Good afternoon & welcome to the Lab Brief.
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State and local elected officials, national leaders, and leaders with lived experience of forced displacement from across the country are using their platforms and powerful perspectives to make clear that the dismantling of our protection system erodes our American values, weakens communities, and stands in opposition to our national interest. The Lab is proud to support and work alongside these champions as we fight for a more affirmative future where real solutions help everyone – including our new refugee and immigrant neighbors – feel safe, welcome, and able to thrive.
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Let’s take a closer look.
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Two months after President Trump signed a harmful Executive Order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), more than 300 bipartisan state and local elected leaders nationwide sent a letter to the administration calling for the immediate restart of the program and setting the record straight: our refugee neighbors are integral to our communities.
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National leaders continue to share this urgent call. A 90-day report on the future of the program was due on April 20, but there has been no indication that the report was delivered to the president. To mark this moment, diverse leaders from across the country shared reflections on the critical role of the refugee program in advancing American values and interests and its benefit to our communities and the economy:
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“[USRAP] represents lives, dreams, resilience, hope — it is a gateway for future change-makers, doctors, engineers, artists, tradespeople — people who are ready and eager to become assets to America’s workforce and to contribute meaningfully to its economy and communities.” - Aisha Koroma, Refugee Congress Delegate for Washington, D.C, in News From the States.
“We have been blessed in this country with great power and great resources, and I think the mark of our greatness is how we use that power.” - New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in KRQE News.
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The reality is simple: Communities across the United States want to welcome people seeking safety.
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A GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS ADVOCATING FOR REFUGEES
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As a result of the Trump administration’s suspension of USRAP, tens of thousands of refugees are stranded overseas, families are separated, and resettled refugees already here are cut off from needed support to start their new lives. Community leaders are ready to serve as powerful champions of refugee resettlement and have important perspectives on the value of the program at the local level.
In response to a request for support from employers and other local leaders, the International Rescue Committee and the Lab have published a new resource with tools to engage their elected officials and advocate in the public dialogue for the immediate restart of the refugee resettlement program.
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FAITH REFLECTIONS FROM THE REFUGEE STORYTELLERS COLLECTIVE
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With March and April being months of faith, deep reflection, and prayer, Refugee Storytellers Collective members are sharing reflections on recreating the traditions they grew up with while also embracing new ways to observe their faith in their new communities.
In celebration of Ramadan, Collective members Nejra, Muntaha, Dana, and Storai shared how they keep their traditions alive while embracing new customs, and the importance of Ramadan being a call to action. Collective member Teddy also spoke with USA for UNHCR about how he celebrates Ramadan and how his faith inspires his advocacy.
To celebrate Easter, Collective members Kendra, Kateryna, and Noor reflect on how the holiday can be both comforting and bittersweet as even in unfamiliar places, the holiday serves as a powerful reminder of people’s strength, their heritage, and the power of community.
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In Lab states, our partners on the ground are building relationships with local champions, educating their fellow community members, and supporting inclusive policies.
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Lab partner CRSA and the Carter Center came together on March 28th with Mayor Andre Dickens, Former State Senator Jason Carter, immigrant and refugee advocates, and members of the community to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980.
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“I know that the Refugee Act of 1980 was in my grandfather’s heart. One reason… is that it comes from his faith.” - Former State Senator Jason Carter, grandson of the late former President Jimmy Carter and Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Carter Center, in AP News and 11Alive.
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A few days later on April 4th, the state legislative session came to a close, with several harmful anti-immigrant bills stalled. Our partners at CRSA will spend the rest of the year deepening partnerships and bringing in new champions to ensure Georgia remains a welcoming place.
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A bill that would create a licensure pathway for internationally-trained physicians continues to advance through the state legislature, passing through several Senate committees. The Lab and our partners at the Center for Victims of Torture will continue to champion it as it moves through the legislative process.
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Lab partner World Relief Durham and other local partners hosted North Carolina Welcomes Day in early April, bringing together dozens of community members at the State Capitol to meet with their elected officials and urge their support for inclusive policies, including support for bills to improve language access and reduce licensing barriers for internationally trained teachers.
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"We talked to legislators and their aides, and we left some materials for them to review. They've been really receptive to the problems we're talking about and the solutions we're proposing." - Jada Alicea-Rochelle, Lab State Lead and Advocacy Coordinator for World Relief Durham, told NC Latino Link.
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We were encouraged to see a big show of support for immigrant communities from the Pennsylvania legislature’s Welcoming Caucus recently, with a press conference featuring the Lab State Lead at CWS, Rwamucyo Karekezi. Stay tuned for more updates this summer as we work to push forward legislation to create an Office of New Pennsylvanians this year.
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Thanks for reading! Are you interested in state advocacy or Lab resources? Reach out.
The Refugee Advocacy Lab partners with varying groups on different activities, and as such, partnership with the Lab does not necessarily imply a partner’s support for any specific activity or policy. Similarly, the Lab does not necessarily support or endorse specific activities or positions of partner organizations.
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