In case you missed it:

• Whistleblower Alleges 'Medical Neglect,' Questionable Hysterectomies Of ICE Detainees – A registered nurse made the shocking allegation that a doctor at a detention facility used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement performed hysterectomies on detained women without their consent. The complaint reinforced the perception that ICE is subjecting detainees to inhumane treatment, and members of Congress have pledged to investigate.

• Nearly 80 Percent of Displaced People Have Lost Job, Income Due to Virus – A survey by the Norwegian Refugee Council demonstrated the severe economic toll COVID-19 has taken on refugees and asylum seekers. “If the coronavirus does not kill us, hunger definitely will,” one refugee said.  

• Refugees Succeed, and In Turn Inspire Those Who Help Them – While the pandemic has hit refugees and asylum seekers particularly hard, it has also produced success stories among displaced persons. HIAS chronicled several refugees who have won important legal victories, boosted their businesses, and been able to integrate successfully into their local communities despite the many difficulties of 2020.

• HIAS Leaders Speak at UNHCR Forum For NGOs – HIAS leaders showed UN officials and fellow aid groups how our international programs staff has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. "UNHCR and NGOs need to be a bridge that allows them to accomplish their objectives and overcome the effects of COVID-19,” said Galo Quizanga, HIAS' global director of economic inclusion.

Watch and Learn:

• The Future of Refugee Resettlement – After years of policy attacks from the Trump Administration, refugee resettlement in the United States looks very different than it once did. Watch this webinar to hear how the lowering of the annual cap on refugee admissions has affected our country’s ability to save the lives of tens of thousands of people each year.

• Anti-Semitism and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in the COVID-19 Era – Learn about the historic experience of Jews as targets of anti-immigrant hatred, the ways in which Jews have been blamed for the latest waves of immigration to this country, and how the current pandemic is impacting refugees and asylum seekers in particular.

Stay Involved With HIAS@Home – Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place, there are still many ways to learn about, advocate for, and help refugees and asylum seekers. We’ve launched a new page, HIAS@Home, where we offer calls and webinars with our experts and partners, refugee-related resources for book and film clubs, and other ways to stay engaged on refugee issues during the pandemic.

Find a list of ways that you can help refugees and asylum seekers, even while social distancing.

Learn about our remote volunteer opportunities.