July/August Newsletter

Neighbors for Refugees
Aug 17
2 min read

Standing with Refugees in a Time of Need

With the passage of Public Law 119-21, also known as the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” many refugees and asylum seekers who are in the country legally now face unprecedented challenges—including loss of food assistance, healthcare access, legal protections, and work authorization.

The new law:

Significantly expands ICE’s ability and resources to detain and deport immigrants, including refugees with legal presence and asylum applications in process.
Terminates or does not renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and employment authorization for TPS holders from Afghanistan, Nicaragua, and Ukraine.
Takes away Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for resettled refugees and asylees who do not have green cards or TPS.
Cancels eligibility for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid, Medicare, and health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”).
Imposes new fees for refugees and asylum seekers, including $550 for Employment Authorization.

Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and green card holders maintain their legally protected status.

Defending and Supporting our Refugee Families

Neighbors for Refugees is responding with resolve. We’re focusing our resources on connecting refugee families we work with to legal counsel and assisting in paying legal fees to help defend their rights and protect against detention or deportation. In the face of rising expenses, a more difficult job market, and increasing government fees for asylum applications and other services, we are providing job support services and financial assistance to help address the mounting costs to achieve self-sufficiency and remain in the country legally.

Encrypted Depository for Documents

To ensure that our clients and their lawyers have ready access to the documents essential to prove their legal status, we are establishing an encrypted document depository. Our clients and their attorneys will have access in the event of ICE or other government interactions.

We need your help—whether it’s through donations, volunteer hours, or spreading the word—to continue standing with refugees during this deeply unsettling time.

Read more about how we plan to help refugee families already in our community by clicking here.

Donate Now

Update on the Recently Arrived Afghan Family

Neighbors for Refugees welcomed an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) family of four in May. We continue to support them as they begin their new life in our community. Two elementary school-aged children are enjoying a few weeks of summer camp as the family prepares to welcome a new baby sister soon! Neighbors for Refugees volunteers helped enroll their children in school and summer camp, assisted the father with a U.S.-style resume to help him find employment, and continued to support the mother with prenatal medical appointments.

Save the Date: Thursday, October 23!

Please save Thursday, October 23rd, for cocktails and dinner at Pelham Bay/Split Rock Golf Course for our second annual gala. Last year, we celebrated welcoming new families (then approaching 100 families). This year, we’re focused on defending our neighbors’ right to stay in the US and to thrive.

Learn More

Take a look at our news page for the current information, and follow us on social media.

Thank you again for your support. Please share our newsletter with others who may be interested in understanding and making a difference in the lives of refugee families.