Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants

In 1985, the Massachusetts Office of Refugee Resettlement was created by MA Executive Order. In 1992, the MA State Legislature statutorily established the MA Office for Refugees and Immigrants. ORI serves as the state refugee coordinator’s office, and its primary responsibility is to administer the federally-funded refugee resettlement program in the Commonwealth.

The mission of ORI is to support the effective resettlement of refugees and immigrants in the state; promote full participation of refugees and immigrants in the economic, civic, social and cultural life of the Commonwealth; and foster a public environment that recognizes and supports the ethnic and cultural diversity of the state.

Interns can expect a flexible and supportive work environment focused on learning and professional development under the supervision of the Chief of Staff. ORI focuses on creating and maintaining a mutually beneficial internship experience in which students can flourish and ORI can receive a helping hand on projects ranging from administrative tasks, outreach, and community-building.