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The Need

The Need

Miles4Migrants was formed in 2016 with the goal of helping families rejoin their loved ones as quickly as possible, and without undue financial hardship.

As of June 2020, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that over 79.5 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide with over 26 million classified as refugees forced to leave their home countries. While many refugees are eventually able to return home, UNHCR estimates that over 1.445 million refugees are in need of resettlement, while at the same time, government resettlement quotas have dropped, leaving a significant gap in meeting resettlement needs globally. 

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For displaced persons who are seeking or granted asylum and for those who have approval to legally migrate to a new country to reunite with family, financial resources to purchase airfare are a significant barrier. The journey of a refugee often begins by having to flee their homes and spend their precious remaining funds to reach safety. Without financial assistance, refugees must take loans and begin repayment six months after resettlement. The average loan amount is $1,100 per person.

Additionally, those individuals, lawfully seeking asylum, who are released at the US-Mexico border and told to report to ICE or an immigration court across the country do not have the luxury of time or an IOM loan. They need to travel now and most do not have the means to do so. 

It is here where a Miles4Migrants pledge can make all of the difference. Miles4Migrants provides relief of this financial burden on refugees by providing critical travel support for individuals and families.