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VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Beginning October 1, 2026, some noncitizen adults may no longer qualify for full Medicaid coverage. To help avoid a loss of coverage, please encourage refugee and immigrant clients, including Green Card holders, to review any Medicaid notices they receive and submit any requested immigration documents by the deadline. Children under age 19 and pregnant or postpartum individuals are not affected by these changes. Click here for update or confirm their status.
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Hispanic Heritage Month: Stories, Strength, and Celebration
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the stories, achievements, and contributions of Virginia’s Hispanic and Latino communities. We’re proud to share the story of Liliana and Tomas, a Salvadoran refugee family supported by our partners at Catholic Charities, whose journey reflects perseverance and hope. We also invite you to join Radio Poder’s “Persona de Poder” (People of Will and Power) celebration on October 11 in Richmond, honoring people who have contributed to Virginia’s immigrant and Latino communities.
We encourage organizations to submit their Hispanic Heritage Month events to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s calendar, and everyone to explore it and discover celebrations happening across Virginia.
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National Immigrants Day
National Immigrants Day, celebrated on October 28, honors the courage, resilience, and many contributions of immigrants who have helped shape the United States. The date marks the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty’s dedication in 1886, a lasting symbol of hope and welcome. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 28 as National Immigrants Day, recognizing the generations of people who came to this country in search of new beginnings and the rich customs, traditions, and talents they brought with them. This day is an opportunity to honor immigrant communities and recognize the important role they play in our families, workplaces, and communities.
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Join ONA Community Partners Open Forum: Benefits, Resources, and Current Needs for Refugees and Immigrants
Join us on October 20 at 10:30 a.m. for the Community Partners Open Forum: Benefits, Resources, and Current Needs for Refugees and Immigrants. Connect with ONA Senior Program Consultants, a VPLC Senior Policy Analyst, and community partners. This forum is a space to ask questions and learn about resources and guidance to support your clients.
With some H.R. 1 Medicaid eligibility changes for noncitizen adults now in effect, bring your questions about eligibility and how to help clients navigate the changes. We’re here to share information, connect you with resources, and work together to support Virginia’s immigrant community. Register here. Download flyer.
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Hybrid Event
Richmond Seminar Series From Languages Access to Language Justice: Building Equitable Public Services in Multilingual Communities
The Virginia Tech Richmond Center’s Institute for Policy and Governance invites you to the second session of the 2026 Richmond Seminar Series, “Building Equitable Public Services in Multilingual Communities.” This hybrid event will take place virtually and in person on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Richmond, Virginia. Registration. Please see flyer here.
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Virginia Medicaid Virtual Town Hall for Advocates and Community Stakeholders
Virginia Medicaid invites advocates and community stakeholders to attend a virtual Town Hall on October 22 to learn about upcoming Medicaid changes resulting from a new federal law. Participants will learn who may be affected, possible exemptions, reporting requirements, key implementation dates, and resources to help members remain covered. Registration is required, live attendance is limited to 1,000 participants, and registrants may submit questions in advance. A calendar invitation and joining link will be sent automatically after registration, and the Town Hall recording will be posted online for later viewing. Registration.
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Join H.R.1 Federal Work Requirements Information & Planning Sessions
The Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, and the Virginia Department of Social Services invite local partners and stakeholders to attend an upcoming H.R. 1 Federal Work Requirements Information and Planning Session. Thirteen in-person sessions will be held across Virginia through October to support planning and implementation of the new H.R. 1 Medicaid and SNAP work requirements. Once participants register, they will be able to view the meeting locations across the state. These sessions will provide an opportunity to share information, discuss local priorities, and plan for the changes ahead so Virginia residents are well supported as they navigate the new requirements. Registration.
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2026 Annual Gathering "The Bridges We Build"
Catholic Charities USA will host its Annual Gathering, “The Bridges We Build,” in Richmond on October 12–15, 2026. Join Catholic Charities leaders from across the country for connection, learning, and shared purpose through inspiring plenaries, practical workshops, worship, networking, and a taste of Richmond. This annual gathering will offer meaningful opportunities to reflect, recharge, and return home ready to strengthen your community. Register by September 1, 2026.
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Financial Empowerment Summit for Students and Young Professionals
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with George Mason University, will host a free, in-person Financial Empowerment Summit on October 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students and young professionals can connect with financial experts and gain practical tools for financial wellness and building generational wealth. Attendees can also learn about joining HHF’s LOFT Network, which offers access to mentorship, internships, and career opportunities.
Registration here. Download flyer here.
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CLINIC Interfaith Immigration Summit
CLINIC will host its inaugural virtual Interfaith Immigration Summit on October 29 - 30, 2026, bringing together Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other faith leaders to explore how shared values of human dignity and justice can shape responses to today’s immigration challenges. Registration.
| | 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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On September 14, 2026 Virginia joined a coalition 21 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit to halt the new DHS public charge rule that went into effect on 9/18/2026, which could deny green cards based on nearly any use of public benefits. Read the announcement. Important note: Many humanitarian immigrant statuses are not subject to the public charge rule and are not impacted by this change.
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On September 28, 2026, Richmond City Council directed the mayor’s administration to develop an immigration Trust Policy. Read the update.
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On September 30, 2026, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined 20 other attorneys general in opposing a proposed DHS rule affecting some affirmative asylum applicants. Read the announcement.
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On October 1, 2026, H.R. 1 Medicaid eligibility changes for some noncitizens took effect in Virginia. See Virginia Medicaid’s information.
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On October 16, 2026, USCIS fees for certain immigration benefits will increase. For example, the initial work-permit fee for some asylum applicants, parolees, and TPS applicants will rise to $570. View the USCIS fee update
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On October 19, 2026, the current TPS designations for Ukraine and Sudan are set to end. Certain eligible TPS holders may have work-permit extensions through that date. Check USCIS updates for Ukraine and Sudan.
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New VHCF Grant Opportunity for Medicaid Outreach & Enrollment Assistance in Light of New Federal Requirements
The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) is accepting applications for an 18-month Project Connect grant initiative to expand Medicaid outreach and enrollment assistance as Virginia prepares for new federal requirements under H.R. 1. Grants will support approximately 13 additional community-based outreach workers statewide from January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028. Applications are due October 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Organizations can find application materials, Medicaid/FAMIS enrollment resources, and free SignUpNow training opportunities on the VHCF website.
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Meyer Foundation Rapid Response Grant
The October rapid response grant cycle is open! Rapid response grants fund urgent and emergent needs of Meyer core grantee partners. This year, grantee partners are eligible for up to two rapid response grants of up to $50,000 each. Deadline October 16. Find more information and apply, here. Download flyer, here.
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2026 Benefit Eligibility for Qualified Noncitizens Available in multiple languages!
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has developed a 2026 Benefit Eligibility for Qualified Noncitizens flyer to help Virginians understand and navigate changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. The flyer is available in multiple languages and can support individuals and families who may be affected by changes under H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21). It is ready to be shared widely with clients, staff, partners, and on relevant message boards. It can also be used as a reference when connecting with DSS if any eligibility clarification is needed.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
The New DHS Public Charge Rule for Noncitizens: What Virginia Partners and Service Providers Need to Know
VPLC/EnrollVA
October 6, 10:30 AM - Virtual
Building Civity: How Intentional Relationships Transform Communities
Welcoming America
October 6, 2 PM - Virtual
Health Care Defense Call: The Reality of HR1 Implementation and Documenting Impacts
Community Catalyst and Families USA
October 6, 3 PM - Virtual
Training Preventing Targeted Violence through a Public Health Approach
UCLA Health
October 7, 2:00 PM - Virtual
Legal Q&A Call for Social Service Providers Working with Unaccompanied Children
USCRI
October 8, 3 PM - Virtual
National Low Income Housing Coalition State and Local Tenant Protections Network Call *
NLIHC
October 8, 3 PM - Virtual
Mastering Fundraising: From Grant Writing to Building Funder Relationships
We all America & CWS
October 8, 5 PM - Virtual
*This workshop focus on capacity of immigrant- and refugee-led organizations .
WIC for Immigrant Families
National WIC Association
October 14, 12 PM - Virtual
Fair Housing Rights of Immigrant Families
National Fair Housing Alliance
October 14, 2 PM - Virtual
Navigating an Unknown Landscape: Advocating for Temporary Protected Status in an Era of Enforcement
CLINIC
October 20, 2 PM - Virtual
Equity Matters: What if the Current Fight to Protect Child Care is also an Opportunity to Transform it?
CLASP
October 22, 1 PM - Virtual
Informal Conversation -Advocating for Immigrants and Refugees
PCC4Refugees
October 22, 8 PM - Virtual
Strengths-Based Safety Planning with Newcomer Populations
RMTAC
October 29, 2 PM - Virtual
Siempre Ahí (Always There)
Launch Webinar
Hope Center for Wellness
October 30, 3 PM - Virtual
*Session is designed for mental health providers, educators, researchers, and advocates.
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Supporting Students & Families Impacted by TPS Changes is a resource created by Immigrant Connections to help educators support students, families, and colleagues affected by changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The guide includes an overview of what TPS is, what losing TPS may mean for some individuals and families, the countries impacted by TPS changes, and examples of how this uncertainty may appear in students lives and school communities. It also offers practical, compassionate steps for educators, including respecting privacy, creating safe spaces to listen, responding with empathy, and connecting families with trusted school and community resources.
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The American Immigration Council and Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services launched the Immigration Response Playbook, an interactive resource for state and local leaders responding to federal immigration enforcement. It includes more than 200 policies adopted by over 75 localities and 20 states since January 2025, covering areas such as data protections, limits on federal enforcement, and federal accountability. The playbook is a living resource that will continue to be updated.
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Church World Services and Foundation Hope Ayiti are partnering to offer virtual Lakou Tanama healing spaces for Haitian newcomers in the U.S. diaspora. These confidential sessions provide a welcoming space for Haitian community members to connect in Haitian Kreyòl, share as they feel comfortable, and support one another through honest dialogue, healing, and community care. Service providers and others who would like to learn more are invited to read about Lakou Tanama’s community-centered approach and check the upcoming sessions.
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This October brings new changes and uncertainty for newcomers, from changes to temporary protected status to the potential loss of benefits. That’s why Welcome.US is bringing Welcomers together for interactive, discussion-based gatherings where they can share insights, ask questions, access resources, and coordinate action. Join an affinity group to connect with others supporting newcomers from Ukraine and Haiti.
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Virginia’s Health and Human Resources Data Overview is an interactive online resource that helps residents, community organizations, and local leaders better understand how public-assistance programs support individuals and families across the Commonwealth. The dashboards provide state, county, and city-level data on programs such as Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and TANF cash assistance, allowing users to explore participation by locality and, for some reports, by age, gender, and race. The resource also highlights possible impacts of recent federal policy changes, including SNAP and Medicaid work requirements, and identifies communities that may be at greater risk of benefit or coverage disruptions.
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Introducing SUNLight, a new 90-minute workshop from the Virginia Health Care Foundation. It offers a clear, high-level overview of Medicaid and FAMIS, along with important information about upcoming federal changes. The workshop is ideal for anyone who wants to understand the programs and stay informed without getting into every detail. Register for a SUNLight Medicaid workshops, 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. | | | | |
