Catch up on the latest news from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.


** Welcome to This Week at LIRS!
------------------------------------------------------------
Every week, we catch you up on what's new at LIRS—from upcoming events to media appearances, important immigration updates, and more.
[link removed]


**
LIRS Responds to President Biden's Announcement of Operation Allies Refuge
------------------------------------------------------------

This week, the Biden administration has announced the start of “Operation Allies Refuge,” which will evacuate certain Afghan Special Immigration Visa applicants. A senior administration official said ([link removed]) the flights would begin in the last week of this month, but other details were withheld for “operational security.”

The following is a statement by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, LIRS President and CEO.

"Today’s announcement is a vital step forward in honoring the promise we made to Afghan allies who faithfully served our mission. The danger that they and their families face as a result of their service cannot be overstated. We are eager to see this long-overdue evacuation operationalized in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, there are still far too many questions left unanswered..."
Read the Full Statement ([link removed])

The Biden administration's announcement received significant press coverage this week, much of which included information and commentary from LIRS.

CNN ([link removed])
Associated Press ([link removed])
ABC News ([link removed])
PRI's The World ([link removed])

TAKE ACTION TODAY! Make your voice heard and urge the administration to provide urgent humanitarian protection and evacuation for our Afghan allies who have put their lives on the line for our country.

Send a message to the White House ([link removed]) .

LIRS Vice President for Development and Outreach Andrew G. Steele speaks with Salah Ansary, Senior District Director at Lutheran Community Services Northwest, before the Save Our Afghan Allies Rally held in front of the White House July 1.

Watch the video. ([link removed])


** More News from LIRS
------------------------------------------------------------

"We have long championed the idea that these families deserve a humane dignified approach which doesn't involve mass incarceration."

LIRS CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah also spoke with CNN this week regarding President Biden's pick for ICE Director, Ed Gonzalez, and her hope for ICE to focus on humane alternatives to detention.

Read the article. ([link removed])


LIRS was featured in a video about the power of community sponsorship for Now This! Learn how communities can come together to directly support refugee and immigrant neighbors as they make their homes in the United States.

Watch the video. ([link removed])

Coming in August, LIRS will launch its second annual refugee-focused cultural experience for families, friends, and communities, Gather. This year, LIRS will connect supporters to the story and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo through art, food, and other cultural exchange activities.

Learn more about Gather. ([link removed])

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE ([link removed]) to our YouTube channel!
View this email in your browser. ([link removed])

============================================================
FOLLOW LIRS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Link ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
** DONATE ([link removed])
Copyright © 2021 Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive communications from us on our website. Thank you!

Our mailing address is:
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
700 Light St
Baltimore, MD 21230-3850
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]