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.
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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 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..."
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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