The project helped the Cheuhen family, which fled religious persecution in Bhutan.

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, there are 37.9 million immigrants, both legal and illegal, living in the United States.

One in eight U.S. residents is an immigrant, compared to one in 21 in 1970. This is the highest level of immigrants the US has seen in 80 years. There are an estimated 11.3 million illegal aliens in the nation.

Immigrants make up 11.5 percent of the population and if current trends continue, by the end of this decade, the total of immigrants in this country are estimated to surpass the all time high of 14.8 percent, which was last reached in 1890. It's estimated that 1.5 million immigrants arrive in the United States every year.

		WATCH THE VIDEO
	Welcome to America One woman was inspired by the World Trade Center attacks to find a way to give those newcomers a warm welcome to America.

The poverty rate for immigrants is two-thirds higher, about 17.6 percent, than those who are native to the United States, which is about 10.6 percent. Immigrants and their children make up one out of every four people living in poverty.

The Welcome to America Project, also known as WTAP, was founded by Phil and Carolyn Manning after a loved one died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

	Contact Information
The Welcome to America Project (602) 490-0088 WTAP.org

Since 2001, WTAP has helped more than 650 newly resettled refugee families from war torn countries like Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Burma, Bhutan, Cuba and Afghanistan.

Many of these families have been living in refugee camps for 10 to 12 years and are eager to start a new life.

After tens of thousands of volunteer hours and over $750,000 in donations, WTAP has helped families furnish bare apartments with quality home furnishings and other household items in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

	The Project
"Part of it is to give them furniture and household items, and part of it is to reach out to them on a humanitarian basis and say, 'We are so glad you're here.'" - Carolyn Manning, Welcome to America Project

In addition, the organization helps to bridge gaps between the local community and newly arrived refugees as well as build understanding among the people.

Did you know that just $200 can furnish one apartment for a family of four? Your donations will help provide support for these families as they transition into their new lives. To find out ways you can help, visit WTAP.org.