The Refugee Advocacy Lab

The Trump administration’s suspension of the U.S. resettlement program is based on an unfounded claim that refugees burden communities. Yet, our communities want to welcome. Only two more days to urge your state & local elected leaders to #DefendRefuge. https://lnkd.in/gcRP-jCa

Rick Santos and Church World Service noted deep concern following news that the Department of State is preparing to issue a request for proposals to identify a new singular service provider to provide reception and placement services for resettled refugees–rather than reinstating the contracts of resettlement agencies that have been faithfully administering this extremely successful program for decades: “This proposal would punish those who have long supported refugee families and abandon decades of expertise and infrastructure that make this program successful. Doing so is harmful, unnecessary and acts to strip newly arriving refugee families from accessing a robust support network to rebuild their lives.” https://lnkd.in/g33cEPKD

REMINDER: Join us tonight for an Info Session to learn more about Refugee Congress and how to become a Delegate! Our Delegate applications are open in: FL, HI, ME, MS, MO, SD, UT, VA, or WV Register to join us tonight - Wednesday, March 12th, at 7pm ET: bit.ly/Delegate-Info

NEW STATE ADDED! Our open call for Delegates has expanded to #Maine ?? ! Being a Refugee Congress Delegate provides a unique opportunity for community advocates who have experienced forced displacement to hone their leadership, advocacy, and community building skills, while connecting with other passionate leaders nationwide! We are seeking leaders based in FL, HI, ME, MS, MO, SD, UT, VA, or WV. Learn more about the opportunity and bring your questions to our info session this Wednesday ???? bit.ly/Delegate-Info

The time is now for state & local elected officials to #DefendRefuge. The reality is the U.S. refugee resettlement program enriches communities & strengthens local economies. Contact your elected leaders and urge them to set the record straight. https://lnkd.in/gcRP-jCa

Tshishiku Henry, Delegate for Washington, spoke at a press conference and rally outside of the Seattle Courthouse on Tuesday following the Preliminary Injunction Hearing in which the federal judge ruled the Trump administration's refugee ban executive order is unlawful. “In 2018, during the first Trump administration, my wife, our two children, and I were granted the opportunity to begin again on American soil. But for us, it wasn’t just a new chapter—it was a lifeline,” Tshishiku said. “I stand before you—not just with words, but with a plea from the heart: I urge this nation—and especially the Trump administration—to reinstate the refugee resettlement program and unfreeze the funding that allows this lifeline to continue.”

A new business advocacy group backed by Global Detroit is pushing for policies that recognize the critical role newcomers play in Michigan’s population growth & economic success. “[Newcomers] are proven leaders in the entrepreneurial community & essential team members of high-growth companies throughout the country.” Jim Baker, Michigan Technological University https://lnkd.in/gi5s3M6B

No family should have to fight for safety alone.?Mursal and Ahmad’s story highlights the urgent need to restart the U.S.refugee resettlement program. Their journey is a reminder that when we uphold our commitment to welcome, lives are transformed, and communities grow stronger. Read their story from Church World Service and learn why resettlement matters: https://lnkd.in/g_higsiM? #RefugeesWelcome #SupportResettlement #DefendRefuge

We’re honored to partner with The Refugee Advocacy Lab to build the narrative capacity of our movements to ensure welcome and opportunity define how we treat people seeking safety. Be sure to check out their incredible resources and tools to support this work! With everything from strategic messaging advice to tips for telling stories powerfully and authentically, Refugee Advocacy Lab has something for everyone seeking to shape the conversation. https://lnkd.in/gpNMRSp6

Your Rights with the Media: A Guide for People Seeking Asylum is now available in English, Spanish, French, Kreyol, Portuguese, and Ukrainian, with more languages coming soon. This resource provides guidance on how refugees and immigrants can navigate media interviews and share their stories, while protecting their safety and their legal cases. Read the guide: bit.ly/kyr-media