The Immigrant & Refugee Counci will take place on Wednesday, January 21, at 11:00 AM.
Our
Voice
Matters
At QCAIR, we believe the New Americans Initiative has the power to help transform communities through organizing civic engagement. QCAIR aims to mobilize foreign-born Quad Citians by supporting pathways to citizenship, providing voter education, registering voters, and encouraging active participation in civic life.
The Numbers
There are an estimated 179,800 immigrants living in Kentucky.
If we were all in one county, our population would be bigger than every county in KY other than Jefferson and Fayette.
By THe Numbers
The Gap
Only 75,700 Kentucky immigrants are registered voters.
Language barriers, trust, and accessibility of information can make it difficult for immigrants to become informed about issues and candidates, and to register to vote.
The Need
57,759 are eligible for naturalization right now.
However, there are many immigrants eligible for naturalization who do not become citizens mainly due to financial and language barriers.
Who We
Are
The Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees (QCAIR Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2012. We support immigrants, refugees, and their families by connecting them with vital resources and services. At the same time, we work to highlight the talents, skills, and contributions these new neighbors bring to our community and our country.
What we do.
QCAIR is very involved in the civics process. We hosts legal clinics and workshops across the Quad Cities to support immigrants who are eligible—or soon will be eligible—for U.S. citizenship. These clinics are designed to break down the most common barriers to naturalization, such as lack of knowledge about the process, the high cost of filing fees, and challenges with the English portion of the interview. By providing limited legal representation, education, and resources, NAI helps foreign-born Quad Citians move forward on the path to citizenship. Beyond the legal process, QCAIR also offers civic engagement workshops, empowering new Americans to participate fully in our democracy and to learn to communicate with other citizens. Over the next five years, these efforts will not only increase the number of naturalized citizens in Quad Cities but also strengthen their active role as voters and community leaders.
Civic
Engagement
QCAIR provides voter education resources in culturally competent formats and multiple languages to immigrant and refugee communities throughout the Quad Cities. We also organize voter registration drives, Get Out the Vote (GOTV) events, and candidate forums to ensure every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
Our goal is to equip community members with the knowledge, tools, and strategies they need to be civically informed and engaged. Through strong partnerships at the city, state, and national levels, we work to bridge communities and amplify immigrant and refugee voices.
By focusing on organizing, policy advocacy, and voter engagement, QCAIR strives to shift the narrative and highlight how immigrants and refugees in the Quad Cities are a powerful force for progress and positive change. We are committed to year-round engagement with immigrant and refugee voters on the issues that matter most to their families and communities, while mobilizing an electorate that has too often been overlooked.
Community
Organizing
Community Organizing
QCAIR is proud to play a leading role in building coalitions and partnerships that strengthen support for immigrants and refugees across the Quad Cities. By bringing together nonprofits, schools, labor unions, attorneys, business leaders, faith-based organizations, elected officials, and community volunteers, we are helping to create a united network that stands behind immigrant and refugee communities.
Through these partnerships, QCAIR has been active in:
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Serving on leadership and steering committees to help guide coalition priorities and provide administrative support, freeing up direct-service organizations to focus on urgent community needs.
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Empowering individuals through Know Your Rights (KYR) trainings so immigrants understand and can confidently exercise their rights.
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Sharing accurate and timely information to ensure immigrant and refugee families stay informed.
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Building solidarity and encouraging collaboration between immigrant communities and their allies to strengthen the safety net of resources available.
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Supporting and coordinating with local nonprofits to expand their impact and ensure no one is left behind.
Together, these efforts help us foster a stronger, more welcoming Quad Cities where immigrants and refugees are informed, empowered, and supported.
Our Partner
The New Americans Initiative (NAI) is a joint collaboration between the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and 62 community organizations across Illinois with capacity in 65 languages.
Since 2005, the NAI has assisted low-income immigrant families with citizenship information & education, interview preparation, application processing, and citizenship scholarships for eligible Illinois residents.
HOW YOU
CAN HELP
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Provide pro bono legal support
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Volunteer to interpret or translate
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Volunteer at a legal clinic
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Staff an NAI table at community events
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Register new voters
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Work a GOTV (Get out the vote) event
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Sponsor a naturalization or work permit clinic
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Provide child care for children during clinics
Event 1
In 2025, NAI will host information sessions throughout the state to help provide information about refugee and immigrant rights, eligibility for naturalization, and to help answer questions about upcoming legal clinics. Please check back for confirmed times and locations.
Event 2
In 2025, NAI will hold refugee adjustment of status and naturalization limited representation workshops. Participants will be required to attend an information session and pre-register for these events. Please check back for times and locations.
Event 3
In 2025, NAI will be engaging and registering voters throughout Quad Cities at these festivals. Check back here as dates are confirmed by organizers.
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Harmony Fest
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QC World Cup
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Honor Dinner
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Know Your Rights
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Legal Clinics
Isaac Carr
Isaac Carr is a dedicated member of the QCAIR team, committed to supporting immigrants and refugees as they navigate new opportunities in the Quad Cities. At QCAIR, Isaac plays a vital role in connecting individuals and families with resources that strengthen their path toward stability and success, from citizenship services and workforce development to benefits navigation and community engagement. Known for his approachable style and deep care for the community, Isaac works to ensure that every client feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. His passion for advocacy and building a more inclusive Quad Cities drives his work each day.
