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May 2021
Dear Friend,

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is pleased to note that President Biden has raised the refugee admissions ceiling to 62,500. This ceiling replaces one set by the previous administration at an historic low of 15,000. With this change, President Biden is once again restoring America’s global leadership in opening its doors to refugees around the world.

Last month, President Biden changed the regional allocations for refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Central America and lifted the former administration’s restrictions on resettlements from Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

USCRI works with its partners and local communities to provide newly resettled individuals and families the tools needed to reimagine their lives here—from the airport pickup to English classes and job training. We work with volunteers who welcome their new neighbors with skills, knowledge and open hearts.

“Re-building the refugee program will take time and effort but we, along with all of our partners, will work hard to bring out the best that America has to offer,” said Eskinder Negash, President and CEO of USCRI.

Read the official statement from The White House. ([link removed])
Stay up to date with current immigration issues
USCRI's bi-weekly Policy and Advocacy report highlights important domestic and international issues.
Read ([link removed]) the latest report. ([link removed])
Volunteer Spotlight- USCRI Des Moines

USCRI Des Moines volunteer Claire Yocom taught herself how to sew during the pandemic. She began sewing masks in April 2020 when PPE supplies were limited. After initially donating her masks to health care workers, she reached out to other groups such as public school teachers and USCRI.

Claire also volunteered this past summer to tutor English Language Learners online through USCRI's partnership with Lutheran Services in Iowa.

"I am passionate about helping refugees and have helped tutor refugees."

Mother-Daughter Conversations- Miriam and Margaret
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"The time we were sure that we were coming to The United States, we were so excited that we were going to board a plane, we didn’t sleep that night."

Listen to this heartfelt conversation between Margaret and her mom, Miriam, as they reminisce on their journey from Kampala, Uganda to Des Moines, IA.

In January 2021, Miriam and her three children joined her husband, Joseph, who arrived to the United States in 2014. The family had been separated for nine years, after Joseph fled the country when their youngest was three years old. Now the family is looking towards the future. The younger children started classes in the West Des Moines school district and the oldest daughter, Margaret, hopes to obtain a degree in business administration.
Donating her stimulus check to help others:
Long-time USCRI North Carolina supporter, Cat Brutvan, shares the special reason why she decided to donate a portion of her stimulus check to USCRI: “I have met so many immigrants and refugees who are determined to make better lives for themselves and their families. My mom who has Alzheimer's is fortunate to be cared for by many individuals from different countries. The respect and selflessness they show for her is a gift I could never repay so I donate in their honor."
We're incredibly grateful for donors like Cat! You can also help us make a difference and make an impact in the lives of the families we serve by donating today. ([link removed])
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or (703) 310-1130.

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