Hello! To all of our new subscribers, welcome! As the mornings become crisper and the whisper of autumn is in the air, another new season is upon us. So it’s also time for another quarterly update! 

On the sponsorship front, Welcome Corps, a private refugee sponsorship program through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), announced a new sponsorship initiative. Welcome Corps on Campus will offer refugees a new path to American colleges by allowing a minimum of five people over the age of 18 to form a sponsorship group. The group members must have a connection to a participating college in the program and live in the community. 

As for news at the Southern border, the Biden administration announced its commitment to accept refugee resettlement referrals from qualified individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela already in Mexico. There was also headway made in terms of family reunification parole processes. The Biden administration launched new family reunification parole processes for Central Americans and Colombians so that certain family members of American citizens and lawful permanent residents can reunite with their loved ones in the U.S. while they await their visas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also announced updates to the Cuban and Haitian family reunification parole processes, including moving most of the process online. 

Overseas, crises have continued to unfold in Ukraine and Sudan. The Biden administration has responded by announcing extensions and redesignations of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Ukraine, Sudan, and South Sudan.

Finally, it’s been two years since the fall of Kabul and the mass evacuation of our Afghan allies. More than 124,000 civilians were evacuated from Afghanistan in August and September 2021, but many now find themselves struggling with short-term and restrictive visa situations in the U.S. and Europe. Many more remain stuck in Pakistan, Iran, the Persian Gulf, and in African countries, waiting for news, fearing deportation, and contemplating risky journeys to Europe and the U.S. to try to claim asylum. 

More local news spotlights: 

• Catholic Charities names new executive director, News Tribune 
• United Way adds three new local nonprofits as partner agencies, News Tribune 
• International Institute tries to attract Afghans to St. Louis, STLPR 
• To navigate car-dominated Kansas City, these Congolese refugees teach each other how to drive, KCUR 
• Jewish Vocational Services hosts back to school fair, FOX 4

• To explore: This new report that analyzes how a pool of over 2 million recent refugees are contributing to the U.S. economy. This collection of infographics that depicts the journeys of refugees all over the world. And five takeaways from the 2022 UNHCR Global Trends Report. 

• To watch: This Refugee Matter’s episode uplifting the courageous work of LGBTQ+ asylees and immigrants, working to promote LGBTQ+ migrant justice in their communities and nationwide. And this documentary series that seeks to challenge stereotypes and perceptions about refugees. 

• To listen: This piece from NPR’s Weekend Edition that examines the long-term uncertainty for resettled Afghans. 

• To read: The winning entry for the 2023 'Celebrate America' Creative Writing Contest. And Sunshine Nails, “a novel of character studies that simmers with questions about work, class, generational divides and the expectations facing refugees making new homes in their asylums.” 

St. Louis Public Library also compiled reading lists featuring immigrant and refugee voices for Welcoming Week!

• MO-ORA is hiring! We’re looking for a Quality Assurance Coordinator based in St. Louis to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and lead change for the betterment of MO-ORA and local refugee service providers. 

• Della Lamb is looking for a Development Director, Housing Coordinator, and Logistics Specialist in KC. You can also volunteer with them! Learn more about Co-sponsorship, House to Home, and Community Access Teams here. 

• IISMO is hosting an International Job Club over the next couple of months! These workshops are free and open to anyone 16 years or older, regardless of immigration status or citizenship. They have also launched a monthly newsletter! Check out past editions here. And they're hiring an Employment Caseworker! 

• City of Refuge is looking for volunteers in Central Missouri to be Homework Helpers, English Buddies, and to assist in their City Boutique. Learn more. 

• JVS is hiring a Digital Literacy Coordinator and Employment Case Manager. They are also looking for volunteers! You can participate in their Youth Mentoring Program, assist with their Happy Bottoms/Giving the Basics program, or lend a hand organizing their Clothing Closet and Warehouse. 

• IISTL is hiring! They’re looking for a Mental Health Therapist, Resettlement Case Aide, and Budget Analyst. See more openings here. They are also hosting their bi-weekly Community Bazaar next Friday!

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more updates :)