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Much has happened within the refugee landscape in the past few months. Here are some highlights:
- While the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) remains largely suspended for most refugee groups, the U.S. is admitting Afrikaners from South Africa through a special pathway authorized by the federal government.
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On May 21, 2026, President Trump issued an Emergency Presidential Determination that raised the FY2026 refugee admissions ceiling from 7,500 to 17,500. Additional slots created through this emergency action were allocated to Afrikaners from South Africa, allowing their resettlement to continue even while the broader refugee program remains on hold. Missouri continues to see Afrikaners being resettled across the state.
- Starting October 1, 2026, some groups will lose eligibility for fully funded Medicaid because of H.R 1 (Big Beautiful Bill) implementation. Coverage will be limited to citizens and nationals, green card holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Compacts of Free Association (COFA) migrants. Refugees will not qualify automatically and will only gain eligibility after becoming lawful permanent residents, usually one year after arrival.
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SNAP rules are also changing. A March 26, 2026 memo from Missouri’s Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that, under H.R. 1, non‑citizen eligibility for SNAP will narrow, limiting benefits to U.S. citizens, COFA migrants, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and green card holders.
- Global displacement reached 117.8 million people by the end of 2025, driven by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and other events disrupting public order. Of this total, 35.6 million were refugees under UNHCR’s mandate or in refugee‑like situations requiring international protection.
- Across the globe, communities are gearing up to celebrate World Refugee Day on and around June 20. WRD was first celebrated globally in 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of 1951 Refugee Convention, which established legal framework for protection of refugees This day celebrates strength and courage of refugees while also raising global awareness about the challenges refugees face, barriers to safety highlighting needs. Later in this newsletter, you can find a list of events happening in Missouri to celebrate World Refugee Day. It is important now to show up and show solidarity and support and advocate for rights and solutions.
| | IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Missouri Partners | |
Jewish Vocational Service’s Annual Global Table Gala Showcases Client Successes and Emerging Community Needs
“Everyone deserves a seat at the table.”
This was the theme of Jewish Vocational Service’s (JVS) annual Global Table gala on May 6, 2026, in Kansas City. This evening brought together partners, donors, staff and board members to learn about JVS’ work while also raising awareness of the rapidly evolving challenges newcomers face in the region.
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A Story of Hope:
This story is submitted by St. Louis Public Schools.
“In December 2021, a family from Afghanistan arrived in Saint Louis seeking stability following a humanitarian crisis. While the transition to a new environment was challenging, Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) provided a warm welcome, guiding them through enrollment and fostering lasting relationships with teachers and staff.
The children quickly found a community in the Books and Blankets book club. Led by a district ESOL teacher, these interactive sessions helped the students build their home libraries and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Simultaneously, the parents mastered essential digital skills through a 20-hour computer literacy program offered by the SLPS ESOL Office. By learning to navigate Word, Excel, and online forms, they became empowered advocates for their children’s education.
Today, the family’s journey has come full circle. Within months of arriving, the father joined SLPS as an employee. He now leads the very computer literacy classes he once attended, offering the same vital support to new families entering the Saint Louis community. This story is a powerful reminder of how opportunity and support can transform lives and foster a sense of belonging.”
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Storytelling Project
JVS is embarking on a storytelling project. The JVS Shifting Narratives Storytelling Cohort is a community-centered initiative that empowers immigrants and refugees in the Kansas City region to share their stories through written, spoken, visual, and digital storytelling. In partnership with Storytellers for Change, five fellows will receive professional storytelling training, individualized coaching, and opportunities to engage the public through a mobile exhibit, community speaking events, and video storytelling. By amplifying authentic lived experiences, the project seeks to foster greater understanding, challenge misconceptions, and highlight the vital contributions immigrants and refugees make to the fabric of Kansas City. Through the power of personal narrative, Shifting Narratives aims to build a more welcoming, connected, and inclusive community for all.
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RESOURCES: Read, Watch, Explore
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OPPORTUNITIES: Get Involved
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The International Institute of St. Louis recently opened up vendor applications for the upcoming Festival of Nations in August! Stay up-to-date on how to get involved with the Festival of Nations here.
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Jewish Vocational Service in Kansas City is always welcoming volunteers! Whether you are looking for a one-time opportunity for yourself or group or you are looking to be involved with JVS more frequently, JVS has an opportunity for you. The next volunteer session will be on April 11, 2026. Email volunteer@jvskc.org for more information.
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Jewish Vocational Services is hiring! Check out their job postings.
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The Missouri Office of Refugee Administration located in St. Louis, MO is hiring for a Communications Coordinator. Apply here.
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City of Refuge in Columbia, MO is hiring for a few different positions. Look at their job postings here.
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Archway Refugee Connections in St. Louis (previously known as Kindness Begins with Me) is looking for volunteer drivers, teachers, teaching assistants, women's group and driving tutors. If this sounds of interest, please visit here or email toni.zychinsky@kindmestl.org.
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RAISE in Joplin has ongoing volunteer opportunities available! You can sign up to help with childcare, provide quick rides for clients, support them with administrative tasks, or become a mentor to refugee youth.
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Welcome Neighbor STL is looking for volunteer drivers and tutors for their various programming. To apply, please learn more here.
| | EVENTS: World Refugee Day | |
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International Institute of Southwest Missouri’s World Refugee Day Gathering on June 19 at 5:30 PM on Broadway invites the community to share food and celebrate the cultures that make up southwest Missouri. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish and label ingredients and dietary notes so everyone can participate comfortably.
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Join the International Institute at the downtown location of 4 Hands Brewery on Saturday, June 20 from 12 - 4 pm CT as they celebrate World Refugee Day. This global observance honors the resilience and accomplishments of refugees while raising awareness of the challenges faced by displaced people around the world.
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Archway Refugee Connections invites you to their 2nd Annual World Refugee Day Celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Francis Park. Enjoy a pickleball tournament, a World Market, raffles and refreshments at Rockwell Beer Garden while honoring our refugee neighbors. Register here.
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Communities Concerned for Immigrants and Refugees is hosting a World Refugee Day community market in Kansas City on Saturday, June 20, featuring refugee owned businesses and groups that support refugee communities.
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JVS will celebrate World Refugee Day on Saturday, June 27, by participating in Kansas City’s 19th Annual World Refugee Celebration at the Garrison Community Center. The event is hosted by the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City in partnership with the Kansas City Public Library’s Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment program.
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Welcome Neighbor STL Afghan Dinner is being held on Saturday, June 20 at St. Margaret of Scotland in St. Louis, featuring Afghan cuisine, storytelling, and a small market with handmade items to support refugee families.
| | Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more updates! | | A Missouri that values and champions refugees | | Catch up on what you may have missed in our previous newsletters here :) | | | | |
