International Rescue Committee in San Diego

The IRC calls on the Biden Administration to turn the page on retreat from refugee protection after four years of deeply damaging policy and return America to global leadership in this important area. We equally hope the Administration does not abandon its commitment to a refugee admissions goal of 125,000 in FY22, and continued policies for diplomacy and development worldwide that stem violence and instability at their source. This leadership is sorely needed. Read our full statement here: https://www.rescue.org//irc-deeply-disappointed-biden-admi

STREAMING NOW through Wednesday, April 14, Hunger Ward by SPIN FILM is available to view at home through your laptop, mobile device, tablet and smart tv. Register to receive a link to watch the Oscar-nominated short film at https://cvent.me/1wOB7a and join us for virtual Q&A this Wednesday at 6 PM!

Oscar-nominated HUNGER WARD streams April 10 - April 14 as part of the IRC's film festival. The intimate, cinematic film follows two female healthcare workers in two of Yemen's most active therapeutic feeding centers in an unflinching look at hunger's toll on the children of the war-torn country. Pay what you can to register at Rescue.org/Films.

TODAY is the final day to stream MIDNIGHT TRAVELER as part of the IRC's Refugee Film Festival. Join us tonight for a special Q&A with Producer Su Kim via Zoom. Register to watch this film & others from home using your computer, tablet or device at Rescue.org/Films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTT-duEoRdc

Our Asylum-Seeking Families Case Management team accompanied newly arrived asylum-seekers to welcome them into their new community. The IRC in San Diego as well as other community partner organizations are working to ensure families and individuals who are recently released from detention have their basic needs met and are connected to other available services.

In honor of International Women & Girls in Science Day, we'd like to recognize rising STEM superstar and IRC youth client, Yasameen, who arrived to San Diego as a refugee with her family in 2017. Yasameen, who is currently studying Computer Science and shares a love of all things technology and computers related, said that in her native Afghanistan not all girls have the ability to access higher education. She said that her life changed after resettling to San Diego: "When I... found out that I was going to the United States, I felt hopeful. I knew I had a chance to achieve my dreams." Yasameen shared that her dad also encouraged her to continue her studies and felt that regardless of gender his daughter should have access to opportunities. "He always helped us in our studies, achieving in our goals, telling us to go after what we want and supported us in everything." Yasameen is a recipient of IRC Youth services and has received help in securing employment and succeeding in her studies through a mentorship program. "My mentor really helped me with my studies and encouraged me. It was very hard for me [in the beginning], but she was one of my biggest supporters." "I'm studying computer science in college now. My goal is to transfer to San Diego State University with a good GPA." In just three years, Yasameen has started a new life in San Diego, has supported her family by working part time throughout high school, and now is a college student on track to accomplishing her dreams. On Women & Girls in Science Day (and every day) we are inspired by young resilient women like Yasameen.

Have you registered to join us tomorrow for our IRC supporter call? Register for the Zoom link & get an inside look at how changes under the new presidential administration will impact refugees and asylum seekers in San Diego, what the IRC is doing to prepare for increased arrivals, and how the community can help! https://www.facebook.com/events/465441311508308

IRC client Nasim Sharifi talks to NBC 7 San Diego about his hopes for the future under the Biden administration: Afghans working for the U.S. governmentnot only risk their lives but also their families’ lives [to support the U.S.]Everyone [back home in Afghanistan] was excited about the new administration and the Executive Order. Hear from Nasim and our Executive Director Donna Duvin on what the 125,000 refugee cap means for refugees in San Diego here: https://www.nbcsandiego.com//biden-plans-to-raise/2515898/

Designs by the incredible Lili Kouture of LK Fashion Boutique! You can order a protective face covering to mask up and stay safe like this one (or select a design of your choice) by filling out this interest form to support refugee and immigrant designers: forms.gle/cSnaAX1GYUFc2ZbG6

#RefugeesWelcome: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) welcomes the news today that President Joe Biden will sign an Executive Order (EO) outlining a framework to rebuild the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to be able to take on a refugee admissions cap of 125,000 in fiscal year 2022 and return America to global leadership on refugee protection, allowing refugees unfairly barred by the previous administration to find safety in the United States and families to be reunited. Read more: http://ow.ly/txiB50DsOej

Latest from the IRC: We look forward to continued reform of an unsafe, unfair and broken asylum system which has caused incredible and unnecessary damage to thousands of lives and the US’ legacy. We equally look forward to an immediate increase in the number of refugees allowed into America this year, an increase to a minimum of 125,000 in FY22, alongside continued policies for diplomacy and development that tackle displacement crises at their source. Read our full statement: https://www.rescue.org//new-suite-immigration-executive-or

Join us in congratulating our client, Mildred, who welcomed her new baby today! Thanks to our community of supporters, we were able to provide essential baby items for baby and mom, who is currently seeking asylum. We still are in need of baby wipes and a few clothing items! You can help by sharing or purchasing an item off of Mildred's Target Baby Registry here: https://bit.ly/3jvAnnq

Don't miss IRC MAKE Projects's "Take Out and Chill Out" tonight from 5:30pm and 7:30pm! Kick-off your weekend on the farm with live music from DJ Elli! Guests can bring their own food and beverages (including alcohol!) or order from our restaurant partners. Seating times are 90-minute reservations. Buy tickets at: https://www.ircmake.org/pop-on-30th

"Our vote builds this country." - Fady Amin, former Iraqi refugee & microentreprise counselor at IRC in San Diego Follow this link to see refugees and immigrants explain why all American citizens should vote: https://www.rescue.org//refugees-and-immigrants-explain-wh

Will you help us provide a warm welcome for our client with a new baby on the way? Mom is an asylum seeker originally from Honduras, and baby is due in just 12 days! We've set up a wish list so you can help: https://bit.ly/34d0fjI

The IRC SBDC is hosting a FREE webinar on applying for Payroll Protection Plan Loan Forgiveness in Arabic on October 30th! To learn more & sign up at https://sdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/13774

Enrolling now! The IRC in San Diego is providing FREE citizenship test preparation classes online this October on Zoom! Starting next Monday, you can: - Practice your English and learn more about American History & Government for your Citizenship Interview - Join us for classes 4 days per week for 8 weeks - Complete the course and get FREE citizenship application preparation!* To join our class, please call, text, or email the instructor Christina at 619-340-8498 or [email protected].

Are you a small business owner affected by #COVID19? Apply for a grant for small and disadvantaged businesses in San Diego through #SDGrantMakers now through October 15. More information and to apply HERE: https://bit.ly/34CUVFl

Through this letter, I want to express our deep gratitude to the organization, International Rescue Committee, for its unconditional support of my family. In difficult times, you were a pillar that held us up, prevented us from breaking down during difficult situations, and allowed us to sustain ourselves. We had a broken heart in life after going through so many bad, difficult situations, but despite all of this, we are thankful to you for providing us with social and emoti...onal support as well as financial relief. You are respectful, kind professional people who are always there for us. Thank you, IRC." This note was recently given to an IRC caseworker from the very first asylum-seeking client served by the IRC in San Diego. It is our honor to serve and support asylum-seeking families fleeing violence and persecution for safety in San Diego.

We are HIRING! The IRC in San Diego is looking to fill multiple AmeriCorps positions with highly motivated individuals who are passionate about the work we do and want to make a difference in their communities. Interested? Apply on the IRC website here: bit.ly/3d5zHDU

"With the largest refugee crisis in history underway, refugee admissions to the US have been slashed by the Trump administration over the last four years by 80%. The historic average for refugee admissions under both Republican and Democratic presidents since 1980 is 95,000 refugees per year. The Trump administration set the admissions goal last year at a historic low of 18,000 and has admitted just over 11,000. A cap of just 15,000 for fiscal year 2021 can only mean a further decline in US leadership." Read more of IRC CEO David Miliband's op-ed on the administration's refugee cap via CNN here: https://cnn.it/33FOcLD

Teachers make the world go around. Happy World Teachers' Day to our Vocational ESL (VESL) instructors and all of our IRC teachers! In our first cohort of "VESL Plus - Computer for Beginners" students and teachers alike learned about movement and stress management through dance! We are grateful for IRC teachers, who dedicate their time to making education accessible for all.

The IRC calls on all candidates running for public office to highlight challenges and provide solutions to three important issues in the 2020 election. Read more: http://ow.ly/UWBi50BH0Dc

From providing warm-welcome gifts to refugee families or emergency supplies to asylum-seekers on the go, you can support refugees and asylum-seekers during COVID19 by donating much-needed items. Shop an IRC wish list here: https://www.rescue.org//how-help-families-through-kind-don