Every month, your generosity helps the International Institute of Akron meet urgent needs, lift up families in crisis, and create lasting stability for immigrants and refugees in our community. In this issue, you’ll find inspiring stories, important updates, upcoming events, and ways to take action, all showing how your support is making a difference.
Celebrating 100 Years of Ann Duff
This month, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 100th birthday of Ann Duff, a cherished member of the International Institute of Akron’s community.
Born in New Jersey in 1925, Ann moved with her family to Buffalo, New York, before they eventually settled in Akron, where her father accepted a position with Robinson Clay Company. As a young girl, she imagined moving “west” would mean cowboys and horses, but instead, it marked the beginning of a lifetime rooted in service and compassion.
After earning her Master’s in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, Ann began her career at Catholic Services, supporting unwed mothers. By the late 1970s, she became deeply connected to IIA’s mission through the Social Action Committee at St. Francis. When IIA called for volunteers to welcome newly arrived refugees, Ann stepped forward without hesitation.
Her first assignment was helping a young family from a refugee camp in Thailand. Wanting to better understand their background, Ann turned to National Geographic at the library, teaching herself about Cambodian and Laotian culture. She prepared warm clothing for the family’s arrival in Akron and welcomed them with homemade soup and French bread. With IIA’s support, the father began English classes and machinist training, eventually leading the family toward new opportunities in California.
Ann’s involvement only grew. She joined IIA’s Women’s Board, collecting furniture, clothing, and donations to help countless newcomers begin their lives in Akron. Today, she continues to make an impact by encouraging her family and friends to support IIA in her honor.
For her 100th birthday, Ann’s loved ones donated more than $2,500 to IIA, a testament to the generosity she inspires.
We are endlessly grateful for Ann Duff’s century of life, leadership, and kindness. Her legacy of compassion continues to shape IIA and the Akron community.
Inside the Strain: What It Means to Be an Immigration Attorney Right Now
The past several months have brought sweeping changes to immigration policy, regulation, and law — and they’re reshaping the way our legal team can support clients. We spoke with one of IIA’s immigration attorneys about what’s happening behind the scenes, and why the fight for due process matters more than ever.
“The administration is expanding its definition of who should be detained or removed from the U.S.,” they explained. “This means more clients are at risk, even those who have lived here for years or have strong legal claims.”
The pressure is coming from all sides:
Policy shifts prioritize enforcement over access to lawful benefits.
Regulatory changes — like steep fee increases for immigration applications — make the process less affordable and more intimidating.
Legal changes narrow who is considered “lawfully present” and eligible for basic protections.
For our attorneys, keeping up with evolving rules while supporting clients through fear, uncertainty, and trauma has become exhausting. Burnout is rising, and even the profession itself is under attack, with legal advocates being accused of filing “frivolous” claims.
“We’re seeing clients give up entirely — sometimes choosing to leave the U.S. for a third country just to feel safe,” the attorney said. “Detention conditions are inhumane, rights are eroding, and hope is hard to hold onto.”
What can you do?
Donate to nonprofits providing free or low-cost legal services.
Volunteer to help clients get to appointments or connect with resources.
Advocate by contacting your elected officials.
Share what you learn — awareness leads to action.
Your voice and support help keep legal access alive for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Upcoming Events with Professor Ira Sukrungruang
We’re thrilled to partner with ArtsNow and the Arts & Culture Inclusion Council to bring award-winning author, poet, and storyteller Professor Ira Sukrungruang to Akron next month for two free events exploring the power of personal narratives.
Reclaiming the Narrative – Public Talk
📅 Wednesday, September 17 | ⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 647 Coffee | 💵 Free
Register here
Professor Sukrungruang will explore how reclaiming our stories resists oversimplified narratives and celebrates the richness of diverse voices — a vital conversation in today’s climate.
Small Group Writing Workshop – Limited to 15 Participants
📅 Thursday, September 18 | ⏰ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍International Institute of Akron | 💵 Free
Register here
A rare opportunity to work closely with Professor Sukrungruang to explore your personal narrative. Please only register if you can attend, and cancel if plans change so someone from the waitlist can join.
About Professor Sukrungruang: Born in Chicago to Thai immigrants, he is the author of This Jade World, Southside Buddhist, and Talk Thai: The Adventures of Buddhist Boy. He is a recipient of the American Book Award and a professor at Kenyon College, with work featured in The Rumpus, American Poetry Review, The Sun, and Creative Nonfiction.
In the News: New Barriers to Justice
Recent federal actions are reshaping the immigration landscape:
Increased Legal Fees: The reconciliation bill (HR 1) sharply raises the cost of applying for key immigration benefits, putting legal pathways out of reach for many.
Expanded ICE Funding: More resources for detention, ICE raids, ankle monitoring, and arrests — intensifying fear in immigrant communities.
High-Profile Enforcement Actions: Operations like “Alligator Alcatraz” show the heightened ICE presence nationwide.
Expedited Removal Proceedings: The government is pushing cases through with less due process, denying many immigrants a fair hearing.
Third-Country Removals: Some deportees are being sent to unfamiliar countries with no clear plan for safety or resettlement.
These shifts make legal advocacy, community support, and public awareness more critical than ever.
How You Can Help
Donate: Your support keeps IIA’s life-changing programs running and allows us to continue providing critical services to immigrants and refugees in Akron. Every contribution—big or small—helps families access education, employment support, legal assistance, and social services. Together, we can empower our community and create lasting impact.
Advocate: Call your representatives to speak out against harmful immigration policies and in support of humane, welcoming reforms. We’ve put some advocacy suggestions below.
SB 172: Would expand how local law enforcement works with ICE, increasing unnecessary detentions.
HB 281: Puts due process at risk, making it easier to separate families.
Take 5 Minutes to Call:
1️. Look up your Ohio State Senator and Representative: Find Them Here
2. Call with this simple message:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name] from [City]. I’m calling to urge you to oppose SB 172 and HB 281. These bills hurt Ohio families, divide communities, and make us all less safe. Please stand with immigrant families and vote NO on these bills. Thank you."
3. Share this with a friend — every voice counts.
Special Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sandy and Mark Auburn for their generous donation of a beautiful Ficus tree, now brightening up our office space at IIA! Your thoughtful gift adds a touch of warmth and life to our environment — thank you for helping us grow, both literally and figuratively!
Every day, the families we serve face challenges that no one should have to endure alone. Your support — through donations, advocacy, and engagement — ensures that immigrants and refugees in Northeast Ohio can access legal guidance, safe housing, education, and hope for the future.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we continue to fight for a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and truly at home.
