About the Bureau of Refugee Programs

dad holding baby boy

What We Do?

The Bureau of Refugee Programs (BRP) receives grants from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and funds local statewide organizations to provide critical services to refugees. BRP ensures provision and coordination of services that help refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency and social adjustment upon their arrival to the U.S.

For more information about ORR programs for refugees, please visit the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Who is a refugee?

A refugee is a person who is outside of his or her country or origin and is unable or unwilling to return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Although refugees move to many parts of the world, Wisconsin has provided a home to over 50 different ethnic groups since 1975. Refugees help Wisconsin’s economy by:

  • Actively participating in the workforce;
  • Paying taxes;
  • Owning their own businesses;
  • Buying homes;
  • Learning English; and
  • Becoming U.S. citizens.

Refugee Programs and Providers in Wisconsin

BRP collaborates with local organizations to provide services to refugees in various areas of the state of Wisconsin. To find the partner organization nearest to your area, visit the Partner Agencies page.

Services that are available to refugees to foster integration into their new community include:

  • Employment services;
  • Interpretation and translation;
  • Case management;
  • Transportation;
  • Health and mental health related services;
  • English language training;
  • Services to elderly refugees;
  • Cash and medical assistance; and
  • Social adjustment services.

BRP has meetings with refugee service providers to provide information about refugees and refugee services in the state of Wisconsin. Read more about the Refugee Quarterly Consultation meetings.