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VDSS Office of New Americans
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Medicaid Eligibility Changes are Coming in October 2026. To avoid Medicaid termination, encourage refugees and immigrants clients with Green Cards to update or confirm their status.
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Virtual Conference: 2026 Immigrant Student Success
The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute is hosting a free virtual conference, 2026 Immigrant Student Success: Strategies and Tools for PreK–12 and Adult Educators, focused on how schools can better support immigrant students in challenging times. This online event, taking place on July 8 from 11 AM to 3 PM, will bring together experts from across the country to share practical strategies for fostering belonging, identity, and agency among students, challenging common immigration myths, and supporting immigrant student mental health and well-being. Registration.
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Join ONA Educational Webinar Series
If you work with refugees or immigrants in Virginia, whether in a community organization, school, clinic, or human services program, these sessions are for you. Our office is offering educational webinars for Virginia partners to provide clear, accessible information about what is changing, what supports remain available, and practical tools to help you support communities during this time. We invite anyone working with refugees and immigrants to join.
Overview of Public Benefits Changes for Refugee & Immigrant Populations, July 21, 11 AM
Download flyer.
Accessing Health Coverage for Uninsured and Underinsured Refugees and Immigrants in VA, August 11, 11 AM Download flyer.
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Virginia Community Health Worker Association Training Series: Understanding HR1 what CHWs, Doulas, and Community Partners Need to Know
Virginia Community Health Worker Association (VACHWA) will host a virtual two-part Lunch & Learn series to help community health workers, doulas, and community partners understand HR1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a major federal law changing many public benefit programs) and support their communities. The series, “Understanding HR1: What CHWs, Doulas, and Community Partners Need to Know,” will be held on July 24 and July 31, at 12 p.m., Registration.
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VADLEN Dual Language Immersion Leadership Institute
The VADLEN Dual Language Leadership Institute will be held on Thursday, July 30th at Skyview High School in Herndon, VA. This statewide event will bring together Dual Language Immersion leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration, with a focus on strengthening and sustaining high-quality DLI programs. Additional details and registration information will be shared soon in their website.
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Virtual Special Education Summit (in Spanish)
PEATC, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is hosting the 2026 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish. This virtual summit will take place on August 1, from 10 AM to 2 PM and will provide families and professionals with information, resources, and practical tools to support students with disabilities. This virtual summit will be presented entirely in Spanish. Registration.
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Save the Date
2026 PEATC Virtual Family Engagement Summit
PEATC (the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is hosting the 2026 Virtual Family Engagement Summit, “Collaboration That Transforms Outcomes,” on Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This FREE virtual event is designed to bring together the people who play an important role in the lives of students with disabilities, including families, educators, and community partners, to learn, share strategies, and strengthen collaboration to improve student outcomes. Registration.
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Welcoming America: Welcoming Week 2026
Welcoming America will host Welcoming Week 2026 from September 10 to 19. The toolkit is now available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. This year’s theme is Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect. Join the celebration by using the toolkit, planning events, and taking part in this nationwide effort. You can also join the webinar, “Centering Lived Experience in Welcoming Week Event Planning,” on August 20.
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Save the Date
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.
| | 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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Federal Government Sues Virginia Over Immigration Laws. The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Virginia over new immigration enforcement laws that ban officers from hiding their identities and limit local 287(g) agreements with ICE, arguing the laws interfere with federal enforcement while state leaders say they promote transparency and community trust.
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Changes. The Supreme Court allowed the administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians. This decision clears the way to terminate protections and work authorization for approximately 350,000 Haitians and 6,100 Syrians, putting many families at risk of deportation and return to countries facing political instability and violence.
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Birthright Citizenship Upheld. The Supreme Court confirmed that babies born in the United States are U.S. citizens regardless of their parents’ immigration status, preserving long‑standing constitutional protections for mixed‑status families.
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Limiting ICE Collaboration (HB 1441 / SB 783). Starting July 1, Virginia is limiting local collaboration with ICE, including 287(g) agreements, to protect immigrant communities and build trust. Read Legal Aid Justice Center’s community explainer in English and Spanish.
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Immigrant Youth (HB 667). Starting July 1, HB 667 lets immigrant youth up to age 21 who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected ask Virginia courts for the findings they need for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), in line with federal law. Read Legal Aid Justice Center’s community explainer in English and Spanish.
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Virginia Driver Privilege Cards. As of July 1, driver privilege cards stay available and now last 8 years instead of 2, reducing how often drivers must renew. Read Legal Aid Justice Center how to apply for Driver Privilege Card in English and Spanish, or renew a Driver Privilege Card, in English and Spanish.
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For 250 Years: Art, Stories, and Belonging in America
For 250 years, America’s story has been shaped by people coming together across backgrounds, experiences, and generations. This summer, Welcome.US invites you to celebrate that legacy by joining two activities, the “Welcoming Nation Art Contest” and “Share Your American Experience” and sharing what welcome, belonging, and home in America mean to you today. Finalists will be announced in late July, and you’ll have the chance to help choose which artwork will be featured in the Welcome.US store this August.Learn more here.
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RMTAC Learning Community: Reimagining Systems of Engagement with Newcomer Men in Behavioral Health
The August RMTAC Learning Community, Reimagining Systems of Engagement with Newcomer Men in Behavioral Health, is now open for applications. This two-part virtual series is designed for behavioral health, administrative, and operations professionals who want to explore innovative, culturally responsive ways to engage newcomer and refugee men. Spaces are limited and the application deadline is July 15. For registration to apply visit here.
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Youth Policy Accelerator: Apply Now
Mental Health America’s Youth Policy Accelerator is a virtual leadership program for young adults (18-25) that builds skills in mental health policy, public speaking, and youth peer support while offering a $3,000 stipend for their participation and networking opportunities. Applications are due on Friday, July 17, 2026. For more information and to apply, here. For questions or support completing the application, contact Jackie Menjivar, Mental Health America’s manager of peer and youth advocacy, at jmenjivar@mhanational.org
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Resource Highlight: VPLC VirginiaLawHelp
This month, we are highlighting this new resource by Virginia Poverty Law Center launched VirginiaLawHelp.org, a new statewide website providing free legal information and self-help resources for Virginians facing common civil legal issues. Designed to improve access to justice in Virginia, VirginiaLawHelp.org offers easy-to-understand, plain language information about common problems. The site provides legal information and resources, so Virginians can understand their options and take next steps. And using the "Get Legal Help" tool, you can find local legal aid organizations in your locality and learn how to apply for free or low-cost legal assistance.
| | | Trainings and Community Resources | | VIRTUAL TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS | |
Know the Law, Lead Your Nonprofit: 2026 Virginia Legislative Session Debrief
Center for Nonprofit Excellence
July 7, 12:30 PM - Virtual
Building Stronger Communities: A Nonpartisan Voter Engagement Series
Welcoming America
July 8, 2 PM - Virtual*
Calling all Welcomers: Become a Citizen Guide
Welcome.US
July 9, 2 PM - Virtual
*Launch a citizen guide program
Supporting Newcomer Youth Navigating Two Worlds: Identity, Bullying, and Belonging
RMTAC
July 9, 2 PM - Virtual
*For services Providers
Best Practices in the Pastoral and Social Care of Immigrants
CMS
July 15, 1 PM - Virtual
Welcoming Economies 101: Inclusive Communities for Resilience & Growth
Welcoming America
July 15, 2 PM - Virtual
*This is the second session in a three-part discussion series.
Bullying Prevention and Response When Supporting Refugee Students
Switchboard
July 15, 2 PM - Virtual
Provider Series: Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma in Humanitarian Work
RMTAC
July 23, 3 PM - Virtual
Training Series: Understanding HR1 and the Working Families Tax Cut Legislation
Virginia Community Health Workers Association
July 24, 12 PM - Virtual
Know Your Rights for Faith Communities: Tools and Considerations for Faith Groups Assisting Immigrants
CLINIC
July 24, 2:30 PM to 4 PM - Virtual
When Grief Is Complex: A Trauma-Informed Response to Loss in Newcomer Communities
Switchboard
July 29, 12:30 PM - Virtual
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The National Immigration Law Center created the guide Advocating On Behalf of Patients in Immigration Custody for medical staff and health care providers. It offers practical guidance on how to care for and advocate for patients when ICE or CBP agents are present, helping to protect patient rights, safety, and dignity, and can be used to create or strengthen internal clinic protocols and guidance for staff. Visit here.
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The National Consumer Law Center has published a fact sheet on how states & local government can do to support immigrant financial stability. Read the full resource here.
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If SNAP eligibility changes have you looking for additional food resources, a wide network of organizations is here to support you. Food banks, food pantries and other community organizations are open and accessible to help with your nutritional needs. Explore these trusted community organizations offering food support, nutrition programs and family-focused assistance:
Federation of Virginia Food Banks connects individuals and families with nutritious food through a network of more than 2,000 neighborhood pantries and distribution sites across the Commonwealth.
Feed More collects, prepares and distributes food to 34 counties and cities across Central Virginia.
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals and wellness checks to older adults and individuals with limited mobility, helping them remain healthy and independent at home.
Free Formula Exchange connects families in need of infant formula with verified donors through a community-supported exchange network.
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Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed. In 2026, each eligible school‑age child will receive a one‑time $120 benefit. Benefits will be added to your household’s SNAP EBT card. Eligible families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will be mailed a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card. Beginning June 15 through August 31, applications may also be completed by calling the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414. NEW THIS YEAR: You can apply online by filling out the form on a computer or phone. For more information of SUN Bucks here.
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UNIDOSUS, in partnership with the National Housing Law Project, designed this handbook to provide information and practical guidance for housing counselors, attorneys, and housing advocates working with homeowners who are at risk of detention and/or deportation. Within this guide, you’ll find key information, where to find it, and how to seek assistance if the homeowner has already been detained or deported.
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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. | | | | |
