Jennifer was 9 years old when she migrated with her family to Belize from El Salvador, fleeing a situation of violence that they experienced in their country. While living in Belize, Jennifer studied part of her basic education and learned to speak English fluently, she always stood out for her good grades. However, Jennifer and […]
Author: USCRI
Understanding Migration: Corruption, Poor Governance, and their Effects on Migration in Central America
On February 2, the Biden Administration announced an Executive Order to address the root causes of migration from Latin America. The Executive Order directed a small collective of officials to develop a plan “to address the root causes of migration, including by (A) combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law; (B) […]
USCRI Joins 119 Organizations to Request Extending TPS for Somali Nationals in the U.S.
Somalia’s TPS designation is set to expire September 17, 2021, but Somalia is still experiencing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions that make safe return impossible. New and escalating government corruption and natural disasters qualify Somalia for redesignation as well. Both extension and redesignation are vital to safeguard the lives of both current TPS holders and […]
USCRI Announces Donation from the Latter-Day Saints Charities
MEDIA ADVISORY June 7, 2021 Arlington, VA—The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) once again is pleased to announce the gift of $678,000 from the Latter-Day Saint Charities (LDSC). This donation ($474,600 in cash and $203,400 of in-kind commodities) will help USCRI provide newly settled refugees with the critical assistance they need to begin […]
USCRI Joins 70 Organizations Supporting Afghan SIVs and their Evacuation
Currently, around 18,000 Afghan nationals who have provided service to the U.S. government, and an additional 53,000 of their family members, are stuck in limbo in the special immigrant visa pipeline. The U.S. has an obligation to assist our Afghan allies immediately before they are subjected to Taliban violence. USCRI joins 70 community-based organizations, human […]
Part 4 of USCRI’s Series: In Search of Safety
“We really need to be listening to children. With all kids, regardless of circumstances, spend some time to really hear them and that will be the safety and stability that they need in order to get the help they deserve.” Marie Olenych, Director of Trafficking and Human Services, USCRI. On this week’s installment of USCRI’s […]
Part 3 of USCRI’s Series: In Search of Safety
On this week’s installment of USCRI's "In Search of Safety" Facebook Live Series, Vice President AnnaMarie Bena talks to Managing Attorney Hila Moss about her work overseeing USCRI's Legal Services Program and the process to help Unaccompanied Children navigate the immigration system. USCRI has been serving immigrants by providing legal services since 1911. The Immigration [...]
Statement on Administration’s Decision to Extend Temporary Protected Status to Haitians Residing
Arlington, VA—The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) applauds the decision of the Biden administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians residing in the U.S. This important decision extends deportation protections and work permits for 54,000 Haitian immigrants. Haiti’s downward spiral into political instability, corruption, lawlessness, civil unrest and protracted violence poses [...]
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Backgrounder : Yemen
The situation in Yemen (“Yemen Crisis”) is currently the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, impacting more than 24 million people, nearly half of them children. 1 Starting as a failed political transition, the armed conflict escalated in 2015 and has steadily grown worse, causing widespread displacement, spread of disease, famine, poverty, and death. 2 […]
Part 2 of USCRI’s Series: In Search of Safety
This week’s conversation about unaccompanied children is about the essential services provided by USCRI’s Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children (CRIC) following their release to parents and guardians. Vice President AnnaMarie Bena talks to Director Matt Haygood about the post-release needs of unaccompanied children on their immigration journey. In 2005, USCRI began providing services to […]
