Venezuela continues to face an ongoing political and economic crises. Inflation, chronic food shortages, unemployment, and human rights violations all contribute to the worsening situation. As such, over 7 million people have been pushed to leave their home. The vast majority settled in neighboring Latin American countries, but thousands have made their way to America.
As local officials strive to meet the needs of these newcomers, they have asked for a policy change to let these people work. Employment for refugees is key for integration and economic stability. Including refugees and asylum seekers in national labor markets is increasingly being regarded as good practice, as it benefits both the refugees and the people who live beside them. Far from being dependent, refugees are often innovative entrepreneurs. They benefit the economy with small businesses while also filling needs in the labor market and adding to the tax base.
We applaud the Biden administration for granting temporary legal status to our Venezuelan neighbors. This quickly makes them eligible for employment and ultimately allows them and their communities to thrive.
Voice Your Support for Afghan Adjustment
The Afghan Adjustment (AA) has been reintroduced in both the House (H.R.4627) and the Senate (S.2327) of the United States by a bipartisan group of legislators. We invite you to join us in honoring our promise to our Afghan allies by urging your representatives to pass the Afghan Adjustment!
Connecting Communities Through Sponsorship Circles: “Navigating With Humor”
We interviewed Elizabeth Gregg as part of our World Refugee Day event. Elizabeth was first connected with the refugee cause through a Facebook post. One of her friends was creating a sponsor circle for the influx of refugees coming to their community of Seattle, WA. After deciding that participation was possible for their family, Elizabeth got involved.
How Refugee Baby Showers Connected a Community: Do Great Things With Fear and Humility
As part of our World Refugee Day Event, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Uzma Jafri. She fills many roles, including physician, business owner, medical director, and most importantly, mother of four. It was during the first few months of her fourth child’s life when Dr. Jafri became interested in refugees. During the countless sleepless nights that accompany newborns, Dr. Jafri would watch coverage of the Syrian refugee crisis. Dr. Jafri felt a pull to help those in the crisis.