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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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National Citizenship Day
On September 17, Virginia recognizes National Citizenship Day and celebrates the contributions of new Americans. Explore citizenship resources in Welcome.US and learn about nationwide naturalization trends from the Migration Policy Institute, and find Virginia-specific naturalization and citizenship records through the Library of Virginia.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, Virginia celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and honors the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the Commonwealth. Join by attending local events, supporting Latino-owned businesses, and exploring Hispanic and Latino cultures. Let us come together to celebrate our heritage, uplift one another, and take pride in the traditions that strengthen our communities. Check our community events list by region to find and join local celebrations.
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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.
Register, September 15, 11 AM
Understanding Immigrant Eligibility for Child Care and Early Education Programs
Register, September 30, 11 AM
Understanding Virginias Budget and how it can respond to the impact of HR1
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Join H.R.1 Federal Work Requirements Information & Planning Sessions
The Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, and the Virginia Department of Social Services invite local partners and stakeholders to attend an upcoming H.R. 1 Federal Work Requirements Information and Planning Session. Thirteen in-person sessions will be held across Virginia through October to support planning and implementation of the new H.R. 1 Medicaid and SNAP work requirements. Once participants register, they will be able to view the meeting locations across the state. These sessions will provide an opportunity to share information, discuss local priorities, and plan for the changes ahead so Virginia residents are well supported as they navigate the new requirements. Registration.
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You’re Invited: Upcoming Events with International Rescue Committee IRC Virginia
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Virginia will host special events in Charlottesville and Richmond. For nearly 30 years, the IRC has worked alongside refugees and newcomers in Virginia as they rebuild their lives after crisis, supporting individuals and families as they work toward safety, stability, and self-reliance. These events will share those stories and highlight how hope takes root in our communities when people have the opportunity to thrive. Attendees will also be among the first to view short documentaries featuring local IRC clients who are making a positive impact in their communities. Please join the IRC for these inspiring upcoming events:
Where Hope Takes Root: An American Story
Friday, September 18, at the Vinegar Hill Theatre in Charlottesville - Download flyer.
From Compassion to Action: An American Story
Friday, September 25, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond - Download flyer.
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RMTAC Wellness Virtual Summit 2026
From Healing to Hope: Strengthening Well-being Through Effective Behavioral Health Practices
RMTAC’s 2nd Annual Wellness Summit, “From Healing to Hope,” will take place virtually on September 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. This free virtual conference brings behavioral health professionals together to strengthen well-being through effective, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices. It offers evidence-informed education, shared experiences, and practical tools for professionals and organizations serving newcomers, refugees, and resettled individuals across the United States. For more information and registration here.
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2026 Greater Hampton Roads Population Health Summit
Hybrid event
Join the 2026 Greater Hampton Roads Population Health Summit, Healthy Communities: Envisioning the Future of Hampton Roads, on September 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free hybrid event will bring together community members and partners to build connections, share ideas, and identify collaborative strategies that promote equitable health and well-being across Hampton Roads. For registration and more information, visit here.
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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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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Updates: The U.S. government has ended or scheduled the end of most TPS designations. TPS for Somalia ended August 14, 2026, and TPS for Ethiopia ended August 18, 2026. TPS and related benefits for El Salvador are scheduled to end September 9, 2026; TPS for Sudan and Ukraine is scheduled to end October 19, 2026. Lawsuits may affect some terminations. For more information and updates, visit USAHello’s TPS updates page and check USCIS news alerts.
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Advance Parole Travel Update: Starting August 13, 2026, leaving the United States with advance parole may count as a departure that triggers the 3- or 10-year unlawful-presence bar for some people. Advance parole does not guarantee reentry, and travel can have serious immigration consequences. For more details, check USAHello and USCIS.
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Public Charge Rule Update: A new public charge rule takes effect on September 18, 2026. USCIS has released guidance on how officers will apply the rule to certain Green Card, visa, and admission applications. For more details, visit USAHello and USCIS.
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Welcoming Week Is This Month
Welcoming Week 2026 takes place September 10 - 19. Hosted by Welcoming America, this annual campaign celebrates communities that create welcoming places for everyone, including immigrants. This year’s theme, “Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect,” encourages people to build connection, collaboration, and belonging. Use the multilingual toolkit, plan an event, and join the nationwide celebration.
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2026 Benefit Eligibility for Qualified Noncitizens
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has developed a 2026 Benefit Eligibility for Qualified Noncitizens flyer to help Virginians understand and navigate changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility.
The flyer is available in multiple languages and can support individuals and families who may be affected by changes under H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21). It is ready to be shared widely with clients, staff, partners, and on relevant message boards. It can also be used as a reference when connecting with DSS if any eligibility clarification is needed.
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DMAS & VDSS Town Hall Resources for Upcoming Medicaid Noncitizen Changes
Missed the DMAS and VDSS Town Hall on upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes for non citizen adults? The recording, presentation slides, and multilingual resources are now available on the DMAS website. The recording includes audio in Arabic, Spanish, Korean, and other languages. Resources also include the H.R.1 Noncitizen Eligibility Changes Toolkit, a sample eligibility letter, and information about the changes taking effect on October 1, 2026. Materials are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Farsi, Urdu, Vietnamese, and other languages. Stay informed and share these resources with your networks.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
Critical Immigration Changes You Should Know About
IRLC & partners
Sep 2, 3 PM - Virtual
Legal Q&A Call for social Service providers working with unaccompanied children
USCRI
Sep 3, 2 PM - Virtual
Remote Case Management with Newcomers: Strategies for Effective Virtual and Hybrid Service Delivery
Switchboard
Sep 9, 1 PM - Virtual
Storytellers Showcase: Courage to Connect
Refugee Storytellers collective
Sep 10, 2 PM - Virtual
Ethics Training: Culturally Responsive Ethical Decision-Making
La Mesita
Sep 11, 12 PM - Virtual
*FREE 3-hour training on culturally responsive ethical decision-making.
Amid Enforcement Pressures: Supporting Businesses & Communities
Welcoming America
Sep 15, 2 PM - Virtual
*This is the last session in a three-part discussion series.
Immigrant Students Experiencing Homelessness: Educational Rights and McKinney-Vento Basics
The Immigrant Learning Center
Sep 15, 4 PM - Virtual
Informal Conversation -Advocating for Immigrants and Refugees
PCC4Refugees
Sep 16, 8 PM - Virtual
How to Use Artificial Intelligence in Resettlement Work
Switchboard
Sep 17, 2 PM - Virtual
Becoming a Mental Health First Aid Instructor
NCMW
Sep 17, 2 PM - Virtual
Child Care Career Pathways
SVAS
Sep 21, 10 AM - Virtual - Flyer
*Webinar is designed for teachers, program directors, home-based providers and more.
Amid Enforcement Pressures: Supporting Businesses & Communities
Welcoming America
Sep 23, 2 PM - Virtual
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The Welcome.US Citizen Guide program connects green card holders with trained volunteers who provide one-on-one support as they prepare for U.S. citizenship. Participants can receive guidance on the naturalization process, help preparing for the citizenship interview and civics exam, encouragement, and connections to useful resources. This free program offers practical, personalized support to help eligible permanent residents feel more confident as they take the next step toward becoming U.S. citizens. Explore the Citizenship Outreach Toolkit and learn more about the program here.
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Switchboard has created a helpful blog, “Understanding Medicaid Changes: Key Updates and Six Alternative Supports for Newcomers” for service providers working with ORR-eligible newcomers who may lose Medicaid and CHIP coverage as early as October 1, 2026, due to recent legislative changes. The blog explains what has changed, which groups may be affected, and how to identify clients who could lose coverage. It also highlights other health care options, including Refugee Medical Assistance, which has been extended from four to eight months, as well as Emergency Medicaid, CHIPRA 214, state-funded coverage, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other low- or no-cost community health providers.
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The National Immigration Forum released a new explainer of the two new current administration executive orders that target birthright citizenship and birth tourism. To access please visit here.
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Pew Research Center examines changes to Temporary Protected Status programs during the current administration. To access please visit here.
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Immi helps immigrants in the U.S. understand their legal options through a free online screening tool, clear legal information, and referrals to nonprofit legal service organizations. Their resources are always free to use, making it easier for low income immigrants to access trustworthy guidance. Start by completing the online interview to understand your immigration options, visit here.
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The ALMA program has created the Directory of Bilingual Support Services for Youth & Families to help providers connect youth and families in the Greater Richmond Area with bilingual and low-cost services. Created with Latino youth and families in mind, the directory includes mental health care, food assistance, and housing resources, with Spanish-language services noted when available. Most services are open to all community members. If your organization would like to be included or update its information, please contact Dr. Gabriela León-Pérez at gleonperez@vcu.edu
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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. | | | | |
