I’m honored to work alongside Hasib Satary who leads Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area’s Virginia employment programs. Hasib tells @gracesegers.bsky.social about the “despair” many Afghan Allies find themselves in w/o the support of the U.S. Refugee Admissions program.

“The admin’s devastating decision to strip vital legal services away from unaccompanied children runs counter to its stated desire to protect kids, some as young as toddlers, against trafficking, exploitation, & other abuses.” Our statement: supportkind.org/press-releas...

🧵Over my career, I’ve visited many refugee camps, where people live in limbo for years, some, for generations, trapped between survival and hope. For many, returning home is a death sentence, but the country they’re in doesn’t allow them to live or work.

St. Louis knows thriving communities need to welcome refugees. See Lydia DePillis’s piece in the Sunday New York Times👇

ICYMI @teoarmus.bsky.social reported on the impact of funding freezes on refugees. “Peck said the organization’s clients, including Afghans who fought alongside U.S. soldiers, are receiving eviction notices at properties around the region because LSSNCA has been unable to offer its rent assistance.”

Our latest edition of State of Welcome is out. We provide a weekly summary of executive actions and orders, legislation, and lawsuits impacting the work of welcome. Read more here: bit.ly/3F7q4qn

As I told @jenniferludden.bsky.social at NPR, the 369 refugees LSSNCA welcomed in the 3 months preceding the January stop work order are at risk for homelessness, food insecurity, & joblessness if frozen funds aren’t released. Our community is welcoming. Sign up to be a part of it: bit.ly/3DnnlbA

Hopeful the administration complies swiftly so LSSNCA can continue life-saving work. Human toll of stop work order & funding freezes: 369 individuals welcomed to the DMV now without services & 65 dedicated staff laid off. Yet, we see goodness—volunteers and support. Join our movement: bit.ly/3DnnlbA