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As the refugee resettlement and immigration landscapes continue to change, service providers across the state continue to rise to the challenge. More on that below!
Refugee Admissions: The indefinite pause of the refugee admissions program that went into effect in January largely remains in place with a few exceptions: 160 “injunction-protected” refugees whose cases are moving forward as part of the Pacito v. Trump lawsuit, Afghan SIVs who are paying for their own travel, and a small number of others granted waivers by the Secretary of State. Also among those exceptions are white South Africans. The first cohort arrived on May 12 following an executive order.
Resettlement Agencies: Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), one of the national resettlement agencies in the U.S., announced EMM would be ending their resettlement contracts with the federal government at the end of Fiscal Year 2025. They are the second national resettlement agency to end their resettlement contracts after U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops made a similar announcement in April.
TPS and Humanitarian Parole: Temporary Protected Status was cancelled for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans as well as for Afghanistan, affecting more than 8,000 Afghans in the U.S. with protections set to expire on July 14, 2025. More recently, the Supreme Court ruled that the administration could proceed with terminating humanitarian parole for approximately 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. through the Processes for CHNV Program.
Travel Ban and Immigration Enforcement: The administration issued a travel ban, which went into effect on Monday, June 9. The ban bars travel to the U.S. by citizens of 12 countries mainly in Africa and the Middle East and partially restricts the entry of citizens from seven other countries. Stateside, immigration enforcement efforts have ramped up, with one of the latest measures giving the green light to Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents to arrest people at immigration court right after their cases are dismissed.
By this time last year, the U.S. had resettled nearly 70,000 refugees across the country, with more than 1,800 arriving in Missouri by the end of June 2024. Prior to the program's pause in January, Missouri had already resettled nearly 1,000 refugees during the first few months of FY 2025. Those families and more are still here. They are neighbors, students, parents, employees, and friends, and local resettlement agencies and other immigrant service providers continue to serve them as they integrate into their communities.
| | IN THE SPOTLIGHT: IISMO's New Executive Director | | |
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After more than 8 years serving refugees and immigrants in the Springfield community, Rebekah Thomas has stepped down from her role as the Executive Director of the International Institute of Southwest Missouri (IISMO). During her time at IISMO, she built relationships with community partners and local government officials, led the organization as they resettled hundreds of refugees, and even helped establish CultureFest. She will be greatly missed!
Jacob Gaugert, former Director of Workforce Solutions, has now taken on the role of leading the organization as the new Executive Director. And amidst a flurry of policy changes, Gaugert sees signs of hope in the Springfield community through continued donations, dedicated volunteers, and staff willing to go above and beyond.
| | World Refugee Day 2025: Solidarity with Refugees | |
World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time on June 20, 2001, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees—the United Nations treaty that essentially defined who a refugee is.
Now each year June 20 is a day dedicated to honoring refugees and an “occasion to build empathy and understanding and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives,” as explained on the UNHCR World Refugee Day site.
World Refugee Day strikes a different chord this year. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program largely remains suspended; however, local resettlement agencies and other immigrant service providers across the state continue to serve refugees as they settle into their homes, build relationships, and deepen their community connections. Amidst it all, these organizations are still honoring newcomers and offering ways for communities to show solidarity with refugees.
We’ve compiled a list of events happening across the state on our World Refugee Day page and will continue to keep it updated. You can also find additional opportunities to get involved at the end of this newsletter and on our blog.
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RESOURCES: Read, Watch, Explore
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OPPORTUNITIES: Get Involved
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City of Refuge is hosting their Summer Market on Friday, June 20 in celebration of World Refugee Day! They are also looking for fall interns and have decided to open their City Boutique on the second Saturday of each month this summer: June 14, July 12 and August 9.
Della Lamb has launched their Swag Shop! Now you can purchase shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more to support their programming. They’re also looking for volunteers to assist with childcare, events, and transportation. And you can attend their upcoming fundraiser featuring dueling pianos on Friday, June 20!
The International Institute of Southwest Missouri is hiring a Job Developer to support immigrant and refugee job seekers, build relationships with employers, and coach clients through the job search process.
The International Institute of St. Louis is hiring a Language Services Coordinator to coordinate between clients, translators, interpreters and third-party partners. They’re also hosting a special Community Bazaar on Friday, June 20! And mark your calendars for the Festival of Nations on August 23-24 in Tower Grove Park!
Jewish Vocational Service is hosting a volunteer info session on Saturday, June 28! Attend to learn more about the work of JVS as well as current volunteer opportunities. To RSVP, email volunteer@jvskc.org. They are also in need of new cribs, pack-and-plays and car seats for clients, which can be delivered to the JVS office in KC Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Kindness Begins with Me and Monarch Immigrant Services have partnered to host an event in honor of World Refugee Day! Join them for a pickleball tournament and cricket exhibition, world market, raffles and more on Saturday, June 14 in Francis Park.
RAISE is hosting a benefit concert to support their continued work serving refugees in the Joplin area. Join them on June 21 at the The Roxy! They are also looking for volunteers to assist with home repairs, transportation, childcare and more.
Welcome Neighbor is looking for tutors and volunteer drivers to assist with their evening tutoring program at the Afghan Community Center, which takes place each Wednesday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Email Laura at volunteer@wnstl.org to learn more and sign up!
| | A Missouri that values and champions refugees | | Catch up on what you may have missed in our previous newsletters here :) | | | | |
