On March 8th, 2005, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants launched the National Center for Refugee & Immigrant Children. The Center’s reception was televised to more than 20 cities nationwide featuring UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie, Senator Sam Brownback and Chief Immigration Judge Michael Creppy.
“It is a tremendous honor for USCRI to be starting this Center that will help children alone in the U.S. find lawyers to guide them,” exclaimed USCRI Executive Director Lavinia Limón, as she highlighted the Center’s role in matching unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children with pro bono attorneys across the country.
Earlier that evening at the National Press Club, Ms. Jolie outlined plans for the Washington-based Center that she supported with a generous two-year seed grant. Ms. Jolie has since provided continued support.
