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VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
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| June is Immigrant Heritage Month, a time to honor the diversity, resilience, and contributions of immigrants in every corner of Virginia. This month, we lift up the stories and achievements of immigrant families whose presence is essential to our Commonwealth’s strength and future as a welcoming place for all. As many families face increasing uncertainty, showing up in solidarity matters more than ever. We are deeply grateful to our community partners and leaders for their dedicated work supporting immigrants across Virginia. Resources visit, AASL National Immigrant Heritage Month | |  | On World Refugee Day, June 20th, we recognizes the remarkable journeys and new beginnings of refugees who now call Virginia home. This day invites us to honor their resilience, courage, and the many ways they strengthen our communities. As refugee and immigrant families face growing uncertainty, showing up in solidarity matters more than ever. Resettlement agencies and community partners play a vital role in weaving together support, connection, and opportunity for those rebuilding their lives. We are deeply grateful for their dedicated work supporting refugees across Virginia. Resources visit, Refugee Week. | | | |
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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Multicultural Festival: Imagine 2026
Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement OIRE and ReEstablish Richmond host the Multicultural Festival: Imagine 2026 each year in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month and World Refugee Day. The festival will take place on Saturday, June 27, from 1 PM to 8 PM at the Richmond Raceway, 600 East Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA This annual community event brings together people from diverse backgrounds to share cultures, traditions, and stories, while also connecting participants with local resources and services. We encourage anyone interested to attend and invite others to join. For more information, visit here.
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REEL HOPE: Free Movie Night for World Refugee Day
Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) is hosting “REEL HOPE: Community Movie Night Supporting Refugees” in both Richmond and Roanoke in honor of World Refugee Day. This free, family-friendly movie event will include a film screening and a Q&A to help attendees learn more about the refugee experience and how the community can support newcomers. Everyone is invited to join and take part in an evening that celebrates resilience, community, and hope.
Richmond Free Movie Night: Peace By Chocolate on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm at The Byrd Theatre (2908 W Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221).
Roanoke Free Movie Night: Peace By Chocolate on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 7:00 pm at The Grandin Theatre (1310 Grandin Rd, Roanoke, VA 24015).
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Join ONA Educational Webinar Series
Public benefits changes have raised many questions and concerns for refugee and immigrant communities and for the partners who support them. Our office is offering educational webinar sessions for Virginia partners to provide clear, accessible information about what is changing, what supports remain available, and practical tools to help you assist communities during this time. We invite anyone working with refugees and immigrants to join. Download flyer to share.
Understanding Public Charge and Benefits Data-Sharing | June 2, 11 AM
Get to Know (TANF) VIEW: Supporting Employment and Self‑Sufficiency | June 23, 11 AM
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VAFCC Virtual Summit: Highlighted Sessions for Multicultural Health Providers
The VAFCC Virtual Summit is free and open to all member clinic staff and volunteers, and participants may RSVP for any number of individual sessions taking place June 8-12. We would like to highlight a series of sessions on Wednesday, June 10, that may be of particular interest if you are a health provider serving immigrant or refugee families. These three sessions are especially relevant for multicultural providers; details can be found below. For more information and to view the full agenda, please click here.
Trauma-Informed Care for Diverse Populations with Dr. Trenton Fredrick, RMTAC | June 10, 9 AM
Cultural Humility in Healthcare with Dr. Mutsa Majero, RMTAC | June 10, 12 noon
Delivering Culturally Supportive Crisis Care Across Diverse Populations | June 10, 3 PM
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Virtual Conference: 2026 Immigrant Student Success
The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute is hosting a free virtual conference, 2026 Immigrant Student Success: Strategies and Tools for PreK–12 and Adult Educators, focused on how schools can better support immigrant students in challenging times. This online event, taking place on July 8 from 11 AM to 3 PM, will bring together experts from across the country to share practical strategies for fostering belonging, identity, and agency among students, challenging common immigration myths, and supporting immigrant student mental health and well-being. Participants will also learn how to advocate for immigrant students’ rights and gain additional tools and resources to strengthen their practice in both K–12 and adult education settings. Registration.
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Save the Date
VADLEN Dual Language Leadership Institute
The VADLEN Dual Language Leadership Institute will be held on Thursday, July 30th at Skyview High School in Herndon, VA. This statewide event will bring together Dual Language Immersion leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration, with a focus on strengthening and sustaining high-quality DLI programs. Participants are encouraged to mark their calendars and share this opportunity with colleagues. Additional details and registration information will be shared soon in their website.
| | 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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On May 19, a new executive order was signed that could require banks to collect more detailed information about customers immigration status. Further guidance is expected on how this will be implemented.
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On May 22, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a memo that may push visa holders in the U.S. to return home and apply for an adjustment of status to obtain lawful permanent residency. Reporting suggests that nearly half of the 1 million people who apply for residency each year do so from within the United States. Advocacy groups warn that the policy may increase family separations and the risk of denial. For more information, read the latest AIC blog about this policy memo here.
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Virginia governor signed SB352 and its House of Delegates counterpart, which prevents all law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing face coverings while carrying out official duties in the commonwealth with exceptions including disease protection and exposure to toxic substances. At the same time, she vetoed SB351 and HB650, which would have barred arrests by federal immigration agents in designated protected spaces, such as courthouses, polling stations and schools, without judicial warrants or subpoenas.
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She also recently signed Executive Order 16: “A Safer Virginia for All.” This order asks state agencies to work together and with community partners to improve safety in communities across the state.
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RMTAC Office Hours "Ask the Psychiatrist": Centering Men’s Mental Health for Newcomers
Resource & Empowerment Technical Assistance Center for Behavioral Health (RMTAC) will host “Office Hours Ask the Psychiatrist” in honor of Men’s Health Month. During this session, Dr. Mohammed Z. Ali and Dr. Hector Colon-Rivera will focus on the experiences of men in refugee and newcomer communities, exploring culturally responsive strategies, barriers to care, and practical approaches to supporting mental health, engagement, and resilience. Participants are invited to submit questions through the RSVP link to help shape a meaningful conversation. The session will take place on June 24 at 2 PM ET, and behavioral health providers or anyone offering wellness services for newcomers are encouraged to attend. Register Here.
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Switchboard’s Communities of Practice: Peer Learning Groups for Service Providers
Switchboard’s Communities of Practice offer peer learning groups for service providers working with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)–eligible populations. These member-led virtual communities give practitioners the chance to connect with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of resettlement work and to navigate an evolving landscape together. Switchboard currently hosts eight communities of practice for refugee service providers from ORR-funded organizations, including direct service staff, supervisors, data specialists, and others from state agencies, resettlement agencies and affiliates, ethnic community-based organizations, and additional partner organizations. If your organization supports refugees or other ORR-eligible populations in the United States, for more information or to apply to join a Switchboard Community of Practice, click here.
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Resource Highlight
New Resource Hub for Navigating Changes to Benefit Eligibility
This month, we are highlighting the Virginia Department of Social Services new Resource Hub for Navigating Changes to Benefit Eligibility. This dedicated online hub helps individuals and families understand recent changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility and connects them with trusted resources across the state. Through a single, mobile-friendly page, users can access information on employment, food assistance, medical care, immigration support, and other community services. The hub also includes materials that local departments of social services and community partners can share directly with families, including flyers available in both English and Spanish, making it easier for communities to stay informed and connected to support.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
SNAP & Medicaid in Focus: Understanding HR1’s Impact and Supporting Your Community
UnidosUS
June 9, 2 PM - Virtual
Building Stronger Communities: A Nonpartisan Voter Engagement Series*
Welcoming America
June 10, 2 PM - Virtual
Expanding Cultural Horizons: A Provider's Guide to Supporting Bicultural Youth and Third Culture Kids
RMTAC
June 10, 3 PM - Virtual
¿De qué hablamos cuando hablamos de gobernanza criminal? / What do we mean when we talk about criminal governance?
AlianzaAmericas
June 10, 4 PM - Virtual
Decoding US Government: Navigating Structures, Laws, and Policies
We Are All America
June 11, 5 PM - Virtual
*Provides foundational knowledge of how the U.S. government functions and how immigrant and refugee leaders can safely and effectively engage in advocacy.
Digital Safety and Compliance: Protecting Our Data and Our People
We Are All America
June 15, 1 PM - Virtual
2026 World Refugee Day Townhall
Refugees International
June 16, 12 PM - Virtual
Welcoming Economies Series: Strengthening Local Economies & Navigating This Moment
Welcoming America
June 17, 2 PM - Virtual
*This is the first session in a three-part discussion series.
Collaborative Q&A with the Culturally Specific Resource Consortium*
Esperanza united
Junio 18, 1 PM - Virtual
*Discussion exploring the nuances and challenges of providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Provider Series: Intergenerational Trauma in Migrant Households
RMTAC
June 18, 3 PM - Virtual
[Equity Matters] Under the Surface: How Racism Continues to Shape Fraud Narratives in Public Benefits
CLASP
June 25, 1 PM - Virtual
Centering Youth Voice: Including Newcomer Children & Youth in Programs and Services
USCRI
June 30, 2 PM - Virtual
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USAHello recently updated its website with important information about changes to the refugee program in the United States. Refugee resettlement has undergone significant changes, with fewer people able to enter through the refugee program and some processes currently paused. Refugees who have a pending Green Card application may now be asked to attend a re-interview, during which officers will review whether you qualified for refugee status when you first entered the U.S. These revetting interviews are taking place across the country. If you are a refugee in the U.S., currently in the process overseas, or hoping to apply, it is important to understand what is happening now.
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The National Immigration Forum released a new fact sheet, “Immigrants and Public Benefits in 2026,” which explains how federal law regulates immigrants’ eligibility for federal public benefits programs and clearly outlines which public benefits immigrants may be able to receive.
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Protecting Immigrant Families has released a new resource, Advocates Checklist: Medicaid Immigrant Eligibility Changes. It explains new federal guidance requiring states to redetermine Medicaid eligibility for noncitizens by October 1, 2026, and offers practical steps advocates can take to help eligible immigrants and their family members stay covered, as well as tips for those who may lose eligibility.
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Georgetown University’s Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues helped create the guide “Explainer for Parents and Their Helpers Seeking Family Reunification.” More and more parents and caregivers are facing the painful impact of family separation after being detained in, or deported from, the United States. Children may be staying with relatives, neighbors, in state-run foster homes, or in shelters and foster homes under the custody of the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. As a parent or legal guardian, you still have rights. This guide explains those rights and the resources that may be available so you can work toward the best solution for your child and your family. Available in Spanish.
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Virginia Poverty Law Center launched VirginiaLawHelp.org, a new statewide website providing free legal information and self-help resources for Virginians facing common civil legal issues. Designed to improve access to justice in Virginia, VirginiaLawHelp.org offers easy-to-understand, plain language information about common problems. The site provides legal information and resources, so Virginians can understand their options and take next steps. And using the "Get Legal Help" tool, you can find local legal aid organizations in your locality and learn how to apply for free or low-cost legal assistance.
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Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed. In 2026, each eligible school‑age child will receive a one‑time $120 benefit. Benefits will be added to your household’s SNAP EBT card. Eligible families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will be mailed a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card. Beginning June 15 through August 31, applications may also be completed by calling the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414. NEW THIS YEAR: You can apply online by filling out the form on a computer or phone. For more information of SUN Bucks here.
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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. | | | | |
