[link removed]
May 2020
Pivoting to a New Reality

In the wake of the Administration’s arbitrary immigration ban this past month and the challenges of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we at USCRI are helping refugees and immigrants across the U.S. as they deal with devastating job losses, health issues, and fears brought on by COVID-19. This critical work must continue as we confront one of the most challenging crises of our lifetimes.

"We've started a virtual tutoring program so kids don't fall behind in school. We've delivered hundreds of face masks to immigrant communities. We are helping people apply for unemployment if they've been laid off. A number of our clients have new babies, so we're holding a drive for donated baby gear. We're doing everything we can to meet the needs of the community during this very difficult time," according to Scott Phillips, Director of USCRI's North Carolina office.

Want to help? Your gift to USCRI's COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund ([link removed]) can help keep a family housed, fed, and safe. A heartfelt thank you to all the generous individuals, foundations, and companies who have donated so far during this challenging time.
COVID-19 Impacts

Refugees and immigrants in the U.S. have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in two ways:

Job Losses. Immigrants tend to work in industries that have been heavily damaged by the pandemic, including hospitality, food service, entertainment, and construction. The hospitality industry alone saw over 7 million job losses in the month of April.
Making matters worse, many immigrant households will not receive any financial assistance from the government.

Health Risks. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants are working on the front lines of the pandemic, placing themselves at risk every day. Many of the most at-risk jobs - including those in health care, grocery stores, and food delivery - are held by immigrants. Over 36% of home health aides, 28% of physicians, and 22% of nursing assistants are immigrants.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics ([link removed]) and New American Economy ([link removed])
Good News from April

It was a difficult month, but there were also plenty of heartwarming moments. Here are a few of our favorites:

The American dream achieved! Two families purchased homes in Cleveland, a family of four from Syria and a family of nine from the Congo. That makes 10 families total who have purchased homes in Cleveland through USCRI's Individual Development Account Program.

Abdallah, a refugee who lost his leg fleeing from his home country, was thrilled to receive a new prosthetic leg. In every photo and video call, he can’t help but grin from ear to ear! He is thrilled to have this new strength and independence and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of his tireless case worker Fadel in our Erie, PA office.

Click here ([link removed]) to learn more and watch a video of Abdallah with his new leg!

Lenovo donated 15 laptops for immigrant students in North Carolina. This high school student was completing all her schoolwork on a cell phone... until she received a laptop! She got it on a Friday and was able to join her online classes by Monday.

Ways to Give

We can't do this critical work without you. Your gift to USCRI can have a meaningful impact on refugees and immigrants dealing with job losses, health concerns, and other issues related to COVID-19.

Make a Cash Donation
* Donate online. ([link removed])
* Send a check to Development Dept, USCRI, 2231 Crystal Drive, Ste 305, Arlington VA 22202.
* Give shares of stock. Contact us (mailto:[email protected]) for broker information.
* Become an Edith's Circle member with a monthly donation of $25 or more. Edith's Circle members receive special communications and invitations throughout the year.

Volunteer
* Do you live near one of our seven field offices? Join us as a volunteer ([link removed]) and give the gift of your time.

Donate Goods
* Donate a vehicle. ([link removed])
* Refugees arrive in the U.S. with few belongings. Help welcome them by donating household goods, clothing, furniture or gift cards. More information. ([link removed]) (Please note that some of our offices have temporarily stopped accepting donations of items.)

Thank you for showing refugees and immigrants they deserve a healthy and hopeful future.
Questions? Comments? Contact us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or (703) 310-1130.

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Copyright © 2020 U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. All rights reserved.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 350, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 310-1130
** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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