MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Office of New Americans (ONA) monthly newsletter providing you with ONA updates, immigration news, community resources, training webinars, local events, and more.

ONA is comprised of an Immigrant Services unit and Refugee Services unit. The Office is responsible for the implementation of a statewide strategy to provide immigrants in Virginia with comprehensive assistance related to employment, housing, healthcare, education, citizenship, and other services.

ONA Resource Handbooks

In English and Spanish

For low-cost and free statewide

immigration services and resources, see ONA’s Resource Handbooks. If your organization would like to update information included or add to the handbooks, please contact Liliana Penalver. View full list of Resource Handbooks by region.

ONA Webinar: Human Trafficking and Forced Labor in Immigrant Communities (in Spanish)

ONA will host a webinar in partnership with the CCHT Blue Campaign on June 12, 11AM-12PM. Information will be presented in Spanish. Register here.

Seminario: La Trata de Personas y el Trabajo Forzado en la Comunidad Inmigrante. El programa de servicios para inmigrantes de la Oficina de Nuevos Americanos, en colaboración con el programa de la Campaña Azul del Centro de Lucha contra la Trata de Personas (CCHT, por sus siglas en inglés), los invitan al próximo seminario virtual en español. El seminario es el 12 de junio, de 11 a.m. a 12 p.m. Regístrese aquí

Hosting a community event? We would love to help spread the word! Please reach out to liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov with further information.

Federal, State, and Local News

Temporary Licensure of Foreign Trained Physicians in Virginia

Virginia House Bill 995, which goes into effect on July 1, 2024, permits the Board of Medicine to issue temporary licenses for no more than two years to physicians licensed in a foreign country, followed by a renewable two-year license if the physician practices in an underserved area. This can eventually lead to applying for a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine per following specific steps and guidelines. Read more >>

POLICY UPDATES & REMINDERS

ORR Benefits for Cuban/Haitian Entrants Fact Sheet

New USCIS Fee Rule and Expanded Exemptions

Community Resources

2-1-1 Virginia

Informed Immigrant

Protecting Immigrant Families

VIRTUAL TRAININGS

& WEBINARS

Pathways to Re-Engagement: Summer Opportunities

NCSSLE and the US Dept of Education

May 8, 5-6PM

Collaborative Strategies for Refugee Integration in Academia

Clark University’s Integration & Belonging Hub

May 9, 12-1:30PM

Establishing and Maintaining Employee Partnerships

by Switchboard

May 9, 1PM-2:30PM

Difficult Conversations with Clients

VDH and The Women’s Initiative

May 22, 11AM-12PM

Community Health Workers Training in Spanish

VA Community Health Workers Association. Sign up early!

Weekly, Aug. 12-Sept. 21, 6-8PM

LevelUp Virginia is VDOE's student-friendly website for navigating higher education and career pathways. See the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) Application for immigrants who don't qualify for FAFSA.