Greetings, all! Much has changed with the resettlement landscape since you last heard from us, so let’s get to it. 

Within the first two weeks of the new administration, there was a quick series of actions impacting refugee resettlement, beginning with the Executive Order, Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program, and the halt to foreign aid grants issued by the Department of State. As a result of these actions, 10,000 refugees who had completed security screenings and were booked for travel to the U.S. had their flights cancelled. Processing and relocation of Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) were also halted and SIV flights cancelled. Weeks later, this ban largely remains in place. 

Following those, the White House paused federal grants and loans via memorandum M-25-13. OMB memo M-25-13 was later rescinded after a federal judge temporarily blocked the plan. However, the continued accessibility of federal funding remains a concern. 

The federal landscape evolved further on February 27 when the Department of State terminated its grant agreements related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Following this decision, the State Department announced they are preparing a selection process for a new national resettlement agency. Further affecting those already resettled, the administration has paused processing of green card applications for approved refugees and asylees as of March 25. 

Many of these actions have been challenged in court, and the administration has been ordered to resume the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to process and admit refugees approved before January 20.  

Those who arrived through alternative pathways and private sponsorship programs have also been impacted. Immigration benefit applications have been paused for individuals admitted under Humanitarian Parole, including those applying for Temporary Protected Status, asylum, and green cards. Parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans has also been cut short, and the administration is weighing doing the same for Ukrainians admitted through the Uniting for Ukraine program.  

Earlier this month also marked the 45th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980. We are heartened to see local resettlement agencies and immigrant service providers remain committed to assisting refugees who have begun to call Missouri home. Across the state, agencies welcomed more than 1,200 individuals from October through January 20 who are still in need of support.

A New Policy Letter

Policy Letter 25-04 states that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) will no longer provide nonprofit agency replacement designees with Refugee Support Services (RSS) funding beginning in FY 2026.

More Regional News

Changes at the federal level have impacted communities across Missouri. Learn more below, and check out ways to support these agencies at the end of this newsletter:  

• Immigration Crackdown Could Disrupt St. Louis’s Growth Strategy, St. Louis 
• For refugee communities in Missouri, freeze on resettlement leads to furloughs and uncertainty, St. Louis 
• As refugees start new lives in Kansas City, federal funds disappear, Kansas City 
• Refugees describe aid from now gutted Missouri resettlement agency, Springfield 
• Della Lamb furloughs 40 percent of staff due to Trump executive orders, refugees unsure of future, Kansas City 

To listen: This episode of Throughline dives into the story of Wong Kim Ark and his subsequent legal battles that played a pivotal role in determining who gets to be a citizen of the U.S.  

To watch: This PBS documentary features inspiring stories of immigrants who have thrived in the U.S. 

To explore: The International Organization for Migration has been mapping the lives of refugees from Ukraine, including challenges, needs, and support received. Also, new national- and state-level data shows how immigrants and refugees contribute to the economy and strengthen key industries. 

To inform conversations: Learn more about the act that codified the resettlement program as we know it. Plus, five tips for having meaningful conversations with family and friends about private sponsorship and other immigration topics. 

For daily updates: Church World Service has launched the Daily State of Play blog and newsletter that track the latest updates regarding the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and related court cases. USAHello’s 2025 Immigration Guide breaks down immigration changes under the new administration, including Humanitarian Parole, refugee admissions, and more. 

Asylum Clinic KC is seeking volunteer attorneys for upcoming Pro Se Asylum Clinics to help clients complete applications, focusing on questions about their asylum claim. Clinics are hosted every other month, and the next one is April 11. 

City of Refuge has launched the City Cuisine Food Truck! Stop by for amazing global flavors while giving back to refugees every Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. They are also hosting a Sip and Shop event at their City Boutique, featuring wine, thrifting, and small bites from City Cuisine April 10.

Della Lamb is looking for volunteers! Sign up as a Healthcare Support partner, ELL Conversation Partner, Job Search Mentor, or check out their other opportunities. They have also compiled a list of ways to support refugees in KC here. 

The International Institute of St. Louis’ annual Race for Refugees is on April 19! They are also looking for volunteers to assist with the After School Program, food pantry, and more. 

Jewish Vocational Service is hosting their annual Global Table event! Coming up on May 8, join for an evening of storytelling, global fare, and memorable entertainment. You can find more ways to support JVS here, opportunities for business partnerships as well as to volunteer. They are also looking for donated items for clients, including new work boots. 

Kindness Begins with Me is planning their summer excursions, which will take place on Mondays from June to August. If you're interested in joining these summer excursions, or if you have contacts with a cool place in St. Louis that could be a destination, or if you just want to learn more, email info@kindmestl.org. 

MICA Project is hiring a Director of Client Support Services to lead and supervise trauma-informed case management services and a Bilingual Legal Assistant to provide administrative and client support for immigrant communities. Learn more here. 

RAISE is looking for volunteers! Sign up to assist with transportation, home repairs, office support and more. They are also in need of donations of household items for clients, including dishes, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. 

Welcome Neighbor STL’s Supper Club presents an opportunity for refugee families to share their unique knowledge and skills as well as gain financial resources that help set them on a path of greater independence. You can attend the next Supper Club on April 5. Welcome Neighbor is also hosting a yoga fundraiser this Sunday. 

Each agency is in the midst of a critical fundraising campaign. Follow them on social media to learn more about supporting their unique monetary needs.

Thanks for reading!

A Missouri that values and champions refugees

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