IIA May Newsletter: Supporting Immigrants in Uncertain Times

In times of shifting policies and growing uncertainty, the International Institute of Akron (IIA) remains a steady source of support for immigrants and refugees in our community. This month, we’re sharing important policy updates, a powerful client story, and resources to help you stay informed, get involved, and take action. Whether you're fundraising, advocating, or simply learning more—you are part of this vital work. 

IIA Updates  

Diaper Drive Success
IIA recently participated in a diaper drive hosted by Project MKC, collecting dozens of diaper packs for our low-income clients. These essential supplies are already being distributed to families in need, helping to relieve some of the financial pressure on newly arrived parents and caregivers.

 
 

84 Students Attended ESL Classes in May
Our Education team is proud to share that 84 students participated in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes this May. These classes are a vital resource for adult learners seeking to improve their language skills, increase job readiness, and engage more confidently in the community. We are especially proud of our students for their dedication and commitment to learning—many of whom attend classes after long workdays or while caring for their families.

 
 

 In the News: Immigration Policy Changes to Watch

Recent policy proposals and actions could have significant impacts on immigrant communities:

  • TPS Revoked for Several Countries
    The U.S. government has moved to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Venezuela, Afghanistan, Haiti, Cameroon, and Nepal.
    ➤ What this means: TPS allows individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. Revoking TPS places thousands of individuals at risk of deportation, even after years of legally living and working here.

  • Expansion of Travel Bans
    A new travel ban would prohibit nationals from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the United States.
    ➤ In addition, suspensions have been issued for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
    ➤ What this means: These bans severely limit access to the U.S. for people from predominantly African, Asian, and Caribbean countries—often separating families, restricting asylum access, and reducing visa eligibility.

Need Help?
If you or someone you know may be impacted by these changes and needs legal guidance, please call our office at 330-376-5106.

  Resources to Support, Stay Safe, and Take Action

Whether you're looking to get involved, stay informed, or protect your rights, we've got you covered:

  • Fundraising Guide
    Start your own fundraiser for IIA! Our easy-to-use guide walks you through how to raise support for immigrant and refugee communities during these uncertain times.
     Access the Fundraising Guide

  • Know Your Rights
    Everyone has rights—regardless of immigration status. Learn what to do if approached by immigration enforcement at home, in public, or at work.
     Read the Know Your Rights Guide

  •  Peaceful Protest Safety Tips
    Planning to participate in a protest? Stay safe and prepared with our quick guide on your rights, what to bring, and how to protect yourself.
    Download the Peaceful Protesting Safety Guide

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact us anytime—we're here to help.

Thank You for Your Ongoing Support

As we continue to respond to the evolving needs of our community, we are deeply grateful for your support. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, partnered with us, or simply stayed informed—your commitment makes a difference. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive Akron.

Thank you for standing with immigrants and refugees.

—The Team at the International Institute of Akron

World Refugee Day – Stand with Refugees and Defend the Right to Safety and Dignity

World Refugee Day, recognized annually on June 20, is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of people forced to flee their home countries due to war, violence, or persecution. It’s also a moment to reflect on the role we all play—individuals, communities, and governments—in creating a more welcoming and inclusive society.

As conflict and displacement continue across the globe, refugee families face prolonged wait times and reduced access to safety. Many who have been approved for resettlement are still waiting in unsafe and uncertain conditions.

This World Refugee Day, the International Institute of Akron (IIA) encourages you to join us in taking action to support refugees and protect the life-saving U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Together, we can ensure that Ohio—and our nation—continues to be a place where those fleeing violence are met with compassion and opportunity.

Here Are 3 Ways You Can Take Action:

1. Contact Your Members of Congress

Urge your U.S. Senators and Representative to recognize World Refugee Day and strengthen the refugee resettlement program through legislation, funding, and public support.

Sample Email:

Dear [Senator/Representative],
My name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/Town, OH]. I’m writing in recognition of World Refugee Day to ask that you:

  • Stand up for refugees and newcomers in upcoming congressional funding and legislative deliberations. Reject the budget reconciliation package that diverts massive funds to ICE detention and deportation and prevents refugees and others from accessing food assistance and medical support they would otherwise be eligible for. Instead support funding for key spending accounts (such as the Migration and Refugee Assistance account and Refugee and Entrant Assistance accounts) and include clear authorizing and appropriations language dictating how that funding should be used for processing and welcome services that best serve refugees, newcomers, and the communities that welcome them. 

  • Urge for the restoration of the refugee resettlement program – including by rebooking travel for thousands of refugees who have had their flights canceled. Refugee resettlement brings huge social and economic benefits to our communities and makes our country stronger, safer, and more prosperous. 

  • Publicly express your support for refugees and the bipartisan U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE). Recognize and speak to the impact of the stop work orders and reimbursement freeze on refugee resettlement services and programs in your community. Listen to and collect stories of your constituents who have been impacted. 

Refugees are part of the fabric of our communities here in Ohio. I urge you to defend policies that allow our country to continue offering safe harbor to those in need.

2. Call Your Elected Officials

Let your representatives hear from you directly. Use this simple phone script:

Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/Town], Ohio. I’m calling in recognition of World Refugee Day to urge [Senator/Representative Name] to support refugees and defend our country’s commitment to welcome.

I’m asking you to:

  • Reject any budget proposals that divert critical resources to ICE detention and deportation, and that limit access to food and medical assistance for refugees and other newcomers.

  • Instead, support funding for the Migration and Refugee Assistance and Refugee and Entrant Assistance accounts—and make sure that funding goes directly to welcome services that help refugees and communities thrive.

  • Advocate for the full restoration of the U.S. refugee resettlement program, including rebooking canceled travel for refugees already approved to come here.

  • Publicly express support for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts. Please speak out about the harmful impacts of stop work orders and funding freezes on local resettlement services.

Refugees are a vital part of our community in Ohio. Please stand with us in defending the right to safety, dignity, and opportunity.

Thank you.

3. Use Your Voice on Social Media

Join IIA and others nationwide in using your platform to advocate for refugee rights. Tag your representatives and use the hashtag #WorldRefugeeDay.

Sample Posts:

  • Every person deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild. This #WorldRefugeeDay, I stand with refugees—and call on Congress to do the same.

  • Refugees strengthen our communities. Let’s invest in welcome, reject anti-asylum policies, and uphold the right to protection. #WorldRefugeeDay

  • Akron has long welcomed families seeking safety. This #WorldRefugeeDay, let’s recommit to keeping that legacy alive.

From everyone at IIA, thank you for standing with displaced people around the world. Together, we can build a more welcoming future.

IIA April Newsletter: Standing Strong Through Shifting Policies

As the national immigration landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the International Institute of Akron remains focused on providing critical resources and guidance to our community. This month, we’re sharing key updates from the front lines—legal support, community conversations, and new federal developments—and offering ways for you to take action.

Updates at IIA

IIA in the Community: Executive Director Featured at Akron Roundtable
 On April 4th, Akron Roundtable welcomed IIA Executive Director Madhu Sharma and immigration attorney Farad Sethna for a powerful conversation moderated by Steven Savides. The discussion explored how shifting immigration policy is directly impacting families and individuals in our community—and why local response matters now more than ever.

Watch the full recording here: pbs.org/video/akron

 
 

 

Expanding Access: Legal Clinics for Immigrant Families
In response to increased fear and confusion about immigration enforcement and eligibility, IIA’s legal team is offering legal clinics across the Akron area. These free sessions provide essential guidance on various immigration legal topics.

Immigrant community members seeking access to an immigration clinic may contact Kevin Walter at kevin.walter@iiakron.org.

 
 

A Grateful Thanks to Huntington-Akron Foundation
We are deeply thankful to the Huntington-Akron Foundation for their generous $25,000 gift to support IIA’s Education and Employment Services. Their investment directly helps immigrants gain financial stability and build new lives in Northeast Ohio.

From Refugee to Citizen: Enock Shumbusho’s Journey

A recent success story from our Education Services department showcases the dedication and perseverance of one of IIA’s most committed students. Enock Shumbusho, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a single father of seven who balances full-time work, parenting, and his education—all in pursuit of a better life for his family.

After long shifts at a production job near Canton, Enock returns home for dinner and then drives to Akron twice a week for evening English classes at IIA. Despite the demanding schedule, he’s consistently one of the first to arrive and rarely misses a session. His commitment didn’t stop there—he also attended IIA’s U.S. citizenship preparation class twice weekly for several months.

All of Enock’s hard work paid off. His English skills have improved dramatically, and on March 7, 2025, he and one of his sons proudly became U.S. citizens.

 
 

“What strikes me about Enock is his drive,” said Lydia Braun, his citizenship teacher. “There is such family unity and a deep commitment to building a better life. He’s not focused on what has happened—he’s focused on what can be done.”

Stories like Enock’s reflect the strength and determination of the individuals we serve at IIA. With access to consistent educational opportunities and community support, students like Enock are building new lives with purpose and pride.

To help more families reach their goals, please consider donating to IIA’s Emergency Fund. Your gift ensures continued access to language instruction, citizenship preparation, and other critical services that empower immigrants and refugees across Northeast Ohio.

Donate Today!

In the News: What You Need Know

Registration Requirement for Undocumented Individuals Now in Effect
 A new federal registration requirement for undocumented immigrants is now in effect, raising serious concerns around data privacy, surveillance, and the risk to of future enforcement action. Community advocates warn that this policy may disproportionately impact vulnerable individuals and families who already face significant barriers to legal access and protection.

IIA’s legal team is closely tracking the implications of this mandate and is working to ensure affected individuals understand their rights and options. To learn more or seek legal assistance, please contact IIA Legal Services at [insert contact info].

 Potential Travel Bans Under Discussion
 Several new travel bans targeting majority-Muslim and politically unstable countries are under discussion by federal lawmakers. Though not yet implemented, these restrictions could impact travel, family reunification, and visa issuance.

If you're planning international travel, consult an immigration attorney beforehand. For legal guidance or to schedule a consultation, contact IIA’s legal intake team by calling 330-376-5106.

 Stay informed: Visit our Resources Page for updates, know-your-rights guides, and legal resources.

Self-Education Resources: Learn & Advocate

Understanding immigrant experiences is key to building compassion and action. We recommend these reads this month:
• This Land is Our Land by Suketu Mehta
• We Are Not Dreamers by Leisy J. Abrego and Genevieve Negrón-Gonzales
• American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
• Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions by Valeria Luiselli

Explore more at iiakron.org/resources.

Thank You for Standing with Us

Together, we are stronger. Your support—whether through donations, advocacy, or simply sharing knowledge—helps ensure that every newcomer to our community is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

From all of us at IIA: thank you for being part of the movement.