The US Refugee Advisory Board serves to channel the collective participation of forcibly displaced populations in the US to relevant regional and international policy bodies, providing a mechanism to ensure meaningful engagement in policies affecting them.

About USRAB

The United States Refugee Advisory Board was Launched in 2022 in partnership with Refugee Congress, Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), and Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM). USRAB serves to channel the collective participation of forcibly displaced populations in the US to relevant regional and international policy bodies, thus providing a mechanism to ensure there is meaningful engagement in policies affecting them. In addition to engaging with key international non-governmental organizations to further emphasize these communities’ voices., USRAB will work in collaboration with other refugee-led initiatives such as   Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the Table (R-SEAT), a key partner  and emerging refugee boards around the world.

Background

Historically, refugees, asylees, and other forcibly displaced people have had little engagement in decision-making spaces that work towards durable solutions and protection, despite being the communities most directly impacted.

Furthermore, people with those lived experiences frequently encounter misconceptions about the many crucial technical contributions that refugees make to local, state, national, and global communities.

USRAB is committed to  addressing  these barriers. We believe that engaging and empowering those with lived experience in displacement will lead to better and more effective humanitarian protection programs and solutions.

USRAB Governance

USRAB was structured by a Co-Design Committee composed of experts and refugee and asylum practitioners spanning academic, field, advocacy, and policy expertise. Institutionally housed and staffed at Refugee Congress, USRAB is governed by the  Executive Committee and established   bylaws, and comprises staff from the three partner organizations, the USRAB Chair, and two USRAB Deputy Chairs.

Meet the Executive Committee

The Work of USAB

USRAB contributes to a wide range of high‑level policy arenas, including:

  • Senior‑level dialogues and bilateral conversations with states

  • UNHCR‑related processes

  • Multilateral forums, such as the UNHCR Executive Committee meetings and the Global Refugee Forum among other international platforms

USRAB engages in refugee, internal displacement, and statelessness policy discussions with one clear focus: meaningful participation that leads to real change. Through these engagements, USRAB works to expand access for refugees and other forcibly displaced leaders to shape global refugee policy. Several USRAB advisors have served on the government delegation, offering direct input and delivering remarks on key policy issues. Grounded in both lived and technical expertise, USRAB  members participate selectively in policy spaces where refugee leadership can genuinely influence decisions not simply serve as symbolic representation.

This approach advances a future in which refugee expertise is recognized, valued, and central to decision‑making.

Who Are USRAB Advisors?

USRAB Advisors serve a three‑year term, contributing their lived experience and technical expertise to develop more equitable solutions for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.

Advisors participate in collaborative spaces devoted to programs and policies that impact forcibly displaced people and, as needed and invited by the US government, in US delegations to multilateral policy meetings.

  • Advisors engage directly with refugees, asylees, and other forcibly displaced populations in the United States to inform USRAB priorities.

  • Advisors receive thorough orientation and training in Washington, D.C.

Meet Our Advisors

How to Become an USRAB Advisor

An open call for applications to USRAB will take place when needed and is open to US-based leaders with lived forced displacement experience. If you are interested in becoming an USRAB Advisor, please check back for more information

USRAB News & Updates

For additional information or if you have questions about the U.S. Refugee Advisory Board, please contact usrab@refugeecongress.org

Copyright ©2026 Refugee Congress. All rights reserved.
Refugee Congress is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the wellbeing and dignity of all vulnerable migrants.

Accessibility is important to us. Please contact us if you need assistance with materials or information.