January marked the start of a new session in Congress, and the need for robust refugee and asylum protections is more pressing than ever. Growing violence, persecution, human rights violations, and strife around the world has forced over 100 million people to flee their homes, a record number. The U.S. resettlement program has long stood as a shining example of …
ACTION ALERT: Urge Virginia Policymakers to Support English Language Learners and Pass Licensure Reform for Internationally Trained Nurses
January 18, 2023
We are a country with a proud legacy of refugees and immigrants who helped found this nation, and we recognize the valuable contributions they bring to Virginia’s communities and the economy. Refugees are vital to the continuing prosperity of our state – they pay taxes, help grow our economy, and bring unique skill sets, experiences, and insights. Your voice matters. …
Take Action: Urge Congress to Denounce Expanding Harmful “Title 42” Expulsions and Restore a Just and Equitable Asylum System
October 20, 2022
On October 12, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will roll out a new parole program for certain Venezuelans with U.S. ties and loved ones in the United States. The new parole program will benefit up to 24,000 individuals fleeing the humanitarian and economic crises in their home country. This decision was coupled with an …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Support and Pass Permanent Pathways to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants
October 10, 2022
Right now, 11 million immigrants face threats of detention and deportation every day. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has provided temporary relief from deportation to almost 800,000 young people who came to the United States as children. DACA has transformed lives, but it has been repeatedly subjected to legal challenges that have put the lives of all …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Support Access to Housing and the “Housing First” Model
September 23, 2022
Homelessness is a crisis in many communities – one that demands urgent action. To end homelessness once and for all, federal, state, and local governments must invest in proven solutions at the scale necessary to address the problem. The “Housing First” model is the most effective, evidence-based approach for ending homelessness for most individuals and families. Housing First has had …
Take Action: Tell President Biden and Congress to Welcome and Protect Unaccompanied Children
September 14, 2022
Now is the time for visionary action to restore and strengthen policies that protect and welcome vulnerable unaccompanied children fleeing persecution, trafficking, abuse and violence. In 2020 and 2021 more than 100,000 unaccompanied children have sought refuge in the United States. It is imperative that our elected leaders both help ensure unaccompanied children are extended the care and protection they …
Take Action: Urge Congress to Pass the Bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act
August 9, 2022
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, more than 75,000 at-risk Afghans were welcomed into the United States via “humanitarian parole,” a temporary immigration status typically only granted for 1 or 2 years to provide safety for people under threat. Given the temporary nature of parole, tens of thousands of the relocated Afghan men, women, and children resettled in the U.S. …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Welcome Refugees & Rebuild the U.S. Resettlement Program
July 29, 2022
In August, U.S. Representatives and Senators are in their home states and districts for their in-district work period (July 29th-September 12th for the House and August 5th-September 5th for the Senate). Even if you can’t meet with your Members of Congress in person, you can still make your voices heard and call or email them, urging them to welcome refugees. …
Take Action: Invite Your Mayor to Sign Letter Supporting Access to Housing
July 15, 2022
Right now, the United States is facing a housing affordability crisis; at present, excessive rent burdens, and the ultimate consequences of these burdens, such as financial hardship, eviction, and even homelessness are daily realities for more than ten million households across the country. The housing crisis demands urgent action. Housing First is the most effective approach for ending homelessness for …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your State and Local Leaders to Support Refugee Resettlement in FY 2023
June 29, 2022
With an estimated 100 million forcibly displaced globally, the world is faced with the greatest displacement and refugee crisis in history, and it is imperative that the United States restore its bold leadership in the global humanitarian response. Now is a critical time to hold the administration accountable to rebuilding and strengthening the U.S. resettlement program and improve our humanitarian …