In case you missed it:

• Senator Cardin Hopeful for Change on Immigration, Refugee Resettlement – During a post-election HIAS webinar, Sen. Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat, said he’s hopeful that Congress will soon pass comprehensive immigration reform to fix the damage wrought by the Trump administration. No matter what, though, “change is on the horizon,” he said.

• Father Faces Criminal Charge Over Son's Death In Migrant Boat Tragedy – The father of a six-year-old who died trying to reach the Greek island of Samos from Turkey was charged by Greek authorities with endangering his son’s life. Vassilis Kerasiotis, HIAS Greece’s country director, said the case was a troubling development that is part of a broader shift toward criminalizing refugees and migrants.  

• HIAS Ecuador Wins UN Awards – Sabrina Lustgarten, HIAS Ecuador’s country director, accepted the Sustainable Development Goals Awards from Global Compact and the United Nations system in Ecuador. “This recognition is the result of a huge effort and innovation in our economic inclusion programs that aim to promote self-reliance, resilience, and empowerment,” said Galo Quizanga, HIAS’ global director for economic inclusion.

• An Asylum Victory Four Years In The Making – One Salvadoran family recently enjoyed a happy ending after a four-year-long escape from deadly violence at home to safety in the United States. With the help of HIAS attorney Andres Meraz, the family was granted asylum. “It’s inspiring to see our clients persevere in the face of such adversity, to tell their story and their truths and to be justly rewarded for it,” said Stephen Brown, HIAS’ supervising attorney.

Watch and Learn:

• Mark Hetfield at the Halifax Forum – “I’m really optimistic that over the next four years America will once again lead in the area of refugee protection globally and also will do it by example.”

• HIAS Post-Election Debrief – Hear about the urgency and importance of keeping refugee issues at the top of the incoming administration’s policy agenda, and restoring our nation’s historic leadership in refugee resettlement and protection for asylum seekers.

• The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Refugees – HIAS staff members discuss how refugees have become more vulnerable because of the economic shocks and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Get Involved:

• Check out upcoming HIAS events to stay engaged on refugee issues during the pandemic.

• Check our list of ways you can help refugees and asylum seekers, even while social distancing.

• Learn about our remote volunteer opportunities.