Summer is in full swing, and with it comes another update on refugee resettlement! 

On March 12, the Biden administration expedited the issuance of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for refugees, enabling them to start working within 30 days of entry. Also in March, a district judge upheld the private sponsorship parole programs for humanitarian parolees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.  

President Biden signed a $1.2 trillion government funding measure on March 23, preventing a major shutdown and providing 12,000 Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan allies.  

On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted to pass a $95-billion legislative package, including $60 billion for Ukraine's defense. The following day, President Biden signed it into law. It includes $481 million in supplemental funding for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and allows Ukrainian humanitarian parolees who have arrived since Sept. 30, 2023, to be eligible for ORR-funded support. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. resettled 7,477 refugees in May, an increase from the 6,390 refugees resettled in April. The eight-month total of arrivals for FY 2024 is now 62,537 refugees welcomed across the country. As of May 15, Missouri had resettled 1,854 refugees since October 1, 2023. Keep in mind, Missouri welcomed 1,563 refugees total last fiscal year! 

Most recently, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation on June 4, limiting asylum-seekers' access to the southern border. The National Immigration Forum created a Q&A to answer questions about the proclamation and its potential impacts. 

Looking ahead, a Refugee Team will be competing at the Paris Olympics. The team will feature 36 athletes from 11 countries in 12 sports. Instead of competing under the Olympic flag, the refugees have their own emblem featuring a heart at its center surrounded by arrows, symbolizing how lost refugees can find their way back. 

In the meantime, we're celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month and Pride! Find more resources about LGBTQIA+ refugees and how to support them here.

More local news spotlights: 

• Staff at the International Institute help refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers navigate the U.S. immigration system, Springfield 
• Nonprofit organizations hosts an 'International Potluck', Joplin 
• Refugee family reunites at KCI airport after 20 years apart, Kansas City 
• Global music and dance shines in St. Louis concert series, St. Louis 
• Sudanese war refugee graduates from Rockhurst University to become nurse, Kansas City 
• River City Habitat for Humanity turns over keys to Fulton homeowners, Fulton

• To watch: This video of a Ukrainian family reflecting on living in the U.S. for nearly two years, and this video from PBS diving into what’s driving millions of Venezuelans to flee their country. 

• To explore: This Interactive World Migration Report from the International Organization of Migration that presents key data and information on migration and chapters on topical migration issues. And this new analysis of 2022 U.S. census data highlighting how immigrants are helping make the U.S. a more prosperous and economically booming country. 

• To read: A closer look at what asylum seekers who use the CBP One app are undergoing, from the Los Angeles Times. Plus, this 10-part community journalism series featuring the work of the International Institute of Southwest Missouri as well as some of their clients, programs, and partnerships. 

• To celebrate: In May, we explored these resources in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Now in June, we’re celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month and Pride!

• City of Refuge in Central Missouri is looking to bolster its English Buddy program, which helps newcomers overcome language barriers and adapt to the skills necessary to thrive in their new homes. 

• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in KC is hiring! Find a list of job openings here. They are also accepting donations of school supplies, clothing and household items. Check out their Amazon wish lists for children’s clothing, health access needs, and client needs.  

• JVS is also hosting an info session where you can learn more about refugees, immigrants, and how to support the work of the agency on June 25 at 6:00 p.m. 

• Della Lamb in KC is looking for volunteers to assist refugees in navigating public transportation and to prepare homes for incoming refugees. Learn more on their volunteer webpage. They also need donations of cleaning supplies, personal care items and household goods. Find more details on their list of needs here. 

• RAISE in Joplin is seeking for volunteers to assist refugees with transportation to appointments and classes as well as to set up homes for incoming families. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and register here. 

• MICA Project is hosting a trivia night on September 7 at the South Broadway Athletic Club in St. Louis.

• MO-ORA is looking for a Missouri Refugee Program Evaluator to be based in either Kansas City or St. Louis!

• The International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) is hiring! Check out their job postings here, including an Employment Caseworker and a Building Maintenance Technician. They are also looking for donations of kitchen items, cleaning products, bedding and more. Check out their donation flyer for more info.  

• Festival of Nations, powered by IISTL, is coming up later this summer, August 24-25 in Tower Grove Park! Before then, you can also check out their summer series events. 

• Kindness Begins with Me in STL is looking for donations of educational games, books, and toys for children ages 1-10 as well as art supplies for children ages 4-18. More info on how to donate items can be found here (scroll down to the STL section).

• Welcome Neighbor STL is hosting a drive-thru lunch on June 22 in celebration of World Refugee Day!

• Refugees International is hosting a virtual town hall on June 20 to discuss the state of global displacement, their latest priorities for action, and ways to get involved. 

Check out our blog post with more opportunities across the state! 

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more updates, including news about Welcoming Week!