CIRA - Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement

In the months ahead, the next administration is promising the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, as well as reinstating travel bans from Muslim-majority countries. Families are living in fear of workplace raids and sudden separation. They’re scared and will need protection more than ever. We provide free lawyers for families who could never afford one – and we win 95% of our cases. When refugees first arrive, we help connect them with what they need to start a new life and we have specialized teams that focus on helping people in crisis.

In case you missed it! Our mural was featured on @KETV7 highlighting how art can foster belonging and inclusion. This beautiful piece by @adavei_ reflects the diverse stories that make our community so special.

To our immigrant and refugee community members, to our supporters who advance our mission, and to all who care about the well-being of the tens of thousands of immigrants and refugees in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa: CIRA stands with you. We are deeply disheartened over the outcome of the presidential election considering the harmful immigration policies that President-elect Donald Trump has promised to enact. Our legal, social work, and refugee services teams remain dedicated to supporting our community. It will take each of us working together to build safe, welcoming communities that protect the most vulnerable among us. As a grassroots organization with over 25 years of commitment to our immigrant and refugee neighbors, CIRA is experienced in navigating times like this. We have been here before, and we will continue to fight for our clients for as long as it takes. Thank you for your unwavering support and solidarity as we prepare for the next chapter.

David Manzanares is Chinanteco indigenous artist from Oaxaca based in Omaha, NE, and a cherished member of the CMPI Board of Directors. His sculptures, murals, and street art reflect collective identity, migration, and indigenous cosmovision. He serves Indigenous, brown, Black, and underserved communities through art education and collaborative projects. From the artist’s Instagram @adavei_ “For the last two and a half weeks, I’ve been painting a 4 wall mural that captures the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Omaha’s immigrant and refugee communities. This project is personal and community-driven, shaped by the voices of over 200 people—clients, staff, and their families—who have shared their hopes and dreams with me through art workshops, and one-on-one sessions. I’m incredibly grateful to be collaborating with a wonderful and powerful team of talented and enthusiastic immigrant artists: @irisolgonzalezart @oriasimonini @anafre_mf @animalesnosoncomida @victorlopez_art and @_eduardogardea Together, we’re bringing this vision to life. ?? Monarch butterflies, symbolizing migration and transformation, connect the mural’s themes of four walls for the CIRA Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement.” As a nonprofit serving the future of the Q’anjob’al Maya People, we are grateful to have a leader like David informing our cultural programs and creating art that brings visibility and empowerment to underserved populations, reinforcing their voices and generating better spaces for future generations. Spanish Translation David Manzanares es un artista indígena Chinanteco de Oaxaca, basado en Omaha, NE, y un apreciado miembro de la Junta Directiva de CMPI. Sus esculturas, murales y arte callejero reflejan la identidad colectiva, la migración y la cosmovisión indígena. El sirve a las comunidades indígenas, morenas, negras y menos atendidas a través de la educación artística y proyectos de colaboración. Del Instagram del artista @adavei_ "Durante las últimas dos semanas y media, he estado pintando un mural de 4 paredes que captura las historias, luchas y triunfos de las comunidades inmigrantes y refugiados de Omaha. Este proyecto es personal e inspirado por la comunidad, y ha sido moldeado por las voces de más de 200 personas -clientes, personal y sus familias- que han compartido sus esperanzas y sue?os conmigo a través de talleres de arte y sesiones individuales. Estoy increíblemente agradecido de colaborar con un maravilloso y poderoso equipo de talentosos y entusiastas artistas inmigrantes: @irisolgonzalezart @oriasimonini @anafre_mf @animalesnosoncomida @victorlopez_art y @_eduardogardea Juntos, estamos dando vida a esta visión. ?? Las mariposas monarca, que simbolizan la migración y la transformación, conectan los temas del mural de cuatro paredes para el Centro CIRA para el Avance de Inmigrantes y Refugiados."

"The 100,034 refugees resettled in the United States in fiscal year (FY) 2024 represent the largest resettlement number in 30 years and a remarkable rebound from the approximately 11,400 admissions three years earlier—the lowest in the U.S. refugee program’s history." Learn more about the shifts in refugee resettlement in the US from the Migration Policy Institute at the link:

Welcome newly-arrived refugees to Omaha and Lincoln by volunteering with CIRA! You will help arrange furniture, organize spaces, and create a warm, welcoming environment for newly arrived families. The Furniture Project will supply everything—we just need helping hands and personal touches to make it feel like home. Learn more at ciraconnect.org/volunteer.

Meet one of your panelists for Omaha Table Talk: Beyond Borders: Understanding the Impact of Immigration Policies! Anna Deal is legal director at CIRA, the CIRA - Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (formerly known as Immigrant Legal Center + Refugee Empowerment Center). CIRA’s mission is to empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy. After graduating cum laude from Boston College Law School, Anna began her career as an Attorney Advisor at the Omaha immigration court. Anna joined CIRA in 2015, where her practice has focused on immigration relief for noncitizen victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, and other crimes. Anna oversees CIRA’s U-Visa, T-Visa, and VAWA practice group, and she is also heavily involved in the agency’s representation of asylum seekers and unaccompanied children. In 2020, she helped craft Nebraska LB 518, which promotes consistency in how law enforcement agencies evaluate requests for certification in support of immigration relief for undocumented victims and witnesses. Anna has also engaged in training and relationship-building with law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska as related to law enforcement interaction with immigrant and refugee communities. ??Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 ?Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. ??Location: Metropolitan Community College South Omaha Campus | Center for Advanced Manufacturing Building Register at: https://lnkd.in/gHiGtaXN. Omaha Table Talk is generously funded by The Lozier Foundation, allowing this critical dialogue series to remain FREE and open to the public. ID: A graphic for an event hosted by Inclusive Communities in partnership with CIRA (Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement). The event is titled "Beyond Borders: Understanding the Impact of Immigration Policies." It will take place on October 23, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at Metropolitan Community College's South Omaha Campus, in the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Building. A photo of Anna Deal, legal director at CIRA is included. There is also a QR code for registration and the event registration link below. The Lozier Foundation's logo is also visible at the bottom, indicating sponsorship.

?? New merch alert! ?? Our rebranded gear is here, and we’re excited to share it with you! Plus, by popular demand, our beloved 'Welcome Immigrants and Refugees' shirts are BACK IN STOCK! ?? Don't miss your chance to show your support—order yours today! bonfire.com/store/cira

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Kristin Lowrey and Access Period for their incredible support in providing free hygiene products to people in need. Thanks to their generosity, our clients experience true relief and joy in receiving these essential items. We have Access Period cabinets stocked and ready to share at our Mastercraft, Main, and Lincoln offices. We also deliver products to clients across the state. Thank you, Access Period for being a resource in our community and making a difference in our clients' lives!

We’re proud to share that our attorney, Ariel Maga?a Linares, has been awarded the Diversity Award by the Nebraska State Bar Association! ?? Ariel was recognized for his dedication to guiding individuals through the complex process of obtaining lawful immigration status and for mentoring young Latinos in Nebraska to pursue careers in law. Congrats, Ariel!