What's New? 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began revoking lawful status and work permits for more than 500,000 people who entered the United States lawfully through the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) program. In a statement, DHS is encouraging individuals to "self-deport" in order to receive travel and cash assistance. 

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the administration to terminate the parole program. This Biden-era program required individuals to have a U.S. sponsor and undergo a vetting process before being granted temporary legal humanitarian parole status. 

The impact of these actions extends beyond the half-million people affected; it will have devastating social and economic consequences in communities across the country. 

What else? 

State Department transfers millions to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 

Earlier this month, the State Department transferred $250 million to the DHS to provide travel and cash assistance to individuals who opt to 'self-deport.' The funds came from the Migration and Refugee Assistance, which has historically provided aid to refugees abroad and supports the admission, reception, and placement of refugees in the United States.  

The transfer of funds follows the Department of State's announcement of plans to create an "Office of Reimigration" to support the administration's efforts to remove immigrants from the country. It's a jarring shift for the State Department from traditionally aiding refugees and vulnerable individuals to being part of the larger deportation machinery.  

Courts blocked new policies that kept unaccompanied children in custody 

In Angelica S. v. HHS, a federal court has ordered the administration to stop implementing restrictive requirements that made it more difficult for unaccompanied children to reunify with parents, family members, or loved ones, leaving them unnecessarily in custody longer. 

How to Help: 

Next Friday is World Refugee Day. We invite you to join LSSNCA in honoring refugees and recommit to our legacy of welcome by joining us at one of the following free events: 

• Maryland - Carrying the Legacy of Welcome Forward  
  • Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 pm  
  • St. John's Norwood, 6701 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 
  • RSVP 
• Virginia – Carrying the Legacy of Welcome Forward 
  • Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 pm 
    • McLean Islamic Center, 8800 Jarrett Valley Dr., Vienna, VA 
  • RSVP 
• Washington, D.C. - World Refugee Rally 
  • Friday, June 20 at 11 am  
  • Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C. 
  • RSVP 

Unable to join us? Please consider donating to LSSNCA in honor of a refugee.