Topic: United States

Mar 23, 2023

The number of HIAS Welcome Circles in the United States has just reached 100. And there are more to come.  HIAS Welcome Circles are part of the private sponsorship model that allows for groups of individuals to independently raise funds and directly provide essential assistance to refugees.

Feb 13, 2023

In the wake of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, St. Louisans from three faith communities came together to welcome a family of evacuees and help them get settled in the United States.

Feb 2, 2023

For tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees, the clock is ticking to apply for asylum before their temporary status of humanitarian parole expires. By connecting evacuees with pro bono lawyers, the Pro Se+ project has helped many navigate this process more smoothly.

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.