Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants – Boston, MA

Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants: Welcoming Newcomers

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI), located in the McCormack Building at 1 Ashburton Place, is the state agency responsible for coordinating the resettlement and integration of refugees and immigrants in the Commonwealth. Statutorily established in 1992 (and building upon the work of the earlier Office of Refugee Resettlement created in 1985), ORI’s mission is to promote the full participation of newcomers in the economic, social, and civic life of Massachusetts. The office serves as the state’s primary liaison with the federal government on refugee affairs and administers millions of dollars in funding to a network of community-based organizations.

Core Programs and Services

ORI does not typically provide direct casework to individuals but instead funds and coordinates a robust network of service providers. However, it oversees several critical initiatives:

• Refugee Resettlement: Coordination of housing, employment, and health services for newly arrived refugees, asylees, and Cuban/Haitian entrants.
• Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP): Support for legal permanent residents eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, including English and civics instruction and application assistance.
• Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program: Specialized foster care and support for refugee children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or guardian.
• Employment Services: Programs designed to help refugees and immigrants secure sustainable employment and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Community Engagement

The office works closely with the Governor’s Advisory Council for Refugees and Immigrants to shape state policy. It also manages the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) coalition partnerships to ensure that services are culturally and linguistically appropriate. ORI actively responds to humanitarian crises, coordinating state resources for incoming populations from conflict zones.

Visiting the Office

The ORI is situated on the 5th Floor of the McCormack Building (1 Ashburton Place). As a state government facility, security is strict. Visitors must undergo security screening, including metal detectors and bag checks, upon entering the building. Valid photo identification is required to enter. While the office is open during standard business hours, many services are best accessed through their network of local partners, and calling ahead is recommended for specific administrative inquiries.