Catch up on the latest news from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
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** "It's important to advocate for yourself, to advocate for your people."
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In honor of Black History Month, LIRS spoke with three former refugees about their experiences of being Black immigrants in the United States.
This month offers an opportunity to reflect on the pervasive anti-Black persecution and violence still present in this country and in our immigration system today. It is our responsibility to strive for a new version of the American dream, firmly rooted in equity and belonging.
Our sincerest gratitude to Wilmot, Emillie, and Laetitia for sharing their stories and perspectives!
Watch the Video ([link removed])
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** In the Press
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This week, LIRS was thrilled to have
two fantastic national pieces highlighting the Afghans leading the charge on resettlement—including LIRS's own all-Afghan Northern Virginia office staff! We encourage you to read and listen to their incredible stories.
Six Months After The Fall Of Kabul, These Afghan Refugees Are Working To Rebuild Their Lives In The US ([link removed])
BuzzFeed News
Afghan refugees who have settled outside D.C. now help others to do the same ([link removed])
NPR Weekend Edition
Photo: BuzzFeed News
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LIRS joins the Cameroon Advocacy Network ([link removed]) in calling on the Biden administration to issue Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon, which would prevent Cameroonian asylum seekers in the United States from being deported to their home country amid active armed conflict, massive displacement, and humanitarian crisis.
Read the full statement ([link removed]) .
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Our Afghan neighbors still need your help. Currently, the largest needs are cell phones, SIM cards, tablets, and gift cards. We all know that access to technology is critical—but for our new Afghan neighbors, cell phones and SIM cards offer a crucial lifeline to family and friends still in Afghanistan, and tablets and laptops play a major role in finding and applying for jobs to support their families.
Shop our Amazon wish list ([link removed]) .
** Spotlight: Afghan Adjustment Act
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This week marks six months since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. As we reflect and advocate for at-risk Afghans here and abroad, we remain resolved in our shared mission to welcome our new Afghan neighbors, reunify families who are separated, and continue to assist those who remain in danger.
On Monday, LIRS and our partners in the Evacuate Our Allies (EOA) coalition held a press conference outside of the Capitol calling on Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA) – an urgent effort that would provide newly arrived Afghans with a path forward to stability.
Read more:
* Military.com ([link removed])
* Spectrum News ([link removed])
* Daily Kos ([link removed])
Watch the Event ([link removed])
** Take Action Now
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The tens of thousands of Afghans arriving in the U.S. need a pathway to real and lasting safety. Most Afghans are arriving with humanitarian parole, which only temporarily allows people fleeing danger to remain in the U.S.
To ensure that Afghans find real, lasting safety in the U.S., Congress must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would allow Afghan humanitarian parolees to seek legal permanent residence in the U.S.
Contact Congress ([link removed])
** A Special Thank You
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LIRS is grateful to
Walmart.org for their continued generous support for our Afghan neighbors through the Neighbors in Need fund. As we enter into the next phase of the resettlement process, your partnership is more critical than ever. Thank you!
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