The Office for Refugees and Immigrants: Purpose and Authority

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) was established by St. 1992, c. 133, § 171; M.G.L. c. 6, §§ 205 through 208. Its purpose is to promote the full participation of refugees and immigrants as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social and civic life of Massachusetts. The Director of ORI is the state refugee coordinator designated pursuant to the federal Refugee Act of 1980 as the state official with primary responsibility for the coordination of public and private resources in refugee resettlement.