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Dear Friends,
Since the new administration took office, and as expected, the president issued a series of executive actions that impacted forcibly displaced people and their access to safety. This includes an indefinite pause on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the dismantling of the asylum system. What was unexpected was a stop work order from the Department of State, preventing LSSNCA from providing contractually obligated services and direct assistance to refugees who have already arrived in our communities. To learn more about recent changes to refugee and asylum protections, join us on February 11 at noon ET for our community town hall.
These executive actions significantly depart from America’s legal obligations and long-standing commitment to welcoming people fleeing life and death situations and seeking refuge from persecution. The stop work order abruptly ends critical wraparound support LSSNCA had planned to provide refugees who had arrived with legal status within the last three months. We are gravely concerned about the well-being of these refugee families and individuals who will be without financial assistance for basic needs such as rent and food, as well as case management support to help them adjust to a new country and find employment. We need your urgent financial support to allow us to continue these essential services.
For the last 108 years, LSSNCA has been at the forefront of crises facing our community, supporting our neighbors as they rebuild their lives because we believe in the inherent dignity of every human person.
Our work of creating safe and welcoming spaces for refugees and forcibly displaced families, children, and individuals is more critical now than ever. We need your support and partnership during these uncertain times. Together, we can continue to provide essential services to families and individuals rebuilding their lives in our community.
With gratitude,
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