Topic: Advocacy

Apr 2, 2020

As countries around the world close borders and implement restrictions in response to coronavirus, asylum seekers are waiting even longer to access courts and other protections guaranteed by law.

Mar 30, 2020

As HIAS staff members around the world find safe ways to deliver vital services and care for clients, they are also fighting for the needs and rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the countries where HIAS operates.

Mar 27, 2020

Statement on Congress Passing COVID-19 Response Bill Mar 27, 2020 SILVER SPRING, Md. -- Today, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a bipartisan COVID-19 response bill. The $2 trillion in funding will increase resources for those in the U.S. in need of employment and healthcare support, as well as provide overseas […]

Mar 19, 2020

National Refugee Shabbat 5780, which will take place on March 20-21, 2020, is a moment for congregations, organizations, and individuals around the country to dedicate a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers.

Mar 16, 2020

Forty years ago, in the highest expression of the American spirit, Congress passed the Refugee Act of 1980, landmark legislation that established the U.S. refugee resettlement program and asylum system.

Feb 11, 2020

Statement Submitted to House Judiciary Committee on "NO BAN Act" Feb 11, 2020 Statement submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary Markup of: H.R. 2214, the “National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act” or the “NO BAN Act”  For 139 years, HIAS, the American Jewish community’s refugee organization, has stood for welcome. We […]

Feb 11, 2020

This week the U.S. government entered into a major settlement with plaintiffs in Jewish Family Service v. Trump, which challenged in 2017 the third version of an executive order attempting to ban certain refugees from entering the United States.

Feb 4, 2020

The Austin Jews for Refugees Assembly brought the Austin Jewish community together with elected officials and more than 35 local organizations.

Jan 31, 2020

Statement on Expansion of Travel Ban Jan 31, 2020 SILVER SPRING, Md. – Today the Trump administration extended the reach of the travel ban to the United States, adding new restrictions on people coming from Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania. The ban suspends the issuing of visas that can lead to permanent residency […]

Dec 26, 2019

2019 saw HIAS open new international offices, continue its work of fighting for refugees and asylum seekers, and hold the Trump administration accountable for its anti-immigration actions.