The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW) celebrates its centennial this year. The core focus of the organization is immigration and naturalization services, but it has also greatly expanded its services to include translation assistance and educational programs. IIW connects with refugees through two federal agencies: the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Bureau of Populations, Refugees and Migration.
“When refugees come to us, they’re already through the vetting process and eligible for services,” says Dr. Paul F. Trebian, the organization’s president and CEO, who joined the organization 12 years ago as a board member. “Wisconsin saw a lot of Afghans come here. All of the refugee resettlement agencies helped out by placing quite a few of the newcomers. That happened right around COVID times and was a very big challenge. It’s a 90-day program to get them set up and begin to become self-sufficient. After 90 days, it switches over to services provided by the state … up to five years. Anyone we place through that five-year period we can continue to provide services.”
Volunteers assist refugees with needs such as driving to medical appointments, navigating the bus system or helping to fill out paperwork to receive health services, green cards or work authorization. The organization also provides goods such as clothing. “Coats, shoes and socks – the things people take for granted – we can always use those,” says Trebian. “Our workers are trained to do all of the processing and the case management to make sure all of their needs are met.”
At the Holiday Folk Fair International, sponsored by the IIW each November, a naturalization ceremony honors new citizens of the United States. In 2023, more than 250 people were naturalized. “That’s always a joyous time because participants have their family and friends come. It’s one of my favorite days of the year,” says Trebian.
In a full-circle moment, some refugees served by IIW end up working for the organization. Halim Halimey, now IIW’s housing coordinator, arrived in Milwaukee in 2015 from Afghanistan. “They treated me as a family member with dignity and respect,” he says. “They picked me up at the airport, arranged housing, did grocery shopping.” They also helped enroll him in English as a Second Language classes at MATC, apply for benefits and take the bus. “Without the help of this agency, it can be very hard to set up your new life here,” he says.
What We Do
- The International Institute of Wisconsin is an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective through education, arts, exchange, communication, social activities and immigration and naturalization services.
- The Institute initiates, coordinates and sponsors refugee resettlement, interpretation and translation services, and an international visitor leadership program.
Where Your Money Goes
- Donations are used to help with refugee resettlement services, such as providing clothing and household goods for those who can’t afford them. Funds are also used to provide educational programs for refugees, including translation services.
International Institute of Wisconsin
1110 N. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DR., SUITE 420 | 414-225-6220
