On February 13, the National Security Act, 2024 was passed following the rejection of last month’s emergency supplemental funding package containing harmful anti-asylum and anti-immigrant restrictions. The National Security Act is a pared-down version of the initial bill that removes most of the dangerous provisions.

The National Security Act – which focuses on foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan – is not yet law as it awaits House consideration. While it includes some support for new arrivals, including restoring needed benefits to Afghans and Ukrainians, we can do better.

A group of House lawmakers is advocating for an alleged “compromise” that reintroduces harsh and immoral asylum restrictions, such as mandating Title 42 expulsions and resuming Remain in Mexico – and guts the proposed funding for humanitarian aid to refugees and parolees.

With the federal government poised to run out of funding in early March, Congress is working to pass additional, full-year-spending legislation. This presents an opportunity to advocate for critical funding to increase our capacity to welcome.



Join us in rejecting the dismantling of asylum protections and calling for robust funding for the work of welcome. Asylum seekers, immigrants, and refugees all deserve a path to stability, self-sufficiency, and belonging.

For the past two academic years, the Refugee Resettlement and Relief Club at NP3 High School has supported the work of welcome by hosting donation drives and assembling welcome kits. On February 29th, Opening Doors' staff attended their Refugee Panel to provide resources to students and community members. Proceeds raised from this panel will be used to purchase essential household items for newly arrived refugee neighbors. Thank you to the Refugee Resettlement and Relief Club for your continued support and for showing that the community of welcome includes members of all ages!

Opening Doors' Family Childcare Microenterprise Development Program has expanded eligibility requirements to support a more diverse range of clients. This program supports refugees and immigrants in achieving self-sufficiency by establishing and operating licensed in-home family childcare businesses as a solution to enable them to earn a reliable income while continuing to care for their own children. Since the introduction of this program, we have supported the opening of 17 childcare businesses that have provided 136 childcare slots.