[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 74 (Wednesday, May 11, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, this year marks the 40th anniversary 
of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, IRCO, a nonprofit 
organization that serves the many immigrant and refugee communities 
that come to Oregon seeking a new and better life.
  Since its founding in 1976, IRCO has been helping individuals and 
families who come to the United States with few resources and little 
support. Established by refugees, for refugees, the organization has a 
long track record of providing vital housing, healthcare, and 
employment services. IRCO staff offer peer-to-peer assistance and 
culturally specific services through programs like the Asian Family 
Center and Africa House. IRCO served more than 28,000 people in 2015 
alone, helping these new Oregonians integrate into communities across 
our State while maintaining an important connection to their rich 
heritage and traditions.
  Beyond offering immediate support for those starting a life in the 
United States, IRCO has also become an advocacy arm for Oregon's 
immigrants and refugees. Its leadership development programs have 
graduated many individuals who have worked with key decisionmakers to 
pursue change in Oregon and beyond.
  As many in this Chamber know, I am the son of immigrants who fled 
Nazi Germany to avoid persecution. The act of helping immigrants and 
refugees resettle, to become contributing Americans, is close to my 
heart. I know firsthand how this country thrives by harnessing the 
ideas, energy, and hard work of those who come to our shores--in fact, 
I stand here today as the proof. That is why I will continue to do what 
I can to support organizations, like IRCO, working day-in and day-out 
to ensure everyone gets a fair shot at success.
  I conclude by congratulating IRCO on 40 years of tremendous service 
and by wishing all of its staff, volunteers, and partners continued 
success in the years to come.

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