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You’re not imagining things: We’re flying into your inboxes a bit earlier! More on that at the end of this newsletter. But first, a recap of some major news!
On July 1, the Senate passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R.1), sending it to the House and later into law on July 4. This bill limits newcomers’ access to public benefits, raises immigration-related fees, and substantially increases funding for immigration enforcement.
Court rulings this summer have also brought shifts in immigration enforcement. On June 23, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own without advance notice or hearings. But on August 1, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb blocked the use of expedited removal against humanitarian parolees, protecting those admitted under programs such as CBP One, Uniting for Ukraine, Operation Allies Welcome, and the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Additionally, a federal judge extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 60,000 immigrants from Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua whose protections were set to expire in August and September.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program faces continued uncertainty. The administration is weighing a refugee admissions target of 40,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, prioritizing white South Africans while also resettling some Afghans and Ukrainians. Over 120,000 refugees remain in backlog, including tens of thousands from African nations. The Ninth Circuit is set to hear oral arguments in Pacito v. Trump on September 19, a case that could decide whether 14,000 refugees may move forward under a newly established compliance framework.
This summer also marks four years since the fall of Kabul when Afghans were evacuated to the U.S. Those evacuated remain without a direct pathway to permanent status; however, Congress has reintroduced the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would provide a pathway to a Green Card and increase the number of SIVs available.
| | IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Resettlement Agencies in the News | | |
Della Lamb's Refugee Health Navigator Program
Through the Refugee Health Navigator program, newcomers receive guidance and education about the complex American health care system. This collaboration between Kansas City University’s Center for Population Health and Equity and Della Lamb launched about a year ago.
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The International Institute's Move2STL Program
Move2STL, formerly the Latino Outreach Program, offers free, personalized relocation assistance, and it connects families and individuals with employment, housing, education, and community resources with the goal of bolstering the St. Louis workforce and economy.
| | | Welcoming Week 2025: Stories We Share | |
Welcoming Week is September 12-21, 2025!
Launched by Welcoming America in 2012, Welcoming Week is an opportunity to celebrate the effort of communities as they work to foster connections and collaboration between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as belonging for all.
This year, Welcoming Week calls us to celebrate our differences and spot what we have in common through the Stories We Share.
Local resettlement agencies, service providers, and partners across the state are holding events, gatherings, displays, and more in celebration of Welcoming Week and the newcomers that make Missouri a more vibrant and prosperous place for all.
Check out Welcoming Week events happening near you and add your own event to the global map!
You can also access the toolkit for resources on hosting an event, launching a social media campaign, and more.
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RESOURCES: Read, Watch, Explore
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To listen: This playlist on YouTube spotlighting newcomer songwriters and musicians who bring fresh perspectives to the music scene.
To read: These stories about best friends who started as classmates and are now tackling the challenges of displacement together. And the winning poem from the American Immigration Council’s annual creative writing contest.
To explore: This explainer from Welcome.US about how the “big, beautiful bill” impacts newcomers.
To see: Newcomers using art to share their journeys, preserve their cultures, and build connections.
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OPPORTUNITIES: Get Involved
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City of Refuge is hosting their 10th Annual Golf Tournament on September 15!
Della Lamb is partnering with the NFM Cooking Class Series on an upcoming fundraiser on September 6. In this cooking class, participants will learn the ins and outs of Italian, Green, and British Cuisine with part of proceeds benefiting Della Lamb. They are also looking for volunteers to be conversation partners, job readiness coaches, transportation volunteers and more.
The International Institute’s Festival of Nations is this weekend, and they're still looking for volunteers! Head to Tower Grove Park in St. Louis on August 23 and 24 for a celebration of music, flavors, art and culture from around the world.
The International Institute of Southwest Missouri is collaborating with local partners to produce CultureFest 2025! Coming up on October 11 in Springfield, this year’s fest promises food and performances from around the globe.
Jewish Vocational Service is teaming up with Tiki Taco for a fundraiser. On August 22, 20% of each purchase will be donated to JVS. Visit any Tiki Taco location or use code JVSKC when ordering online. JVS is also accepting in-kind donations.
Kindness Begins with Me is hosting a pickleball tournament and cricket exhibition! Join in the fun on September 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Francis Park.
RAISE is looking for volunteers to assist with donation sorting, youth mentorship and more.
Welcome Neighbor STL has teamed up with STL CITY 2 for a special fundraiser supporting Welcome Neighbor on August 24. They’re also hosting an Afghan drive-thru lunch on September 6!
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Editor's Note: For nearly five years, I have managed communications and outreach for the Missouri Office of Refugee Administration. And what a time to work in refugee resettlement! From new arrivals trickling in to rapid, exponential growth to the current realignment of the program, it has been the honor of a lifetime to share stories and onramps to understanding amidst it all.
Although I may be moving on from MO-ORA, the works continues! In the meantime, continue to follow the work of local resettlement agencies and service providers near you!
Your support of refugees and welcoming efforts matters, and thank you for your patience during this transition.
Sincerely,
Marisa Tesoro
| | A Missouri that values and champions refugees | | Catch up on what you may have missed in our previous newsletters here :) | | | | |
