Topic: United States

Jan 20, 2023

In an appearance on “CNN Newsroom” on Friday morning, HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield praised the Welcome Corps, a new Biden administration initiative that allows Americans to privately sponsor refugees from around the world. The initiative resembles what HIAS has been doing through its own Welcome Circles, starting with Afghan evacuees in 2021.

Jan 13, 2023

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, HIAS committed considerable resources and expertise toward assisting clients displaced by the conflict, which has triggered one of the world’s largest refugee crises. On the eve of the war’s anniversary, HIAS’ efforts have been recognized: We are among the Jewish activists and organizations honored by this year’s Genesis Prize (also known as the “Jewish Nobel”) for working to uphold Ukraine’s independence and alleviate the suffering of the People of Ukraine. 

Jan 5, 2023

HIAS assailed President Biden’s deeply flawed and outrageously inequitable plan to expand Title 42 border expulsions of asylum seekers and allow up to 30,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua who have sponsors in the U.S. to enter the country temporarily as humanitarian parolees – but only if they fly to U.S. airports.

Dec 23, 2022

In a moment when asylum seekers and other migrants are frequently regarded as threats, HIAS and T’ruah brought rabbis to the U.S.-Mexico border to speak to the moral imperative at the heart of this issue: recognizing the humanity of those seeking safety in the United States.

Dec 15, 2022

The RUTH algorithm incorporates preferences from both refugees and HIAS Welcome Circle volunteers to enhance traditional resettlement practices.

Nov 22, 2022

Newly-arrived refugees experience their first Thanksgiving celebrations, thanks to events held by HIAS resettlement partners HIAS Pennsylvania and JFCS Pittsburgh.

Oct 3, 2022

Since April 2022, tens of thousands of asylum seekers and migrants have been sent from Texas and Arizona to Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. HIAS staff involved in the local and national response explain the situation and what HIAS is doing to help.

Aug 31, 2022

Wali is building a new life — and a new business — in Florida with the help of HIAS affiliate Gulf Coast JFCS. But nearly a year after arriving in the U.S., he is one of thousands of Afghan evacuees still unsure when or how they will gain permanent legal status.