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VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
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The Office of New Americans is grateful to our partners across Virginia for the care, dedication, and compassion you bring to supporting immigrant and newcomer communities. Across regions and sectors, your work helps individuals and families stay informed, access resources and opportunities, and build connections that foster belonging and support their integration into their communities. Thank you for collaborating with us, participating in our initiatives throughout the year, and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.
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Webinar: Preparing Virginia’s Immigrant Communities for Upcoming Medicaid Work Requirements
We invite our partners to join us on November 17 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM for “H.R.1’s Upcoming Medicaid Work Requirement and How to Prepare Immigrants in Virginia.” A presenter from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will discuss the upcoming Medicaid work requirement, the implementation timeline, who may be affected, available exemptions, and how members can meet the requirement. This webinar will help community organizations better understand these changes and prepare to support immigrant communities across Virginia. Download flyer.
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Commonwealth Institute’s 2026 Policy Summit
The Commonwealth Institute’s 2026 Policy Summit will take place on November 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. The event will bring together community members, advocates, policy experts, and Virginia legislators to discuss health care, food access, education, and issues affecting immigrant communities. Participants will build practical skills, explore policy changes, and connect with others working across Virginia. Learn more and register.
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PEATC Early Childhood Academy (ECA) Fall 2026
Families of young children with disabilities or developmental delays are invited to join PEATC’s Early Childhood Academy, a free, self-paced online course for families of children from birth through age six. Available November 13–December 18, 2026, this program offers families a flexible opportunity to learn on their own schedule and strengthen their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Visit the event page for more information and registration details. More information and registration, here.
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2026 Virginia Women's Conference
The Virginia Women’s Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Women from across the Commonwealth are invited to come together for a day of inspiration, empowerment, leadership, and meaningful connections. The event is free for all participants, but registration is required, as space is limited.
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DMV Behavioral Health Leadership Summit
The DMV Behavioral Health Leadership Summit will take place November 17 at 10 a.m. in Arlington. This free event will bring professionals together to explore innovative approaches to improving care, strengthening community resources, and leading change. Lunch will be provided. More information here.
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VACOLAO 17th Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit
Join immigrant leaders, advocates, and allies for VACOLAO’s 17th Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit on Thursday, November 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST at Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. This year’s summit will offer an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and victories of the past year, share lessons learned, and discuss the current landscape for immigrant communities. Together, participants will explore strategies to advance pro-immigrant policies and strengthen collective efforts alongside our immigrant neighbors. English-to-Spanish interpretation will be provided. Registration.
| | 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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In October 2026, USCIS made a process available for certain people whose CBP One parole was canceled to request reopening or reconsideration of immigration applications affected by that cancellation. Eligible requests are free; this does not automatically restore parole. Read the update here.
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On October 19, 2026, USCIS confirmed that TPS holders from Ukraine and Sudan would retain protection, including work authorization, while awaiting a further announcement. No new end date was announced. Check USCIS updates.
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On October 20, 2026, Richmond announced its immigration Trust Policy, protecting access to city services regardless of immigration status and limiting city involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, except where required by law.
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On October 27, 2026, a federal judge temporarily blocked a rule reducing refugees time to respond to notices terminating their status from 30 days to 10 days. The pause remains in effect through November 6, unless extended. Read the update here.
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On October 29, 2026, a federal appeals court paused an order requiring the government to open DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration. Registration remains closed, with no confirmed opening date. More details here.
| | | Opportunities & Highlights | |
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Get your Free Kit
Partners can help connect eligible green card holders with citizenship resources through Welcome.US’s Citizenship Outreach Project. Request a free toolkit with flyers, bookmarks, and stickers to share at libraries, community colleges, places of worship, and other trusted community spaces. Join Welcomers in 35 states in spreading the word and supporting aspiring Americans on their path to U.S. citizenship. Learn more and request your free toolkit.
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Public Policy Academy: State Application
hosted by Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
The 2027 Public Policy Academy is seeking state, county, tribal, and local leaders committed to advancing behavioral health policy and systems change. This national initiative brings together policymakers, community partners, and behavioral health experts to develop practical policy solutions that create lasting impact for Hispanic Latino communities. Participants will collaborate with peers and national experts, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and build capacity to address behavioral health priorities in their communities. Learn more and apply by November 12th, 2026. Please contact info@hispaniclatinobehavioralhealth.org with any questions.
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Public Policy Academy: Student Application
Hosted by The Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
Are you a master's or doctoral student passionate about behavioral health and policy? The 2027 Public Policy Academy offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on policy experience, collaborate with state leaders and community organizations, and help develop solutions that address the behavioral health needs of Hispanic Latino communities. Participants will receive specialized training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a stipend upon successful completion of the program. Learn more and apply by November 12th, 2026. Please contact info@hispaniclatinobehavioralhealth.org with any questions.
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Rural Welcoming Initiative 2027
Welcoming America’s Rural Welcoming Initiative will support 10 rural communities in 2027 as they strengthen welcoming and inclusion for all residents, including immigrants. Participating communities will receive technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, partnerships with other rural communities, free Welcoming America membership, and access to national conferences and online resources.Submit an online application by November 24th, 2026. More information about the program and eligibility requirements is available here.
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Applications are now open for the Belonging in Place Cohort
The Center for Inclusion and Belonging is seeking three to four communities for a 16-month program to measure and strengthen local belonging. Participants will receive support with resident outreach, data collection, and action planning. Communities must have a strong local champion and a coalition of at least three organizations from different sectors. Apply by December 13th, 2026. More information and to apply here.
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New Funding Opportunities for Mobile and Hybrid Care
Five new Requests for Applications (RFAs) are now open through Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program, making an additional $59 million available to expand mobile and hybrid care in rural communities. Through regional partnerships with Planning District Commissions (PDCs), organizations can apply for funding to bring care closer to rural Virginians, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and support sustainable, community-driven solutions. Partners working to improve access to care in rural areas are encouraged to explore these opportunities. Learn more and apply here.
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SNAP Noncitizen Eligibility Partner Toolkit
This month’s featured resource, the Noncitizen Eligibility Partner Toolkit from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), helps community partners explain changes to SNAP eligibility for noncitizens under H.R. 1. It includes plain-language explanations of the changes and who they affect, key messages, ready-to-use materials for newsletters, handouts, and social media, and guidance for answering common questions.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
Virtual Series: Creating Belonging in Schools
Welcoming America
Nov 5 and 16, 2 PM - Virtual
Legal Q&A Call for Social Service Providers Working with Unaccompanied Children
USCRI
Nov 5, 2 PM - Virtual
H.R.1 Town Hall Series: “Medicaid Changes Are Coming in 2027"
DMAS
Nov 10, 12 PM - Virtual
Undocumented Populations and Access to Healthcare
The George Washington University
Nov 10, 12 PM - Virtual
Handcuffed While Pregnant: The Hidden Crisis Inside Immigration Detention
The St. Charles Center for Faith + Action
Nov 10, 1 PM - Virtual
Built to Work: Designing Immigration and Integration Systems for Success
WES
Nov 10, 2 PM - Virtual
Navigating Systems: Barriers to Care and Mental Health Equity for Migrant Adults
RMTAC
Nov 12, 2 PM - Virtual
2026 In Review – And A Look Forward
Refugees international
Nov 16, 12 PM - Virtual
Asylum Law and Policy Update
Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (CGRS)
Nov 17, 2 PM - Virtual
Protecting Coverage for Latino Families: Understanding New Medicaid Work Requirements.
UnidosUS
Nov 17, 3 PM - Virtual
Informal Conversation -Advocating for Immigrants and Refugees
PCC4Refugees
Nov 17, 8 PM - Virtual
Older Immigrants and Medicare Updates
Justice in aging
Nov 18, 2 PM - Virtual
Medicaid & Beneficios
The Arc of Norther VA
Nov 19, 7 PM - Virtual
*Session in Spanish
Book Launch: Multilingual Justice in Schools
Nov 23, 6:30 PM - Virtual
*This online book launch is for professionals interested in multilingual justice in schools and networking.
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The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) shares “What Immigrants Need to Know About the New ACA Eligibility Restrictions,” a resource on changes that may affect immigrant families’ ability to afford health coverage. Please share it with partners and community members preparing for open enrollment
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The Marshall Project released new analysis of government records tracking federal immigration action against children, including ICE arrests, detentions, and deportations.
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DetentionHelp.org is a free online tool from Human Rights First, the National Immigration Project, and the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project. Available in English and Spanish, it helps detained immigrants and their families file a habeas petition to challenge detention and request release.
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Find ASAP’s list of legal resources to help adults seeking asylum in the United States understand the process and defend their rights. The list of resources includes information on asylum applications, work permits, immigration court, case status, detention, and finding legal help. It also offers how-to videos and guides, along with information on health care, food assistance, schools, and other services to help asylum seekers navigate life in the United States.
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Switchboard recently launched the Nationwide Community Resource Map, which organizes 11,000+ newcomer-serving resources from across the United States in one place. This tool helps service providers and newcomers more easily connect with local supports like health care, food, legal aid, housing, and jobs centers. Explore the resource map here.
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Welcoming America’s Narrative in Action toolkit helps community organizations and local leaders communicate more effectively about welcoming immigrants and building a sense of belonging. It focuses on understanding your audience, framing messages, and sharing stories that help people connect with welcoming efforts. Partners can use this resource to strengthen their outreach and tell stories that bring newcomers and longtime residents together around a shared community.
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The Legal Aid Justice Center has created a new Know Your Rights video series, available in English and Spanish, to help immigrant communities understand their rights when interacting with ICE and other law enforcement. The series offers practical guidance to help individuals and families stay informed and prepared, along with additional tools, guides, and resources to share with their communities.
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Toys for Tots helps bring holiday joy to children by providing new toys to families in need. Partners are encouraged to share this resource with families across Virginia. An application is required. Families can select Virginia and their city or county to learn how to request toys and review local deadlines and requirements. If there isn’t a campaign in your community, consider starting one.
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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. | | | | |
