Immigrant and Refugee Integration
Each year, the United States accepts hundreds of thousands of newcomers, either as immigrants or refugees. Recent arrivals often have very specific language needs, as well as orientation and resettlement needs.
Given opportunity, newcomers become significant contributors to our society, sharing linguistic and cultural assets, as well as innovative ideas, entrepreneurial skills, and drive, all of which make our communities stronger.
CAL has been a leader in refugee education and orientation, helping immigrant and refugee newcomers understand fundamental aspects of life in the United States, as well as helping service providers and other interested parties understand the backgrounds, cultures, and linguistic heritage of the new members of their communities. In addition, CAL has a long history of conducting research and developing strategies for educational success for immigrants across a wide range of ages and language proficiency levels. Building on this legacy, several of CAL’s projects and resources are designed to support the implementation of programs for immigrant students.
CAL is committed to making longer-term Americans aware of the resources and values brought to the United States by its newest residents. We have a key role to play as discussion of the contributions of immigrants to our society is elevated to a prominent role in our national discourse.
Resources, News, and Events

Center for Applied Linguistics
Related Projects

Funder: National Council of La Raza (NCLR)

Funder: U.S. Department of State; Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration

Funder: The Carnegie Corporation of New York

Funder: Funder: HIAS

Funder: Funder: Center for Applied Linguistics and Welcoming America
Services
CAL offers a wide range of professional development and technical assistance services for service providers, schools, and communities working with newcomer populations. Based on our decades of experience, CAL can customize our services to meet your needs and budgets.
Email CALÂ to learn more.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: CAL INSTITUTE
Newcomers in Your School: Cultural Connections and Instructional Strategies
Given the increasing tide of newcomer youth entering U.S. schools, it is critical to address the cultural, social, and academic needs of these students and their families. CAL offers professional development that includes practical resources for building a welcoming environment, both socially and instructionally, for all students.
This institute is designed for PreK-12 teachers, administrators, and practitioners, such as social workers, counselors, and after-school specialists, who work in educational settings with newcomer students and their families. CAL encourages teams of educators and practitioners to attend.Â
Learn more about this institute.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
CAL can also offer this workshop onsite at your location.
Learn more.Â
Contact Us
The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity, and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.