All Stories

Jan 22, 2016

Columbus, Ohio prides itself on being one of the most welcoming cities in America, but it seems there is still a disconnect between refugees and the people in their communities. So we decided that the native Columbus community needed to meet our new refugee neighbors. Face to face. Person to person. It was time for our clients to have their voices heard and for Columbus to hear them.

Jan 19, 2016

In November, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015, otherwise known as the American SAFE Act. This week, the Senate will consider this legislation.

Jan 15, 2016

On November 3rd, 2015, the Ukrainian Parliament voted to adopt a measure, Draft Law 2166, to provide much needed protections to the 1.5 million souls displaced within Ukraine by the conflict there. However, the president's signature is still needed. The president unexpectedly vetoed the measure in December, but advocates in Ukraine kept up the fight and the measure has finally been signed into law.

Jan 13, 2016

"America has been through big changes before ...Each time, there have been those who told us to fear the future; who claimed we could slam the brakes on change, promising to restore past glory if we just got some group or idea that was threatening America under control. And each time, we overcame those fears."

Jan 11, 2016

Ask Lucy Kiama about refugees or victims of sexual violence in Kenya and she instantly offers a wealth of information and useful context. Her accent is lovely, almost musical, but the words are serious and full of determination. “What drew me to HIAS was the focus on helping the most vulnerable,” Kiama says. “Being forcibly displaced from their countries does not mean that their lives have stopped.”

Jan 7, 2016

When Bintou* came to HIAS seeking legal assistance, she was anxious about her future. While she was in the United States pursuing a business degree, war had broken out in Mali, her country of citizenship. She feared it would not be safe for her to return there, but she wasn’t sure what she could do about it.

Jan 4, 2016

Forty four refugee children, all currently receiving therapy from HIAS’ trained staff, enjoyed a day out in Kampala, Uganda. “It’s an opportunity for the children to feel welcomed, loved and accepted in this world. It’s an opportunity to rekindle their hope," said Timothy Mukua, psychosocial program manager at HIAS Uganda.

Jan 2, 2016

Forty four refugee children, all currently receiving therapy from HIAS’ trained staff, enjoyed a day out in Kampala, Uganda. “It’s an opportunity for the children to feel welcomed, loved and accepted in this world. It’s an opportunity to rekindle their hope," said Timothy Mukua, psychosocial program manager at HIAS Uganda.

Dec 29, 2015

A barber. A tailor. A carpenter. Elementary and pre-school kids. Just a few of the Syrian refugees HIAS President Mark Hetfield met on a recent visit to Toledo, Ohio.

Dec 23, 2015

A barber. A tailor. A carpenter. Elementary and pre-school kids. Just a few of the Syrian refugees HIAS President Mark Hetfield met on a recent visit to Toledo, Ohio.