Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement

Our mission

To empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently

through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.

Service Pillars

Stable futures and thriving communities

In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services.

Legal representation

Our expert legal representation team is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate services to immigrants and refugees.

Refugee services

Our refugee services team offers comprehensive support to help refugees thrive in their new communities.

Social work

Our social work team provides holistic support to immigrants, focusing on their mental, emotional, and social well-being.

About us

Trusted Expertise

We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to resources they need to live. Operating in 6 different offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay.

Support our mission

Your generosity transforms lives

You make a significant impact on your own community when you support immigrant and refugee services. There are so many ways to get involved, and we hope that you will help us create a more diverse and thriving community.

Donate

Your donation will help CIRA continue to provide support services to immigrants and refugees who come to Nebraska to build a new life.

Volunteer

Refugees thrive when they are welcomed by their communities, who actively engage in their integration and support their journey toward self-sufficiency.

Pro Bono Work

Use your skills and expertise to benefit those who do not have access to essential legal services.

News

Read our latest news

The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship. But that’s only part of the story

The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship. But that’s only part of the story

Home Know Your Rights Legal Assistance for Detainees Services Legal Representation Refugee Services Social Work Unaccompanied Children Support Our Work Donate Ways to Give Volunteer…

U.S. Supreme Court decisions, simplified: What they mean for immigration

U.S. Supreme Court decisions, simplified: What they mean for immigration

The U.S. Supreme Court finished its term with major decisions concerning immigrants and refugees’ fate and status in the country. While it reaffirmed some constitutional…

CIRA expands English Language Classes to meet growing community need 

CIRA expands English Language Classes to meet growing community need 

These classes create a space for people to learn, practice, and grow together. In the CIRA classroom, language learning isn't just about grammar; it's about…

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To empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.

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We are a 501c3 nonprofit. Our EIN number is 74-3195841. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.

Copyright © 2026 CIRA. All Rights Reserved.