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IRC monthly update
NOVEMBER 2020
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Meet an Iraqi refugee and new U.S. citizen working to make her family whole again.
Get the latest on President-elect Joe Biden's plans to rebuild after four years of policies targeting refugees and asylum seekers.
A Syrian refugee separated from her family shares her message for the president-elect.
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An Iraqi refugee dreams of reuniting her family
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"When I become a citizen, I will put on my wings and fly."
An Iraqi refugee and mother of five, Maha al-Obaidi has lived in Queens, NY, for six years. She proudly calls herself an "American woman" and emphasizes that she has "put down roots" in her new community.
But even as she embraces her life in the United States, there is one thing that still weighs heavily on Maha. Her family remains divided: three of her sons are thriving in America, but two others, her husband, and her 13-year-old grandson remain in the Middle East, in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
Without citizenship, Maha has had to worry about the risks of travelling to see her family and at times policies like the Trump Administration's travel ban have prevented visits entirely. Citizenship will let Maha travel more securely, once the coronavirus pandemic allows for it.
Citizenship may also bring her closer to achieving her biggest dream: making her family whole again, in America.
Maha is one of thousands of refugees in the U.S. with loved ones stuck abroad. Read Maha's powerful story from the events that forced her to flee Iraq to her citizenship test and quest to finally see her family together again, for good.
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P.S: The International Rescue Committee works with refugees like Maha around the world and in more than 20 offices in the U.S. You can join us-and let your community know you care-by setting up a Facebook fundraiser. Just set a goal and reach out to your networks to help displaced people around the world survive and rebuild their lives.
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Rescue in action
The latest on President-elect Joe Biden's plans for refugees
The Trump Administration has turned away refugees, sent asylum seekers into danger, and diminished America's global standing as a place of refuge for those seeking safety. As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office, what will it take to restore America's legacy of welcome and global leadership? The IRC is here to help you make sense of the new administration's plans. Explore the latest developments-and find out how you can take action.
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"I hope he will keep his promises."
Although refugee Bothina Matar is thriving in the U.S., her sister and mother are stranded in Syria. After four years of Trump Administration policies that are keeping thousands of refugee families like Bothina's apart, President-elect Joe Biden has promised to open the doors again. Watch and share Bothina's message to the president-elect.
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What is happening in Ethiopia's Tigray region?
The IRC is extremely concerned about escalating tensions and hostilities in Ethiopia's Tigray region, where many refugees, displaced families, and local communities are reeling from a year of multiple humanitarian disasters. Explore the latest on the crisis and find out how the IRC is getting critical help to people in need.
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How you can help end violence against women and girls
“While every year it is gut-wrenching to see the numbers and read how many women and girls have been killed, hurt, or discriminated against, this year, the outlook is especially grim,” says Nicole Behnam, the IRC's senior director for violence prevention and response. Find out what you need to know and how you can take action.
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Join the IRC for a Virtual Town Hall to kick off Giving Week
Join the IRC on Monday, November 30th at 12:00 PM ET | 9:00 AM PT for a virtual town hall featuring IRC Ambassadors Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody. Hear about the extraordinary impact of supporting the IRC’s vital work from Mandy, Kathryn and IRC staff who are currently responding to the U.S.-Mexico border crisis and Ethiopia Tigray conflict. You can sign up here.
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One thing you can do
Share the facts this season
As you gather virtually or in person with your family to celebrate this holiday season, take the opportunity to share important facts about refugees and asylum.
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IRC in the news
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine to countries in crisis
With promising news on a potential COVID-19 vaccine, Newsweek spoke to the IRC's Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessima on the challenges of ensuring access in countries facing crisis or with limited resources. "Unless everyone is protected, no one is safe," he said. Read the article.
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