Each year on February 6, the international community marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on which it reiterates its commitment to eliminate FGM by 2030 and create a world where women and girls have their rights to health, education, and safety fulfilled. This year the theme, Step up the […]
Category: Policy and Advocacy
Today’s Refugees: In Crisis Without Hope
Today, over 122 million people have been forced to flee their homes because of persecution, conflict, and violence. Of those, over 43 million people are refugees, individuals who have fled their country due to fear of persecution on account of political opinion, religion, race, nationality, or membership of a particular social group. More than half […]
USCRI Know Your Rights and Safety Planning
Regardless of immigration status, all individuals in the United States have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. The following guide is to inform survivors of human trafficking, asylum seekers, parolees, and other non-U.S. citizens of their legal rights in various situations with law enforcement and immigration officers. The Know Your Rights guide contains information on your rights when […]
Stand Up for Refugees Today: Support the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program
There are more than 43 million refugees worldwide, and the need for action has never been more urgent. Refugees have fled war, ethnic cleansing, and unimaginable suffering, holding on to the hope that countries like the United States will offer safety and an opportunity for a second chance at life. Yet recent executive actions have […]
Rollback of Policies Protecting Critical Community Spaces
On January 20, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive rescinding “sensitive” zone policies, which have long shielded schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and other critical spaces from immigration enforcement actions. These policies have ensured that individuals—regardless of their immigration status—can access education, healthcare, and religious services without fear. Their removal not […]
The Administration Suspends Humanitarian Protection Programs
On January 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) took the first steps in implementing the Administration’s executive order directing the termination of all categorical humanitarian parole programs. “Humanitarian parole” allows individuals outside of the United States to enter the United States on a temporary basis due to an urgent humanitarian need, such as a […]
Administration Revokes Protections for Venezuelans
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is dismayed by the Administration’s revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. Just weeks ago, on January 10, 2025, an extension for TPS was announced, and on January 17, 2025, it was published to the Federal Register—only to be abruptly rescinded. TPS is a lifesaving humanitarian […]
U.S. Department of State Abandons U.S. Responsibility for Safely Resettling Refugees
On January 24, the U.S. Department of State ordered the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to stop all work performed under its Reception and Placement grant for refugee resettlement. Other organizations received similar notices. This “stop work” order from the State Department is a devastating development for refugees who are already in the United […]
What is Sex Trafficking?
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a heinous crime that involves the exploitation and coercion of individuals for various purposes, such as sexual exploitation. Victims and survivors can be subjected to physical and psychological abuse, with their basic human rights systematically violated. Despite ongoing efforts, human trafficking remains a pressing challenge. Sex […]
USCRI Summary of January 20 Executive Orders
On January 20, 2025, the White House released a series of Executive Orders that regress the immigration system with immediate impact on refugees and immigrants. The new orders display a renouncement of the United State’s role as a stronghold of safety and protection for the displaced. The following is a summary of six Executive Orders […]
