At a time when many people in this country seem to have forgotten that we are and always have been a nation of immigrants; a time when people are living in fear that their loved ones will be needlessly deported; a time when the very citizenship of children born in this country is being called into question, IRIS--Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services--continues to provide essential support for new arrivals to the Elm City.
IRIS helps close to 2,000 refugees and immigrants each year. Their clients come from Syria, Afghanistan, Congo, Cuba, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Honduras, Mexico, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and other countries. IRIS provides families with housing, food, clothing, and services such as education, English training, job preparation and placement, health care, and legal aid.
But their ability to continue to provide these critical services is under threat. And just last week, the new administration cut off $4 million that would've been used to resettle new refugees.
Let's be very clear: these anti-immigrant actions will not make us safer or more prosperous.
We personally know families who spent many years living in refugee camps before coming to New Haven seeking safety and a new life. Their transition to life in America has been made easier thanks to IRIS. And still, they face many obstacles that would crush most people reading this post.
For nearly a decade, our family has been proud to support IRIS and participate in their annual run. This year, we have a goal of raising $1500. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
