It has proven difficult to anticipate what 2025 would be like for Ithaca Welcomes Refugees and our refugee and immigrant partners. Wanting to make some effort at preparation, at the end of 2024 we planned for a year in which we would likely welcome few, if any, new arrivals and braced for a less immigrant-friendly political environment. We have been quite surprised, then, to welcome more new arrivals this year than last year (33 as compared to 27). Most had arrived in the US before Inauguration Day but either weren’t referred to IWR immediately or relocated to Tompkins County from other places with less support.
We were, unfortunately, correct about anti-immigrant federal policies, although the systematic attack on every component of the lives of immigrants has exceeded our expectations. First, a suspension of refugee admissions to the US (later to be reinstated primarily for white Afrikaners from South Africa), then the premature ending of humanitarian parole terms before their expiry dates, the revoking of work permits, attempts to end birthright citizenship, the introduction of new fees to apply for work permits and for every year an asylum application remains open, and finally, a vow to re-examine all Afghan refugees based on the regrettable actions of a single individual. There are even more policy changes that have impacted our partners, but the full list would be too long to include in this message. Added to all of this, the rise in cost of living and cuts to social services have made the process of resettling even harder for the individuals and families we serve.
We can only do so much anticipating in these uncertain times. What has proved our most valuable approach to resettlement during this year is responsiveness to the obstacles faced by our refugee and immigrant partners. Thankfully, this community has shown how welcoming it is at every step of the way, between the amazing volunteers who greatly outnumber our staff and provide much of IWR’s direct service, the donors who help us afford to be responsive, and everyone who keeps the conversation about immigrant issues going in Ithaca. In myriad ways you all have helped IWR do good work, such as funding immigration-related legal fees for our partners for the first time, providing Know Your Rights and Family Emergency Preparedness information sessions, delivering much-needed crisis support when families’ work permits were revoked, and so much more.
During yet another time in history when human rights and human dignity are being trampled, we all have a role to play in standing up for what is right. This year we will have spent more funds than we brought in. Why? Because thanks to successful fundraising efforts last year, IWR has had the resources on hand to make a difference and using them to be helpful in a time of unprecedented need is the right thing to do. We hope everyone will join in this spirit of helpfulness. Thank you to all who have supported a newcomer in one way or another this year. It means so much to be able to rely on you into next year and beyond. Let’s continue our work together.
Featured Image: “Welcome to Downtown Ithaca”, sign at the Bernie Milton Pavilion, The Commons, Ithaca. Photo credit: Lea Holstetter-Habib
