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Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement

The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA) is charged with identifying, developing and implementing strategies and policies impacting immigrant and refugee communities. OIRA operates within the Oregon Department of Human Services Director’s Office and reports to the ODHS Director.

 About OIRA Partnerships Contact us Resources in Oregon





About OIRA

​OIRA leads ODHS' statewide immigrant and refugee integration strategy. 

OIRA accomplishes its work through partnering with the ODHS leadership team, all state agencies, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and immigrant and refugee advocacy groups to:

  • Help coordinate strategies;
  • Review legislation;
  • Develop tracking systems to monitor potential investments and efforts in the state;
  • Advocate that resources are being allocated equitably and effectively; and 
  • Ultimately implement plans that aid in the advancement of immigrants and refugees.​

OIRA's mission is to advance a statewide immigrant and refugee integration strategy. Key functions include:

  • Advocate for and partner with statewide immigrant and refugee programs and services that coordinate with long-term support services to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee populations in this state;
  • Collect data on immigrant and refugee populations in this state for the purposes of determining the needs of the populations and tracking progress in reducing social, economic and health disparities for the populations;
  • Monitor and protect data collected under this subsection and ensure that any data collected and maintained by the office is not disclosed to any person or entity not affiliated with the office;
  • Track state legislation that impacts immigrant and refugee populations in this state;
  • Ensure that any racial and ethnic impact statements for legislation accurately include the impact to immigrants and refugees in this state who are individuals who are Black, indigenous or other people of color;
  • Advocate for resources from the federal government to support the immigrant and refugee populations; and
  • Monitor and publish investments made by the state for the benefit and support of the immigrant and refugee populations.

The Oregon Legislature established the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement through Senate Bill 778​​ during the 2021 legislation session. The bill was Chief Sponsored by Senator Kayse Jama and envisioned by community partners across the state. The creation of this office was to envision an Oregon where we welcome and value the contributions, strengths and assets of immigrants and refugees.

The office began as part of the Governor's Office then transitioned in 2022 to Oregon Department of Human Services.

Partnerships

OIRA is a member of the Office New Americans (ONA) State Network . Through this network OIRA is connected to a forum for state policy leaders to drive positive change that supports immigrant and refugee integration into the workforce and economy.

Contact us

  Email: oira.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov

 Phone: 503-945-5600 (ODHS central office)

Resources in Oregon

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) health care coverage is available regardless of immigration status for people who meet income and other criteria. There are programs for adults and children. 

Refugee services including cash assistance, medical benefits and employment services are available to refugees and others with an eligible immigration status. 

View the list of Refugee Resettlement Agencies in Oregon. 

Oregon Driver License information and forms are available from the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. 

Universal Legal Representation  is available for all eligible immigrants in Oregon through a collaborative of community-based organizations, non-profits and attorneys. 

To enroll, call 888-274-7292 (Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time).