New Americans Alliance for Policy and Research
BE A FORCE FOR GOOD
NAAPR Advocacy Toolkit 2026:
The Power of Your Voice
A Guide for Refugees and Immigrants to Shape and Influence Policy
Despite the contributions of refugees and immigrants to the economic, intellectual, and cultural success of the United States, they are currently described and seen as a threat to American national security and a burden on societal resources. The media mostly shows images of immigrants and refugees that make them seem like they are coming to the United States with no valuable skills or agency, and that they are going to use all our resources or steal jobs. Politicians also exploit these ideas and describe immigrants and refugees as coming to the U.S. with bad intentions to harm this country. But refugees and immigrants, with their resilience and strength, can change this false narrative by getting involved in the policy process to make change happen – for yourselves, your communities, and society.
Our Mission
The New Americans Alliance for Policy and Research (NAAPR) builds the prosperity, influence, and inclusion of refugees and immigrants through policy advocacy, education, research, and community-driven programs.
Our Vision
The New Americans Alliance for Policy and Research (NAAPR) builds the prosperity, influence, and inclusion of refugees and immigrants through policy advocacy, education, research, and community-driven programs.
What We Do
Our fundamental belief is that New Americans have the power, knowledge, and will to effect change. By engaging New Americans in all aspects of civic life, we build their influence through: then list programs.
Education
We gather data about refugees and immigrants to disrupt the false narratives surrounding them. We facilitate interactions among policymakers, scholars, local communities, and New Americans to enhance the quality of public dialogue and understanding of current refugee, immigration, and resettlement policies.
Policy
We disseminate articles about existing policy to inform the public, and New Americans, of how public policies affect New Americans' access to education, good jobs, leadership opportunities, and healthcare. We provide opportunities for New Americans to become policy advocates for themselves, so they can change discriminatory policies.
Research
New Americans have the knowledge, lived experience, and wisdom to lead the social changes necessary to generate equity. With a commitment to elevating New Americans' voices, we partner with our community members, public and private institutions, academics, and community-based organizations to conduct research that gives New Americans the platform they need to inform social change.
Advocacy
Take action, connect, flex their political power, and act on behalf of their unique needs and life experiences. This is imperative to developing the leadership necessary to harness the power of New Americans.
Community Driven Programs
Our programs are grounded in the lived experiences, languages, and values of the refugee and immigrant communities we serve. We actively seek input from participants and community members through focus groups and ongoing feedback, ensuring our programs remain community-guided and adaptable to changing needs.
Reports
Driving Refugee Success
The Case for Expanded Language Access on Washington State Driver Knowledge Tests
Resettled into Poverty
The Consequences of Rapid Employment for Refugees in Washington State