Today, The “Center” podcast returns from its hiatus with a timely message about our migrant neighbors and how we can better understand the various ways in which refugees can leave dangerous situations and legally enter and live in the United States while waiting for conditions to improve in their home countries.
Today’s guest on The “Center” is Angela Boelens. Angela is the founder and president of IA NICE, a non-profit agency supporting refugee families from Ukraine who are seeking either Temporary Protected Status or Humanitarian Parole with resettlement and integration into local Iowa communities. IA NICE is a 501(c)(3), providing guidance and necessary resources to community members and sponsors as they support newcomer families in rebuilding their lives in Iowa. Angela lives in Rock Island, Illinois, and is a professor in the Business Administration Department at Augustana College.
Click below to listen now.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
To learn more about Temporary Protected Status (TPS), including what countries are currently included in this migrant protection, check out this resource page provided by the United States Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
What is Humanitarian Parole and who qualifies? The USCIS provides information about this entry possibility here: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/humanitarian_parole
In response to misinformation being spread about its migrant/refugee population, the city of Springfield, Ohio, has created a FAQ page to address concerns about its Haitian residents. It can be found here: https://springfieldohio.gov/immigration-faqs/
The community in Springfield, Ohio, has been adversely impacted by misinformation being spread about its migrant neighbors. PBS Newshour provides coverage concerning the safety challenges faced by the community of Springfield, Ohio, during this election cycle: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-life-in-springfield-has-been-disrupted-by-lies-about-its-haitian-community
Letter from the Ohio Catholic bishops regarding migrants, refugees, and Haitians
What is TPS? The discussion on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and its profound impact on individuals seeking refuge in the United States took center stage at a forum titled "What is TPS? A Forum Addressing Temporary Protected Status and Who It Impacts." Featured speakers included Jessica Malott, immigration attorney, and Angela Boelens, President of IA NICE. A recording of the forum is available here:
https://clintonfranciscans.com/our-mission/franciscan-peace-center/profile/immigration-reform