A new statement from Refugee Congress: As the only refugee-led organization in the United States, Refugee Congress is deeply concerned about efforts to dismantle international refugee protections at a critical moment in global displacement.

This guide, informed by seasoned leaders and storytellers who have experienced forced displacement, aims to walk you through the process of what to consider before, during, and after storytelling opportunities to keep yourself and your communities safe. Each section includes checklists with items to consider to help you feel prepared and safe at each stage, and first hand accounts from storytellers who have been through the process before so you can learn from their experiences. 

Refugee Congress is excited to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors: Senka Filipovich, Teddi Jallow, and Colin Rajah.

Refugee Congress calls on Congress to honor its promises by restoring TPS and passing the Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act. Failure to act puts our Afghan neighbors, colleagues, and friends in danger and undermines U.S. trust and leadership to allies around the world. Our leaders must demonstrate that the United States keeps its word, protects those who are seeking safety, and ensures Afghan families can rebuild their lives in dignity.

Congress’ deliberate inaction to stop this bill – which threatens American and refugee communities alike – comes on the heels of last week’s Supreme Court rulings that allow the Trump administration to carry on targeting refugees and immigrants with limited accountability.

World Refugee Day reflections from Myra Dahgaypaw, Honorary Delegate

World Refugee Day is a global celebration of the strength, resilience, and hope of people who have experienced forced displacement. We honor them and stand alongside our communities and partners in recognizing the human value of each person seeking safety.

Refugee Congress strongly condemns the Trump administration’s sweeping new travel ban targeting individuals from 19 countries, many of which are Muslim-majority or home to vulnerable populations in crisis. This unjust and discriminatory policy is a dangerous step backward for our country and a direct assault on the values of fairness, inclusion, and protection for those fleeing persecution, violence, and war.

“USRAP opens doors that would have otherwise remained closed, and I’ve dedicated my life to making sure that those doors stay open for others as well,” said Aisha Koroma, Refugee Congress Delegate for Washington, D.C., Assistant Director of Social Integration at HIAS, and a resettled refugee from Sierra Leone. “But I’m just one story. There’s so many Aisha’s out there, including those still in transit, children and families waiting for safety, for stability, and for a chance to rebuild. USRAP is more than a program. It represents lives, dreams, resilience, hope. It is a gateway for future changemakers, doctors, engineers, artists, trades people. People who are ready and eager to become assets to America’s workforce and to contribute meaningfully to its economy and communities.”

“Taking away legal status from hundreds of thousands of people is more than just a policy change; it’s a humanitarian crisis that affects real lives and the hope that brought people here… Behind every revoked status is a story, a family, and a dream. No one should be sent back to danger.”

Refugee Congress recognizes the weight of this somber anniversary. We stand with our Sudanese members and neighbors here in the United States, and we call for rapid action by our elected leaders to support the people who are in Sudan and to increase accountability for those who are perpetuating the violence, displacement, and killing of men, women and children.

“Once again we remind the Trump administration that programs like CHNV humanitarian parole are successful, effective, legal, and lifesaving and must therefore be protected and expanded. We cannot continue to turn our backs on people in need, and shut the door on our most vulnerable neighbors and their families,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director. “Refugee Congress will continue to advocate for all forcibly displaced people, across all statuses. We need our elected leaders to stand for our collective values — to reject policies that separate families and deport neighbors who have helped rebuild our communities, and to instead embrace policies that welcome newcomers in safe and lawful ways.”