigrants and refugees.

You can donate directly to Catholic Charities USA through their website. You can also assist them by donating real estate or a vehicle as a gift to a family in need.

American Civil Liberties Union: Fighting for Immigrants’ Rights and Liberties

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 by a small group of civil rights activists to defend people’s constitutional rights following World War I. Today, they are a national organization advocating for immigrants’ rights in the US

The American Civil Liberties Union has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Using targeted impact litigation, advocacy, and public outreach, the ACLU protects the rights and liberties of immigrants.”

American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) defends immigrants’ rights through impact litigation and advocacy to ignite social change. For example, they provide legal services to immigrant detainees and fight to protect immigrant families from being detained or separated. They also advocate for the reform of discriminatory immigration laws and for creating proactive legislation to aid immigrants settling into the US. 

Since their founding, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has grown into a national organization comprising over 1.7 million civil rights activists. Their staff attorneys collaborate with 2,000 volunteer attorneys to handle nearly 2,000 cases annually, including those involving immigrants’ rights. For example, in 2021 and 2022, the ACLU helped to unite about 550 immigrant families separated at the US borders. In 2020, they secured the release of over 430 immigrant detainees in the US.

You can donate directly to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) through their website. You can also support the charity by joining their campaign against discriminatory laws targeted at immigrants. In addition, you can contribute to the ACLU by making a purchase from their online shop.

National Immigration Law Center: Advocating for Immigrant Inclusion

The National Immigration Law Center was established in 1979 to defend and advance the rights of low-income immigrants. Today, they are a national organization advocating for the most favorable policies that help low-income immigrants flourish in the US.

The National Immigration Law Center has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To defend and advance the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their family members.”

National Immigration Law Center

The National Immigration Law Center advances immigrants’ rights and inclusion through advocacy and research. They do this by promoting just and humane immigration reform policies in line with the core values of American society. They also work to prevent immigrant families from being excluded from the US’s vital health care and safety-net programs. In addition, the organization challenges unjust policies and laws whose main targets are low-income immigrants and their families.

Since their inception, the National Immigration Law Center has advocated for immigrant inclusion in the US. For example, they spearheaded the federal legislative campaign for the DREAM Act, which would allow immigrants to apply for conditional residency, leading to potential permanent residency based on age at time of entry. They also campaigned for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to help immigrants work and become permanent residents in the US easily.

You can donate directly to the National Immigration Law Center through their website. You can also support them by joining their campaign for Congress to swiftly pass a pathway to citizenship for immigrant youth.

American Immigration Council: Honoring Our Immigrant Past, Shaping Our Immigrant Future

The American Immigration Council was founded in 1987 by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) to provide legal advocacy for immigrants in the US. Today, they continue to advocate for a fair and just immigration system that allows immigrants to thrive.

The American Immigration Council has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We envision an America that values fairness and justice for immigrants and advances a prosperous future for all.”

American Immigration Council

The American Immigration Council works to improve the immigration system to give immigrants a place to call home and a chance to prosper. They do this by educating the public on the positive role immigration plays in society. They also increase access to legal counsel for immigrants in detention centers through their Immigration Justice Campaign. In addition, the Council initiates lawsuits to hold the government accountable for unlawful conduct, restrictive interpretations, and implementation of immigration law.

Since their inception, the American Immigration Council has assisted thousands of immigrants with resettling in the US. For example, in 2022, they worked with nearly 20,000 attorneys and volunteers in 630 pro bono engagements to provide legal representation to 427 migrants. They also completed 75 cases and secured the release of 36 people from detention. In addition, the Council obtained immigration relief to make resettlement for 12 migrants easier.

You can donate directly to the American Immigration Council through their website. You can also assist them by volunteering to represent detained immigrants if you are a licensed attorney in the US.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: Protecting and Empowering All Migrants and Refugees

The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) was established in 1939 to aid Lutheran refugees fleeing conflict zones in Europe during World War II. Today, they support child refugees and immigrant families in the US.

The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“As a witness to God’s love for all people, we stand with and advocate for migrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice.”

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) provides resettlement support and welfare assistance to refugees and migrants in the US. They offer 72-hour respite services to immigrants after crossing the American border, which includes temporary shelter, hot meals, phone access to communicate with relatives, and referrals to community service providers in their final destination. The LIRS also unites unaccompanied child refugees and migrants with their families and ensures they are well cared for. 

Since their founding, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has supported over 500,000 refugees and immigrants in the US. For example, in 2021 alone, they raised over $24 million to support immigrants and refugees. In the same year, they resettled over 13,000 immigrants and reunited more than 3,800 immigrant children with their families in the US. In addition, they provided respite services to 2,514 people at the American border to help them feel welcome.

You can donate directly to the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or becoming a foster parent to an immigrant child separated from their parents.

International Rescue Committee: Empowering People in Crisis and Beyond

The International Rescue Committee was established in 1933 by Albert Einstein to help refugees fleeing from Nazi Germany. Today, they operate around the globe to tackle the most severe refugee crises and support immigrants.

The International Rescue Committee has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To ensure equal protection under the law and civic integration of refugees and immigrants.”

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee delivers life-saving services and aid to refugees, immigrants, and asylum-seekers in humanitarian crises. They provide educational resources, health care, safe shelters, and legal support to immigrants from various backgrounds, particularly those most vulnerable, such as women and children. They also assist refugees with assimilation into their new communities by offering language courses, education, and empowerment support.

Since their inception, the International Rescue Committee has remained dedicated to supporting people whose lives have been affected by conflict, including immigrant families. For example, in 2021, they reached 31.5 million people in countries affected by crises, including refugees and immigrants. Their health facilities also provided free medical treatment to 155,528 children, including immigrants, suffering from acute malnutrition. In addition, they enrolled 370,771 immigrant youth and refugees in learning programs.

You can donate directly to the International Refugee Committee through their website. You can also support them by fundraising or volunteering at their offices in person or remotely. In addition, you can speak up to ensure that the US admits more immigrants and refugees annually. 

Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights: We Stand in the Justice Gap

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights was founded in 2004 by Maria Woltjen to advocate for the best interests of unaccompanied immigrant children. Today, they continue to provide legal services to unaccompanied young refugees and immigrants seeking a home in the US.

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights have a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and state and federal law.”

Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights promotes the best interests of young immigrants in the US. They do this by advocating for immigration laws and policies that favor and apply to children. They have also launched a Technical Assistance Program to support children caught between the federal immigration system and state court systems. Furthermore, they offer multidisciplinary case consultations and training to children’s state court advocates and direct service providers.

Since their founding, the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights

has worked to ensure that children’s rights are protected in immigration proceedings. For example, in 2020, they advocated for the best interests of 1,213 children from 41 countries in immigration and resettlement cases. In addition, 85% of the 714 best interests recommendations they submitted to immigration officials and judges were adopted.

You can donate directly to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights through their website. You can also assist this nonprofit organization by volunteering or becoming a fundraising ambassador.

Southern Poverty Law Center: Fighting Hate. Learning for Justice. Seeking Justice.

The Southern Poverty Law Center was founded in 1971 by Morris Dees and Joseph Levin Jr to advance the civil rights movement. Today, they continue to fight for the most vulnerable and discriminated members of society, including immigrants, asylum-seekers, and detainees.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To protect the rights of immigrants and their children to ensure they are treated with dignity and fairness.”

Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center protects the rights of immigrants and their families to ensure they are treated with dignity and fairness. They do this by providing legal representation to help immigrants get justice. They also work to reveal abuse and discrimination in the immigration system and file lawsuits against such abuses. In addition, they advocate for a fairer deportation process that considers each immigrant’s case on its merits. The organization also works to reunite immigrant families separated at the American border.

Since their founding, the Southern Poverty Law Center has expanded to provide training and pro bono legal services to 4 immigration detention centers in the Deep South in the US. For example, in 2019, they filed a lawsuit against the American Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to represent 100 Latin American workers detained based on their perceived ethnicity and immigrant status.

You can donate directly to the Southern Poverty Law Centre through their website. You can also contribute by starting a fundraiser for the organization.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for supporting immigration. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarise yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. These charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to supporting immigration – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist, and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

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