Your support allows the International Institute of Akron to meet urgent needs, strengthen families, and create a welcoming community for immigrants. This September, we celebrated milestones, honored extraordinary educators, and shared critical updates on immigration challenges affecting our neighbors.
URGENT NEED: Help Families Facing Food Insecurity
Starting November 1, 2025, a new federal policy will make refugees, asylees, and parolees who have been in the U.S. for less than five years ineligible for SNAP benefits. This change will drastically increase food insecurity for families already struggling to meet basic needs, impacting more than 1,300 individuals in Summit County alone.
The International Institute of Akron is calling on our community to come together and support those most affected.
To view our list of most-needed items, please visit our Donation Room page.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to support our efforts, please click the link below.
Welcoming Week: Celebrating New Citizens
On September 12, we kicked off Welcoming Week in a big way by hosting a Naturalization Ceremony. Congratulations to our newest U.S. citizens! Your dedication and perseverance inspire us all.
We’d like to offer a special thank you to Acme for providing a gorgeous celebratory cake!
Storytelling with Professor Ira Sukrungruang
During Welcoming Week on September 17 and 18, we were thrilled to host award-winning author, poet, and storyteller Professor Ira Sukrungruang, in partnership with ArtsNow and the Arts & Culture Inclusion Council.
From his public talk at 647 Coffee to the intimate Writing Workshop at IIA, Professor Ira reminded us of the importance of reclaiming our narratives and exploring the places that shape us. Both events sparked thoughtful conversation and reflection, making them a highlight of our celebrations.
A huge thank you to Professor Ira and all participants for sharing in the power of storytelling.
Honoring an Outstanding Educator: Rikki Vesy
When morning ESL teacher Rikki Vesy announced she would be leaving, her students were moved to tears. On her last day, they surprised everyone with a self-organized potluck, bringing homemade dishes, including donuts, a new favorite in Akron.
Rikki’s dedication exemplifies excellence in both teaching and supporting students. We are excited to welcome Adam Laliberte as the new morning ESL teacher; confident he will continue her legacy of care and excellence.
Immigration News: Rising Challenges in Ohio
This month, our attorneys continue to see the growing pressures on immigrant communities:
Court delays are extending detention periods, leaving clients in limbo and creating undue stress.
Deportation practices raise serious legal concerns. A recent UN finding confirmed that U.S. deportation policies violate international agreements. For example, one client’s case has been extended twice, keeping him in detention, a pattern our attorneys see with some judges.
Expanded removals: Policies under the Trump Administration’s Third Country Removals continue to put migrants at risk.
Detention and Arrests in Ohio (2025):
Detention beds expanded from 120 to over 1,500 across six facilities, including CoreCivic-run Northeast Ohio Correctional Center and county jails in Geauga, Seneca, Butler, and Mahoning Counties.
Local Ohio jails now hold 40–60 immigrant detainees daily, many with no criminal record.
ICE arrests through July 28, 2025: 1,546 individuals
ICE deportations through July 28, 2025: 1,081 (compared to 561 in all of 2024)
June 2025 alone: 242 deportations—7x more than June 2024
Approximately 50% of June arrests involved individuals without criminal charges or convictions
Our attorneys continue to advocate for humane treatment, fair proceedings, and compliance with U.S. and international law.
How You Can Support IIA
Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees:
Donate: Every gift helps IIA keep its door open and staffed to support the growing needs of our immigrant community.
Fundraise for IIA: Organize a fundraiser with your workplace, faith group, or community.
Collect non-perishable food items and grocery gift cards: Help individuals losing SNAP benefits and facing food insecurity by donating non-perishable food items and grocery store gift cards. These will directly go to families in need.
Together, we can face the challenges that arise and get through this challenging period as a community.
Thank You
To all our supporters: your time, voice, and generosity make a tangible impact. You help immigrant families in Akron navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and build hopeful futures.
