Meet Alma: A Free Virtual Assistant for Newcomers

Alma is a free virtual assistant created by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to help refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and other newcomers get reliable answers about life in the United States, anytime through WhatsApp. It can guide users on public benefits and social services, employment, financial literacy and housing counseling, rights and responsibilities, documentation, and local services. Alma is a chatbot, not a person or legal advisor, but it can point users to next steps and trusted resources.