Acronym Language (AL)

Kigeme: A home carved from the hills for Congolese refugees

photo courtesy of UNHCR

So, we are learning the world of governmental and NGO (non-governmental organizations) acronym language as we will be meeting with quite a few of these organizations that are part of the resettlement process for a refugee. A full page of these AOs (Acronym Organizations) was given to us to memorize with the promise of a game of TP (Trivial Pursuit) on the plane. Being rather competitive, I will learn them and win! Here's a list of the AOs:

Commonly used acronyms in refugee resettlement:


UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
DHS - Department of Homeland Security
RSC - Resettlement Support Center
DOS - Department of State
BPRM - Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration
IO - International Organization
IOM - International Organization for Migration
NGO - Non-government organization
USCIS - United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
RA - Resettlement Agency
USRAP - Unites States Refugee Admissions Program
DHHS - Department of Health and Human Services
ORR - Office of the Refugee Resettlement
R&P Program - Reception and Placement Program
CWS - Church World Service
LIRS - Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
HIAS - Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
IRC - International Rescue Committee
USCRI - United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
WR - World Relief
USCCB - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
ECDC - Ethiopian Community Development Council
RPC - Refugee Processing Center