Dear First name / Great Neighbor,
As we move into a new month, I am so proud of our staff for the ways they have met the challenges of 2025. Women's support group meetings continue, new volunteers are being matched as Great Neighbor Guides and joining our transportation, English tutoring and grocery delivery teams. Nearly thirty refugee children began the spring soccer season with their first game this weekend. In April, we are featured as a Community Partner of TomTom Festival with a special event on April18th. In short, the work continues.
We've been fielding questions from community members who are concerned that refugees & SIVs are in danger of deportation. We'd like to provide some clarification:
Refugees are those who have fled their country “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.” (Geneva Convention, 1951). They are highly vetted and are legally recognized as a refugee. Refugees must apply for a Green Card after living in the US for one year, and can apply for citizenship after five years. Refugees are not in danger of deportation.
However, through an Executive Order signed on January 20, 2025, the entry of new refugees in the US has been suspended for 90 days pending review by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to determine whether the refugee program is in the “interests of the United States.” (whitehouse.gov)
SIVs (Special Immigration Visa holders) are the brave men and women who provided critical support to U.S. military forces during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. We have many SIV newcomers in Charlottesville and they are not in danger of deportation.
At this time, SIV holders in Iraq or Afghanistan may still arrange for their own travel to the United States as they have a valid immigrant visa for entry and admission. However, they will receive no reception & placement assistance per the Executive Order signed on January 20, 2025. (globalrefuge.org)
Though deportations are highly unlikely for the communities we serve, we are concerned about newcomers' welfare and well-being. Many of the government programs offering financial and emotional support have been shuttered.
Our local, grassroots organization needs your support. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation so our work on behalf of this vibrant refugee & SIV community can continue.
Gratefully,
