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VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Medicaid Eligibility Changes are Coming in October 2026. To avoid Medicaid termination, encourage refugees and immigrants clients with Green Cards to update or confirm their status.
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Resilient Beginnings: An Afghan Family's Journey to Success in Virginia
From arriving with almost nothing in 2024 to building new careers and rekindling long‑held dreams, this Afghan family is transforming survival into a thriving future in Virginia.
Read the full story.
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Join ONA Educational Webinar Series
If you work with refugees or immigrants in Virginia, whether in a community organization, school, clinic, or human services program, these sessions are for you. Our office is offering educational webinars for Virginia partners to provide clear, accessible information about what is changing, what supports remain available, and practical tools to help you support communities during this time. We invite anyone working with refugees and immigrants to join. Download flyer.
Accessing Health Coverage for Uninsured and Underinsured Refugees and Immigrants in VA
August 11, at 11 AM
Building Pathways to Independence: Adult Education and DARS Services in Virginia
August 21, at 11 AM
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DMAS & VDSS Virtual Town Hall
Upcoming Medicaid Noncitizen Changes: What You Need to Know
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) invite you to attend a virtual Town Hall on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams to learn about upcoming H.R.1 Medicaid noncitizen changes. This session will provide an overview of the changes that will take effect in October 2026, including updates related to noncitizen eligibility, what these changes may mean for Medicaid members, and where to find additional information and resources. You do not need to register for this event; simply click the link below to join the meeting. Download flyer.
Join the Meeting
Meeting ID: 288 174 078 977 30
Passcode: Po7QT62n
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2026 CCHT Anti-Human Trafficking Symposium: Action is the Solution
The DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) and Blue Campaign invite you to the 2026 Anti-Human Trafficking Symposium, August 18–19 in Arlington, VA, a free two‑day, in‑person event for industries, service providers, law enforcement, advocates, and federal partners. This year’s theme, Action is the Solution, focuses on practical, real‑world strategies that agencies and communities can put into practice right away. More details and registration here.
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Virtual
2026 PEATC Virtual Family Engagement Summit
PEATC (the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is hosting the 2026 Virtual Family Engagement Summit, “Collaboration That Transforms Outcomes,” on Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This FREE virtual event is designed to bring together the people who play an important role in the lives of students with disabilities, including families, educators, and community partners, to learn, share strategies, and strengthen collaboration to improve student outcomes. Registration.
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The Annual Richmond Refugee Mental Health Conference
Registration is now open for the Annual Richmond Refugee Mental Health Conference. Join us in person on August 21, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM at The Hotel Westin Richmond, 6631 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with professionals and community members dedicated to supporting refugee and immigrant mental health. This is free event open to the public. Reserve your spot today by completing the Registration.
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Save the Date
Annual Domestic Violence Conference
Registration is now open for the 2026 Domestic Violence Conference, “Fostering Resiliency through Trauma and Substance Use Disorders,” taking place on October 2 in Abingdon, VA. If you would like to exhibit at the conference, please reach out to Gary Cody at gcody@svlas.org and he will provide a vendor coupon code. You can use the following link to register, review the agenda, and access additional details. Flyer.
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Save the Date
INOVA 8th Annual Healthcare Disparities Conference (Virtual)
INOVA will host its 8th Annual Healthcare Disparities Conference, “A Call for Trust and Truth,” on October 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. This free, virtual half-day event will bring together healthcare professionals from multiple disciplines to address health disparities through trust-building, effective communication, and community-informed care. More information here.
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Save the Date
2026 Annual Gathering "The Bridges We Build"
Catholic Charities USA will host its Annual Gathering, “The Bridges We Build,” in Richmond on October 12–15, 2026. Join Catholic Charities leaders from across the country for connection, learning, and shared purpose through inspiring plenaries, practical workshops, worship, networking, and a taste of Richmond. This annual gathering will offer meaningful opportunities to reflect, recharge, and return home ready to strengthen your community. Register by September 1, 2026.
| | Promoting your organization's services, educational webinars, or community events? We would love to help spread the word! Please reach out to liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov to share your initiatives and ensure that Virginians have access to valuable resources and events. Together, we can enhance awareness of resources and strengthen support for New Americans in Virginia! | | | Federal, State, and Local News | |
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USCIS has issued a new rule that lets asylum officers send some asylum cases directly to immigration judges without an interview, to reduce the backlog in the asylum system.
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Twenty‑four states, including Virginia, have sued the federal administration to stop a new policy that would let the government share Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF families private data, including immigration status, with the Department of Homeland Security. The states argue this plan violates privacy protections and could harm low‑income families who rely on anti‑poverty programs.
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Recent court decisions have affected Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. As a result, many Haitian TPS holders have lost TPS‑based work authorization, while short extensions and court orders for some other countries (such as Somalia, South Sudan, and Ethiopia) continue only for a limited time. For more details on TPS and work authorization changes, see official USCIS updates.
| | | Opportunities & Highlights | |
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Meyer Foundation Rapid Response Grant
The August rapid response grant cycle is now open. Rapid response grants support urgent and emergent needs of Meyer core grantee partners, who this year are eligible for up to two grants of up to 50,000 dollars each. More information, including eligibility details and the application form, here. Check available flyer.
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National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) Collective Cohort 2026–2027
Applications are open for a leadership program for tenant advocates and community leaders with lived experience of housing insecurity who are committed to housing justice and racial equity. The cohort will run from October 2026 through June 2027 and will select 10 participants. Participants must be current NLIHC members and will receive two $575 honorarium payments. The application deadline is August 17, 2026. For more information, please see application guide and to apply here. If you need assistance or have questions about the application, please email NLIHC Manager of Inclusive Community Engagement, Sid Betancourt, at sbetancourt@nlihc.org
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Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Scholarships
The partners of the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference have set aside scholarship funds for nonprofit organizations, local governments, and students who may not be able to attend due to budget constraints. These scholarships cover the cost of conference registration and are intended to support those involved in housing and community development, including students who are studying or interested in housing, sheltering services, community or economic development, and other activities that help sustain healthy and safe communities. Application Deadline 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026. To apply here.
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Welcoming America: Welcoming Week 2026
Welcoming America will host Welcoming Week 2026 from September 10 to 19. The toolkit is now available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. This year’s theme is Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect. Join the celebration by using the toolkit, planning events, and taking part in this nationwide effort. You can also join the webinar, “Centering Lived Experience in Welcoming Week Event Planning,” on August 20.
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Resource Highlight
LAJC Community Explainer: 2026 Virginia Immigration Laws
Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) created community explainers, available in both English and Spanish, for each of the laws that went into effect on July 1, 2026, so people can better understand what they are and how they work in practice. These explainers cover limited ICE collaboration (HB 1441/SB 785), Immigrant Youth Protections (HB 667), and changes to the Virginia Driver Privilege Card for first-time applicants and renewals. If you’d like to better understand how these laws impact your clients and community, we encourage you to take a look at this resource. For more information visit, here.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
Lunch & Learn: Supporting Citizens After Disasters
DBHDS
August 10, 12 PM - Virtual
In the Best Interests of Children:
The State Courts' Role in Safeguarding Vulnerable Immigrant Youth
National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project
August 10, 3 PM - Virtual
Medicaid 101: Basics and Recent Changes
Justice in Aging
August 11, 11 AM - Virtual
The Cost of Fear: How Immigration Enforcement Disrupts Latino Business Corridors
UCLA
August 12, 11 AM - Virtual
How Migration Shapes the Developing Brain: Neurodevelopment, Stress and Resilience
RMTAC
August 12, 2 PM - Virtual
National Low Income Housing Coalition State and Local Tenant Protections Network Call *
NLIHC
August 13, 3 PM - Virtual
Storytelling and Narrative for Refugee and Immigrant Communities: Building Solidarity, Allyship, and Influence
WeareallAmerica
August 13, 5 PM – Virtual
Back-to-School Preparation: Rights and Best Practices for Students, Parents, Guardians, and School Administrators
CLINIC
August 17, 2 PM - Virtual
Conozca Sus Derechos para Comunidades Religiosas
Know Your Rights for Faith Communities
(Spanish-Language Training)
CLINIC
August 18, 2 PM - Virtual
Informal Conversation -Advocating for Immigrants and Refugees
PCC4Refugees
August 25, 8 PM - Virtual
Public Charge Final Rule: What Advocates Need to Know
Justice in Aging
August 26, 2 PM - Virtual
Legal Q&A Call for social Service providers working with unaccompanied children
USCRI
Sep 3, 2 PM - Virtual
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Switchboard recently published a blog post titled “Navigating Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Changes: What Service Providers Need to Know.” This post explains how recent federal changes to EADs are creating new challenges for newcomer workers and the providers who support them, and it offers practical strategies to help clients stay employed and connected to services during periods of documentation uncertainty.
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NILC and the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition (PIF) developed the toolkit “Public Charge: What Advocates Need to Know” to help advocates understand recent public charge policy changes and the current rule. The resource provides a brief overview of key updates and background information to support community outreach and education. Additionally, the guides “Public Charge: Does This Apply to Me?” and “What Changed With Public Charge?” offer helpful information for individuals and families who may have questions about how public charge policies affect them.
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The National Immigration Forum published an updated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Fact Sheet, which offers a concise overview of TPS and the latest policy information. This resource is helpful for advocates and community members who want a clear understanding of TPS protections and current updates. Read it here.
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CLINIC Emergency Planning Guide: This resource can help individuals and families create an emergency plan in case of an ICE arrest, detention, or threat of deportation. It includes steps families can take in advance to help protect their children, property, and important documents. Please visit here.
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The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), the largest organization of asylum seekers in the United States, offers timely immigration updates and hundreds of resources in Haitian Creole. These materials may be helpful for Haitian immigrants who may lose Temporary Protected Status and want to learn more about whether they may be eligible to apply for asylum. Please visit here.
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Serve Virginia, the state’s lead agency for volunteerism, has launched the Serve Virginia Volunteer Hub (SVVH), a free statewide platform that helps organizations connect with volunteers across the Commonwealth. Organizations can post volunteer opportunities, track and verify hours, share their agency profile, and recruit new volunteers. With new SNAP and Medicaid eligibility requirements under H.R.1, accessible volunteer opportunities are more important than ever. SVVH can help individuals find meaningful service opportunities and document their volunteer hours. Register your agency here, and join the August 18 webinar to learn more about agency registration, posting opportunities, hour tracking, and supporting individuals navigating updated SNAP and Medicaid work requirements.
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Click on each region for a listing of cultural festivals, mobile clinics, information sessions, job fairs, networking meetings and other local events: | |
| | | The resources and organizations shared in this newsletter are provided solely for informational and educational purposes. References or links to external entities within this Newsletter do not imply the endorsement of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Social Services or the Office of New Americans. | | | | |
