Community-Based, Nationally Recognized
The National Capital Region is one of America’s most diverse communities, with approximately 1.5 million foreign-born residents representing nearly 25% of the population. This demographic also includes tens of thousands of individuals and families who cannot safely return to their home countries because of war, persecution, or violence, and now seek refuge in our community.
Founded in 2016 with $4,000 from a GoFundMe campaign, AsylumWorks has grown from a kitchen-table operation into a nationally recognized nonprofit driven by the need to rethink how organizations and institutions work with refugee newcomers. During this time, our work has successfully challenged U.S. immigration law, established national best practices, and shaped federal government policy.
AsylumWorks provides culturally responsive services to educate, equip, and empower newcomers seeking safety to overcome health, employment, and legal barriers.
Working in partnership with the communities we serve, AsylumWorks is building a world where all refugee newcomers can access the knowledge, tools, and support they need to rebuild safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives.
We are willing to take risks and challenge convention.
We believe that every person has value regardless of power or privilege.
We believe that effective problem-solving requires a diversity of voices.
We demand excellence from ourselves and take responsibility for the results of our work.
We believe that welcome fosters belonging.
AsylumWorks services are designed for individuals and families who are taking legal steps to make the United States their home. Our clients include asylum seekers, asylees, refugees, SIVs, and humanitarian paroles.
Direct client services are free and available to individuals and families living in parts of Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, regardless of language or country of origin.
Asylum is a form of humanitarian-based legal protection allowing people fleeing persecution to remain in the United States. To qualify for asylum, the type of persecution must be grounded in one of five categories: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership to a particular social group. Someone who has been granted asylum is considered an ‘asylee.’ Asylees share the same rights and privileges as resettled refugees.
Clients typically learn about AsylumWorks from current and former clients. They may also be referred for services by immigration attorneys, healthcare providers, and community organizations such as food banks and shelters.
Asylum seekers are ineligible for most federal benefits like cash assistance or food stamps, and they cannot work legally for many months, and sometimes years. As a result, many clients have no choice but to rely on the generosity of others to survive.
Our generous donors make it possible for us to provide clients services free of charge.
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1718 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 300
Washington D.C. 20009
1718 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 300
Washington D.C. 20009
© 2025 AsylumWorks, Inc.
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 81-3205931
