GRS Voluntary Repatriation & Reintegration Program
Safe Return. Informed Choice. Sustainable Reintegration.
For some refugees and displaced individuals, one possible long-term solution is voluntarily returning to their country or community of origin when conditions allow them to do so safely and with dignity.
The GRS Voluntary Repatriation & Reintegration Program is being developed to help individuals and families make informed decisions about voluntary return and, where appropriate, connect them with the planning, resources, partnerships and reintegration support needed to rebuild their lives.
GRS believes that voluntary repatriation must always be based on individual choice. Participation must be voluntary, informed, safe and dignified.
GRS does not pressure individuals to return to their country of origin and does not operate as an immigration-enforcement or deportation program.
Our Approach
GRS's approach to voluntary repatriation and reintegration is centered on informed choice, safety, and dignity. We do not pressure or encourage individuals to return, and we do not provide immigration-enforcement services. Our support is voluntary and individualized, focusing on each person's needs and legal situation.
Phase 1 — Informed Decision & Preparation
Before any return process begins, individuals and families should have access to reliable information and qualified guidance. Support may include:
- Individual and family return assessments
- Qualified immigration legal-service referrals
- Country-of-origin information
- Safety and security information
- Family and community reconnection
- Documentation assessment
- Identification and civil-document referrals
- Healthcare and vulnerability assessments
- Education planning
- Property and housing referrals
- Development of an individualized reintegration plan
The decision to return remains with the individual or family.
Phase 2 — Safe Return & Reception
Where return is legally appropriate and safely possible, GRS may coordinate with qualified governmental, international, nonprofit and community partners to support:
- Travel preparation
- Documentation coordination
- Pre-departure orientation
- Arrival planning
- Local reception
- Transportation
- Immediate basic-needs referrals
- Temporary housing connections
- Family reunification and community reconnection
Phase 3 — Stabilization & Reintegration
A successful return does not end at the airport. GRS's model is designed to connect returning individuals and families with longer-term support such as:
- Housing and shelter
- Healthcare
- Mental and behavioral-health support
- School enrollment
- Vocational education
- Employment
- Financial inclusion
- Community reintegration
- Legal and civil-document referrals
- Property-rights referrals
- Family support
Phase 4 — Livelihood & Long-Term Sustainability
Sustainable reintegration requires individuals and communities to have opportunities to rebuild. Longer-term programming may include:
- Workforce development
- Vocational training
- Entrepreneurship
- Small-business development
- Livelihood assistance
- Financial literacy
- Community-development initiatives
- Youth and family programs
- Peacebuilding and reconciliation
- Follow-up and reintegration monitoring
A Global Partnership Model
GRS intends to develop this program through partnerships with qualified organizations in countries and communities of return. Potential partners may include:
- International humanitarian organizations
- Local nonprofit organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare providers
- Employers
- Governmental agencies
- Legal-service organizations
- Faith communities
- Development organizations
GRS's long-term objective is not simply to help someone return. It is to help create the conditions in which return can become safe, sustainable and connected to meaningful opportunities.
Important Program Safeguard
Participation in this program must be voluntary. GRS does not provide immigration-enforcement services and does not advise refugees, asylum seekers or other immigrants to leave the United States without appropriate individualized legal consultation.
Return assistance will be provided or coordinated only when legally appropriate and through qualified legal, governmental, international and community partners as applicable.