New England's largest refugee org tightens belt and pivots under Trump
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New England's largest refugee resettlement nonprofit is prioritizing green card applications for newcomers and English language services as it grapples with an onslaught of funding cuts.
Why it matters: Immigration and refugee policy changes have been an annual challenge for the International Institute of New England over the past two decades.
- But IINE's leaders say they've never seen a year like this.
Between the lines: While refugee resettlement has wound down, IINE still serves thousands of refugees, asylees and immigrants with temporary protections in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Threat level: IINE lost more than $10 million in government funding for its services, which range from refugee resettlement to work and legal assistance for newcomers.
- Refugees, asylum recipients and other immigrants with legal status lost access to SNAP benefits after the reconciliation law took effect.
- President Trump's ramped-up immigration enforcement, which has gotten U.S. citizens detained, has made people afraid to leave the house for errands and appointments, attorneys say.
What they're saying: "We've never taken for granted one dollar in terms of resources that we've ever received ... but there's a limit to what we can do to replace the loss of federal dollars," said Alexandra Weber, IINE's senior vice president.
- "Meanwhile, people are just struggling more and more every day."
State of play: IINE cut 10% of its workforce in recent weeks and has ramped up its quest for private funding.
- The nonprofit is also seeking grocery gift cards and other donations to support its clients.
- Amid the series of immigration policy changes, IINE attorneys have prioritized securing green cards and citizenship for eligible refugees and immigrants.
Yes, but: Attorneys raised concerns that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is now requiring interviews for refugees seeking green cards.
- Having been vetted before entering the country, refugees used to only have interviews after applying for their green cards if officials had problems with an application, attorneys said.
- Refugees have had to recount how they obtained refugee status, often reliving traumatic events from overseas, Weber tells Axios.
What's next: IINE is seeking grants to expand its English language services.
- The current waitlist exceeds 20,000.
What we're watching: IINE and other refugee resettlement groups are awaiting Trump's designation on how many refugees will be allowed to enter the country this fiscal year.
- The announcement has always been made at the start of the fiscal year, though it may be delayed because of the government shutdown.