With new neighbors arriving in our communities from cultures across the globe, we see the challenges faced by immigrants, refugees and asylees as they struggle to find dignified, sustainable employment. In many cases, the work they find to support themselves and their families, seldom matches their potential capabilities, previous vocational training, or professional expertise.

The purpose of ImRoads is to invest in the lives of others through career counseling. To achieve this purpose, ImRoads focuses on building and growing mentoring relationships. In these relationships, our mentors lend their support and expertise, to enrich the lives of those we serve.

The heartbeat of ImRoads is that of blessing. We recognize the many blessings we have received. It is our desire to bless others as they transition to their new life in their new home.

Who is an immigrant? 

An immigrant is any individual who comes to live permanently in another country. This includes individuals who come to reunite with a family member, individuals fleeing persecution, or an individual coming to work. In most cases this is a voluntary choice.

Who is a refugee?

A refugee is any person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or a natural disaster. As a legal term in the US, refugee refers to one of these persons (described above) who has been given refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) before entering the US. They are identified overseas prior to coming to the U.S.

Who is an asylum seeker?

An asylum seeker is someone who has been forced to leave their country who is directly seeking legal status IN the US rather than abroad. Because they are identified after arriving at the US port of entry, they must go to a US court and claim asylum to obtain this status. Once they are granted asylum, they have an equivalent legal status to a refugee and are eligible for the same benefits.    (https://hiaspa.org/immigrant-refugee-asylum-seeker-what%E2%80%99s-difference)