Quarterly Update from MO-ORA

Summer is here, and you know what that means: another seasonal update from MO-ORA!

Eight months into fiscal year 2023, the U.S. has resettled 31,797 refugees out of the annual presidential determination of 125,000. The U.S. resettled 6,975 refugees in May, a 9% increase over the 6,394 refugees resettled in March — a promising sign for the U.S. refugee program. And in Missouri, we’ve resettled nearly 800 refugees since October 1.

Title 42 also came to an end last month after the public health emergency ended. Hours into the policy shift, officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that they "did not see a substantial increase overnight" of migrants trying to cross into the U.S. In fact, reports indicated a relative calm hanging over U.S. border cities as new migration restrictions were introduced.

Meanwhile, parole protections were extended for Afghans. Afghans brought to the U.S. after the Taliban’s takeover can request renewal of their parole status, which allows them to live and work here legally but temporarily.

Since the start of the Biden administration, hundreds of thousands of people have been granted humanitarian parole to find safety and work legally in the U.S. A new FWD.us-George Mason University study suggests that this timely increase in immigration coming out of the pandemic has likely helped to address labor shortages.

And as summer begins in earnest, the Welcome Corps program is also well underway. Private citizens across the country have embraced the opportunity to be a part of the resettlement process and assist in welcoming more refugees to the U.S.

Stay tuned in to the latest news by following our News page and Blog in between newsletters.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Local Resettlement Efforts

Jewish Vocational Service officially launched their Ambassador Program! A form of community sponsorship, their first group will work in partnership with JVS to provide critical services and welcome new refugee arrivals. Learn more about their training process and goals of the program here.

Read more here.

More local news spotlights:

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WORLD REFUGEE DAY: Hope Away From Home

Celebrated each year on June 20, World Refugee Day is an opportunity to celebrate and honor refugees around the world. This year, the focus is on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees. Agencies and service providers across the state have exciting plans, and they’re seizing the opportunity to embrace this year’s theme: Hope away from Home. A world where refugees are always included.

Learn more about events coming up over the next couple of weeks on our World Refugee Day page. There you’ll find info on a book discussion in Springfield, a multicultural celebration in St. Louis, a family-friendly community event in Columbia, and more!

We’re also hosting an in-person event in St. Louis! Stop by our happy hour panel discussion on June 20 and learn more about what newcomers bring to their communities, challenges they might face, and how you can support welcoming efforts. RSVP today!

RESOURCES: Read, Watch, Explore

To read: Afrik Digest, a free magazine helping African immigrants navigate life in the U.S. produced by a Nigerian immigrant woman. And this article about how Black immigrants sometimes have to fight to make their presence recognized.

To watch: No Borders, Just Flavors, a cooking competition show on YouTube highlighting first- and second-generation immigrant chefs as they create meals from their families’ heritage. And "Starting From Zero," which follows three Afghan refugees after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021, as they take long journeys to find safety for themselves and their families.

To listen: The Women of Refuge podcast series from the Refugee Storytellers Collective and Daughters of Change, which features the powerful voices of refugee women who are giving back to their communities across the United States. And the Refugee Matters podcast on Spotify where each episode sheds light on a unique experience and challenge that people face while seeking safety.

To explore: Our collection of resources explaining the end of Title 42 and the current process at the southern border; this handbook from UNHCR about welcoming LGBTQI+ refugees; and this guide for companies looking to mentor refugee women.

OPPORTUNITIES: Get Involved

City of Refuge: Their English Buddy program has a growing waitlist. Sign up here to work with students and help them practice English in Columbia.

Della Lamb: Join their next Lunch and Learn on June 28 to find out more about refugee resettlement efforts in KC.

IISMO is looking for a Youth Mentor Coordinator to join their team in Springfield!

IISTL: Attend the next Community Bazaar! Every other Friday at IISTL from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., you’ll find community resources open to the public, including nutritious food and household necessities, along with live music, international cuisine and local vendors. Follow @iistl on social media for updates. And save the date: Festival of Nations returns August 26-27 in Tower Grove Park! But before that, IISTL is hosting an info session about the new Welcome Corps program this week!

JVS is looking for a Refugee Employment Manager, Refugee Career Pathways Case Manager, and more in KC!

RAISE is hiring for various positions in Joplin! You can see the job descriptions and application here. You can send your resume and application to apply@raisecommunity.org.

See you in September when we'll have info about Welcoming Week and a visit in St. Louis from Little Amal!

Stay cool, and use sunscreen out there :)

Catch up on what you may have missed in our previous newsletters here :)