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VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
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The Office of New Americans wishes all partners and communities a hopeful and peaceful New Year, and looks forward to continuing to work together in 2026 to support immigrants and refugees across Virginia.
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National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Office of New Americans is excited to share this year’s national theme, “Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures.” with our partners and communities. This theme comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Trafficking in Persons, which created a 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit full of ready-to-use messages, resources, and ideas you can share in your own networks.
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The Power of Partnership: Responding to Juvenile Human Trafficking
Join Safe Harbor on a special panel hybrid event in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, where experts from law enforcement, social services, and victim advocacy will walk through a real juvenile trafficking case that required coordinated intervention across multiple agencies. The event will on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. This free event is strongly recommended for law enforcement, service providers, community base organizations, social services staff, and victim advocates, and attendees are encouraged to bring a donation item in support of Safe Harbor’s Human Trafficking Program or check the wishlist to give. Due to high interest, the in-person option is full, but virtual access is still available. For details and to register for the virtual session here.
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Fairfax County Annual Human Trafficking Training
Fairfax County invites you to join the Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) during Human Trafficking Awareness Month for an eye-opening training on the impact of exploitation and violence in our communities. The Annual Human Trafficking Training will be held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. at Congregation Olam Tikvah in Fairfax. DSVS is committed to raising awareness about domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking and offers free training throughout the year. Registration is required. For questions, please contact Abby Picard Prevention and Education Coordinator at Abigail.Picard@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Human Trafficking Symposium by the Virginia Alliance of Family Services Practitioners (PD-15)
THE Virginia ALLIANCE of Family Services Practitioners, PD-15 invites you to learn more about human trafficking, taught by field professionals. Join us for an informative event where you can deepen your understanding and discover practical strategies to support victims and communities. The symposium will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Fairfield Public Library, 1401 N Laburnum Avenue, Henrico, VA 23223. Free Registration here.
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Health Summit - Reconnecting the Region
The Health Collaborative invites community members to the Health Summit: Reconnecting the Region on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, VA. This first of four regional gatherings will bring partners together to explore community health, share best practices, and celebrate local efforts promoting wellness for all. Free Registration here.
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Save the date
RAIVS Refugee + Immigrant Volunteer Summit
ReEstablish Richmond is hosting the 8th Annual Refugee + Immigrant Volunteer Summit: Welcome in Action, a cornerstone event that educates, empowers, and connects community volunteers, faith communities, and service providers who support refugees and immigrants in Richmond. The two-day summit, taking place Friday and Saturday, February 21 and 22, will offer sessions, conversations, and networking opportunities for those engaged in welcome work. For more details and registration, click here.
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The Parent Institute Leadership Training 2026
presented by PEATC
This is a great opportunity for Spanish-speaking parents of children with disabilities who are new to special education services in Virginia. The Parent Institute Leadership training, a free, two-day, in-person training organized by Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC), will be held at the Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond on March 6th and 7th. Participants will receive leadership training, gain practical insights into the special education process, learn about valuable resources, and connect with other parents on the same journey. Space is limited, adults-only, event will be conducted in Spanish, so please apply early. For more information see flyer.
| | Promoting your organization's services, educational webinars, or community events? We would love to help spread the word! Please reach out to liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov to share your initiatives and ensure that Virginians have access to valuable resources and events. Together, we can enhance awareness of resources and strengthen support for New Americans in Virginia! | | | Federal, State, and Local News | | |
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DHS has announced that it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia, effective February 13, 2026.
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DHS has stated that it is ending all family reunification parole processes for nationals of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras and their immediate family members. These parole grants will generally terminate on January 14, 2026.
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A recent federal court ruling in the Ramos TPS case restored TPS protections for Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Nepali TPS holders, blocking the government’s attempt to terminate their status.
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IMPORTANT UPDATES ON SNAP AND HEALTH COVERAGE FOR IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
As of December 1, 2025, refugee populations/ORR-eligible individuals, are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits until they obtain Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status (Green Card) and meet the income and other program requirements. The H.R.1/OBBB made changes to benefits eligibility for many for immigrants and refugees.
| | | Opportunities & Highlights | | |
Invitation to Join
Statewide Networking Group
Would you like to be part of a statewide networking group? Register for the bimonthly virtual 2026 Community Partner Meeting hosted by Altise Street. Be part of a human services networking group, share your organization’s programs and resources, connect and engage with other regions across the state, and learn about new opportunities and services. If you need more information, please contact Altise Street. To register for the 2026 monthly meetings, click here.
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2026 Dream Project Scholarship
The Dream Project Scholarship is a renewable $4,500 award that supports immigrant students who show strong academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Eligible applicants must have graduated or be graduating from a Virginia high school, have been born outside the United States, and have an immigration status (such as undocumented, DACA, TPS, or asylum applicant) that creates barriers to college. Recipients must plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college. The application period is open from January 2 to February 2, 2026 at 5 p.m. For more information here. Available flyer here.
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AHEC Scholars Program
The AHEC Scholars Program is a two-year opportunity (February 2026–June 2027) for students who want to enhance their education with additional training in interprofessional education, behavioral health integration, and social determinants of health. The application period for the next cohort is now open, with a deadline of Monday, January 12, 2026. Applicants must submit a completed application, transcript or letter of admittance, and a letter of recommendation through the online application portal. Students are encouraged to check their region and review full details and eligibility requirements on the AHEC Scholars website, and can email vaahec@vhwda.org with any questions about the program or application process.
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Supporting Housing Counseling for Newcomer Populations:
Housing Expertise and HUD Housing Counseling Exam Prep Course
Refugee Housing Solutions is pleased to announce the second cohort of a FREE 9-week virtual prep course designed to prepare learners for the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counseling Certification exam as well as gain additional housing expertise to serve their clients. The course draws from the HUD Office of Housing Counseling’s own Certified Housing Counseling course. This virtual 9-week course is open to all agencies, organizations, staff, ethnic community-based organizations, and/or community-based organizations that serve ORR-eligible populations. The last day to register is January 27, 2026. Available flyer.
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Resource Highlight: Blue Campaign
Launched in 2010, Blue Campaign is a national public awareness initiative to combat human trafficking. The campaign educates the public, law enforcement, and industry partners on how to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond effectively. You can find many resources for different groups to educate them about human trafficking and forced labor. These resources include posters, flyers, infographics, and training programs tailored for various audiences such as law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and the general public. The Blue Campaign offers free materials available in different languages at no cost upon request.
Support Blue Campaign #WEARBLUEDAY on January 11th.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
Human Trafficking E-Learning
VDCJS
On-demand
*Available in different languages and for different audiences.
The New Immigration Regime
Restrictions, Outcomes, and What’s Next
Cornell Law School
Jan 8, 1 PM - Virtual
The Power of Partnership: Responding to Juvenile Human Trafficking
SafeHarbor
Jan 12, 10 AM - Virtual
Beyond “Shock and Awe”: Immigration Actions in the First Year under Trump 2.0
Migration Policy Institute
Jan 13, 1 PM - Virtual
Impact of Trauma Exposure on Professionals
Greater Richmond Scan
Jan 15, 1 PM - Virtual
*CEU's Available
Navigating Systems and Building Bridges
Welcoming America
Jan 15, 2 PM - Virtual
*Join community organizers, nonprofit professionals, local leaders, anyone working to build stronger, more welcoming communities.
Multilingualism and Diversity: Impact on Education, Health and Society seminar series 2025-26
UCL
Jan 19, 12 PM - Virtual
Disability Benefits: Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers
PEATC & WPS
Jan 20, 5:30 PM - Virtual
*Spanish interpretation available
18th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Conference
UCF
Jan 22, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM - Virtual
*Registration close on Jan 19
Culture Isn’t a Policy: It’s the Way We Show Up
Justice Clearinghouse
Jan 22, 3 PM - Virtual
How to Identify Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scams
Southwest VA Legal Aid society
Jan 22, 6 PM - Virtual
Cultivating Authentic Community Engagement
Greater Richmond Scan
Jan 27, 10 AM - Virtual
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Project ANAR develop the Rapid Response 2025 Reference Guide, provides essential information in English, Dari, and Pashto to help Afghans community members understand their rights and support one another. It compiles practical guidance and resources to help individuals and families protect themselves during uncertain times. The guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments and is intended as a reference tool, not legal advice, to orient users to available support and information. To access the guide here.
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Protecting Immigrant Families has created a toolkit that explains recent changes to which public benefits immigrants can receive under new federal regulations, including programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, and Head Start. The toolkit helps families and service providers understand that each food and nutrition program has its own eligibility rules, applications, and entry points, and addresses the confusion and fear that often keep mixed-status families from accessing programs that could provide needed food and support.
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USAHello has created an updated Multilingual Immigration Guide with clear, easy-to-understand information for immigrants and refugees. The guide is available in several languages and covers the latest immigration policy updates. Learn about programs ending and how to apply for available benefits. Know Your Rights, legal status options, and access to help and resources.
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USCRI’s Community Outreach and Education team supports unaccompanied children by improving outcomes and removing barriers through advocacy, training, technical assistance, and partnerships. The team offers presentations and workshops on topics such as educational rights, trauma-informed care, child trafficking prevention, and best practices for child welfare and post-release services. Organizations can request training or technical assistance by contacting the team directly Here. Additionally, visit the resource center to find resources to support unaccompanied minors and immigrant families.
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ReadyNow! is a free, secure mobile app created with care for immigrant communities. It helps users create a personalized emergency plan and quickly alert trusted contacts if they are detained so they are not alone when it matters most. Share this resource to help more families stay prepared, protected, and connected.
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fwd.us released a new data tool last month, Mapping the Undocumented and Temporary Status Populations. The tool also displays this information by state of residence, country/region of origin, and duration living in the U.S. to access this tool guide click here.
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Click on each region for a listing of cultural festivals, mobile clinics, information sessions, job fairs, networking meetings and other local events: | |
| | | The resources and organizations shared in this newsletter are provided solely for informational and educational purposes. References or links to external entities within this Newsletter do not imply the endorsement of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Social Services or the Office of New Americans. | | | | |
