Audit of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants

This is a Massachusetts State Auditor performance audit of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants covering July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018.

“This report details the audit objective, scope, and methodology for the audit period, July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018.”

The audit was done to see whether the office properly managed services for refugees and immigrants under state law.

“In this performance audit, we examined whether ORI properly administered program services for refugees and immigrants.”

For residents, this report gives a check on whether public money supported services like health help, citizenship assistance, job services, case management, and cash assistance as intended.

“To achieve its mission, ORI offers programs for refugees and immigrants that facilitate services such as health assessments, assistance with obtaining medical coverage, assistance to legal permanent residents with obtaining citizenship, financial literacy training, case management, employment services, cash assistance, and various social adjustment services.”

The auditor answered yes: ORI properly administered the program services reviewed.

“Does ORI properly administer program services for refugees and immigrants in accordance with Section 207(a) of Chapter 6 of the General Laws?”

The report does not list findings requiring fixes; the auditor says agency management discussed the report and its comments were included.

“My audit staff discussed the contents of this report with management of the agency, whose comments are reflected in this report.”

Most of the money reviewed came from the federal government, so the audit helps show whether those funds were being handled properly in Massachusetts.

“The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement funded 93% of ORI’s 2017 and 2018 expenditures.”

The report says ORI uses the word “refugees” broadly for several eligible groups, including asylees, certain entrants, trafficking victims, and some special visa holders.

“ORI refers to all these groups as “refugees” in its publications and documents.”