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Author: Danielle Gauthier

5 Things to Know About Asylum

5 Things to Know About Seeking Asylum in the U.S.

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Explainer, FEATURED, Legal.

Who is an asylum seeker?

Asylum seekers are individuals who flee their home countries for fear of being persecuted based on their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion. To find lasting protection in the U.S., they must formally prove that their fear is well-founded and that it would be unsafe for them to return home.  

The right to apply for asylum has been considered sacred for centuries and is enshrined in both international conventions and U.S. law. Still, asylum is the subject of much debate and is often misunderstood.

Here are five things to know about seeking asylum in the U.S.

1. The difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee is how they apply for protection and from where.

The Refugee Act of 1980 formally established both the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the process for seeking asylum in the U.S. The goal was to create a fairer and more standardized process through which people fleeing persecution could rebuild their lives in the U.S.

Within this process: 

  • Refugees apply to come and live in the U.S. from the temporary safety of a third country. Out of millions of applicants each year, only a small fraction receive referrals from UN agencies, NGOs, or the U.S. Embassy to begin the resettlement process. Those referred then live in refugee camps or other temporary housing while undergoing a screening process that often lasts years before they can gain admission.  
  • Asylum seekers are people who do not have access to this pathway but are in immediate danger. Often undertaking long and dangerous journeys, they make their way to the U.S. and apply for protection when they first reach the border or from within the U.S.

When successful, both entry paths can lead to permanent legal protection, temporary resettlement support with the aim of enabling self-sufficiency as quickly as possible, and pathways to citizenship.

Since 2025, both pathways have been limited through executive orders that are subject to ongoing court challenges.

2. There are two main ways to apply for asylum: affirmative and defensive.

In affirmative cases, applicants proactively apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and are interviewed by an asylum officer to prove their claim. 

Defensive cases are filed when people facing deportation claim that they would be returning to life-threatening conditions. These cases are decided by an immigration judge in court with government attorneys arguing for deportation. Many applicants face these hearings without a lawyer arguing on their side.

As access to the affirmative asylum process has become more limited, more people are being pushed into the defensive system. One recent development is the use of a new “expedited” approach, in which USCIS agents pre-screen asylum seekers before they can apply affirmatively, raising significant due process concerns. Those who pass the pre-screening are often placed directly into defensive asylum proceedings in immigration court.

3. There is no fast or guaranteed pathway to asylum.

Applying for asylum is an act of urgency and hope. Decisions do not happen quickly, and protection is not guaranteed. 

Applicants must apply for asylum within one year of entering the country. To say that cases are backlogged would be an understatement—in recent years, more than one million asylum cases have been pending at a time, with wait times often stretching five years or more. This waiting period is a limbo in which travel is limited, families remain separated, and fears are constant. 

When cases do reach review, applicants must navigate a complex legal process that may involve multiple hearings, detailed documentation requirements, and strict legal standards.  

Though long and hard, this process is still preferable to returning to the danger they have fled or remaining stuck outside the border, where migrants are often preyed upon by criminals and other bad actors.  

4. Asylum seekers work, pay taxes, and contribute while their cases are pending.

Asylum seekers are legally allowed to live in the U.S. while their cases are pending. Under current rules, after 150 days, they can apply for authorization to work, and then wait at least thirty days for processing. Once authorized they can support themselves and their families, pay taxes, and contribute to the local economy.

Many asylum seekers work in industries facing persistent labor shortages, including healthcare, direct caregiving, food service, and construction. Beyond economic participation, asylum seekers become part of their communities. They send their children to school, rent homes, join religious congregations, build social ties, and contribute to civic life.   

If their cases are successful and they become “asylees”, they can apply for: 

  • green cards  
  • permission to travel internationally  
  • family members to join them in the U.S. 
  • citizenship 

Each year, IINE helps thousands of asylum seekers to file these applications, as well as secure housing, access benefits, apply for work authorization, prepare for the workforce, and find employment. 

5. The legal right to seek asylum in the U.S. has been systematically weakened and is now under attack.

Asylum has long been considered a sacred right. The term comes from the ancient Greek word “asylon,” which described spaces like shrines and temples from which a person being hunted by persecutors could not be seized or sent back into danger.  

It has had a special meaning for the U.S., which held itself up as an example to the world of a strong and prosperous “land of the free” that welcomes those who have lived under tyranny to join and contribute, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship, or who they love.  

Seeking asylum in the U.S. remains legal, but the system has become severely strained and undermined. 

In recent years, the number of people forcibly displaced by war, political repression, and climate change has grown exponentially—but the U.S. asylum system has not kept pace. Rather than expanding the infrastructure needed to fairly evaluate claims, guide people to safety, and support integration, politicians have focused on preventing all migrants—including people seeking asylum—from reaching the border, blocking them once they arrive, and removing those who manage to get through.

Recent executive actions have unilaterally:  

  • closed legal entry points 
  • blocked people from applying between ports 
  • allowed deportations without full immigration court hearings  
  • added significant application and renewal fees 
  • tightened work authorization rules  
  • removed immigration judges en masse  
  • attempted to detain asylum seekers while their cases were pending 

These actions have been challenged in court and continue to be adjudicated.  

• • •

Asylum seekers urgently need our support. You can help by sharing the truth about who they are, raising your voice about policies that restrict access and target applicants, and by donating to IINE so that we can continue to provide asylum seekers in New England with services they need to survive and thrive in our communities.  

Immigrants Day at the MA State House

Together in Action: The IINE Community Participates in Immigrants Day at the MA State House

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Advocacy, Blog, Our Team.

A Historic Showing

The theme was Courage Over Fear. On March 18, 1,200 immigrants and advocates headed to Boston’s Beacon Hill to make the 30th annual Immigrants Day at the Statehouse the biggest ever. Among them were IINE staff, volunteers, and students from an adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class.

Organized by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), of which IINE is a member, the event provided a significant show of support at a time when landmark legislation to protect immigrant communities was being actively debated in the building.

The day included a rally, followed by the opportunity for immigrants and advocates to share their thoughts and concerns directly with their representatives.

Writing Skills, Self-Expression, and Civic Engagement

IINE ESOL Instructor Caroline Sutphin, who brought members of her advanced class, says that she saw the event as an incredible learning opportunity for her students: “I wanted our students to feel the support of the community and the power of showing up and telling their stories in person.” 
 
Leading up to the event, she dedicated class time to helping her students craft personal testimonies about their experiences as immigrants in Boston, the fears provoked by harmful legislation, and their hopes for the future. 

Caroline says that she invited her whole class to attend Immigrants Day at the Statehouse, but that because of the way immigrants are being targeted for detention and deportation without due process, many were afraid to participate. Others were excited by the opportunity.

“The students who were eager to come became advocates for their classmates,” she explains. “They carried their written testimonies with them and prepared to share them.” 

A Wonderful Journey

Hicham, an ESOL student who had come to Boston from Morocco three months earlier to join his wife, was particularly excited. Even before understanding the whole context, he says he was just eager to practice his English conversation skills. 
 
“I wanted to go because I’m very sociable. I took a class in real estate [and wanted] to have interaction with people, and so when she told me about the event, I said yes, I’ll do it!” 
 
Hicham was thrilled when he came to understand that he would be in the State House and have the chance to hear from fellow immigrants, community advocates, and state leaders. Finding himself under the golden dome, in a packed hearing room, joining sing-alongs led by the Be Vocal activist choir, and hearing speakers from various immigrant communities, and legislators, proved to be a moving experience.

 “It was a wonderful journey,” he says. “When I went to the State House, I felt something powerful.”  

Hicham (R) with his ESOL classmates at the State House

 He was inspired to hear directly from Governor Maura Healey, and from several representatives and senators. The message he came away with was that “immigrants have to be comfortable here. In Massachusetts, we are all the same, immigrants or not immigrants.” 

Hicham particularly appreciated being there with IINE—fellow classmates, members of the Education team, and IINE leadership. “I even got a picture with the big man!” he said with a smile, referring to President & CEO Jeffrey Thielman. “I want to thank IINE for this opportunity. It was not just a celebration; it was something very special.” 

Giving Testimony

MIRA provided participants with talking points about key immigration legislation being debated, and after the rally, they spread out to find the representatives from their districts. Among them were IINE volunteers who had been learning about issues specifically facing refugees through monthly meetings and an email newsletter.  

Hicham and his classmates joined Caroline and other members of IINE’s Education team on their office trips, helping to put some real faces to the populations whose safety was at the heart of the bills in discussion. Hicham also had the chance to record spoken testimony with a videographer from MIRA’s team. For Hicham, it was a meaningful opportunity to share his story. 

Honorable Representative, thank you for allowing me to address you today. 

My name is Hicham, and I stand before you as a proud resident of Massachusetts, a professional working to build a future in real estate and community development, and a husband whose life changed the day he met the woman who would become his wife. 

My journey to the United States began with love. I married my wife, and it was through our marriage that I came to this country. Leaving my home, my family, and everything familiar was not an easy decision, but love gives you courage. It gives you purpose. It gives you a reason to build a new life from the ground up. 

When I arrived in Massachusetts, I arrived not as someone looking for a shortcut, but as someone ready to work, to contribute, and to honor the commitment I made both to my wife and to this Commonwealth. Together, we built our life step by step. She supported me as I learned the systems, pursued my education, and worked toward my professional goals. Our relationship is a partnership built on respect, patience, and shared dreams. 

It is because of her that I stand here today. Her belief in me has been my foundation. Our story is a reminder that behind every resident of this state whether born here or newly arrived there is a human story, a family, a set of hopes that drive them forward. 

Massachusetts is a place where people can build a future through hard work and opportunity. It is a place where families like mine can grow, contribute, and feel at home. My commitment to this state is rooted not only in my professional ambitions, but in the life my wife and I are building together: a life grounded in love, responsibility, and the desire to give back. 

At the International Institute of New England, I have had the privilege of studying alongside classmates who inspire me every day. We come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, yet we share the same determination to learn, to grow, and to build a better future here in Massachusetts. My colleagues are hardworking, respectful, and committed to improving their English so they can contribute to their communities and support their families. In our classroom, we encourage one another, we celebrate each other’s progress, and we prove that when people are given opportunity and education, they rise. Their resilience reminds me that the strength of this Commonwealth comes from the diversity and dedication of its people. 

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the International Institute of New England for the support, guidance, and opportunity they have given us. IINE is more than a school, it is a community that welcomes people from every corner of the world and helps them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The teachers, staff, volunteers show patience and professionalism. 

Thank you for your time, your service, and your dedication to the people of this Commonwealth. 

Now that he has had the experience of testifying, Hicham says this is only the beginning. “I will do it again!” he says, “and other events with IINE—I am on it!” 

• • •

Refugees and immigrants make long, difficult journeys to escape violence and rebuild their lives in the U.S. You can give them the help they need. 

GDA 2026

The International Institute of New England Raises $1.7M at Golden Door Award Gala in Support of Refugees and Immigrants

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Events, Press Releases/Statements.

The International Institute of New England (IINE) raised over $1.7 million at its 44th annual Golden Door Award, held Wednesday night at the Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston, a figure highlighting the organization’s resilience and strong community support in the face of increasingly restrictive federal immigration policy.

From L to R: IINE SVP & Chief Advancement Officer Xan Weber, IINE President & CEO Jeff Thielman, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals CEO Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet, Takeda CEO-Elect Julie Kim, IINE Board of Directors Chair Avak Kahvejian

The evening honored Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet, CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, with the Golden Door Award for her leadership in driving scientific breakthroughs that have led to life-saving medicines, now available in 70 countries worldwide. In accepting the award, Dr. Greenstreet reflected on how the promise of America is best realized when the skills, resilience, and determined spirit of immigrants are met with opportunity.

This gala took place amid a challenging period for refugee and immigrant communities, marked by ongoing humanitarian crises and shifting federal policies. During this time, organizations like IINE continue to play an essential role in providing direct services, guidance, and support to newcomers navigating complex systems. The funds raised will support IINE’s critical programs across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including refugee resettlement, English language education, workforce training, and immigration legal services.

“Every year brings new challenges to the world of immigration: policies shift, conflicts emerge across the globe, and more and more individuals are forced out of their homes in the pursuit of safety. But one thing has never changed. Our region’s success will always depend on welcoming talent, energy, and innovation from around the world,” said Jeff Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England.

The gala was attended by over 600 guests, bringing together leaders from the business, biotech, philanthropy, healthcare, construction, and civic sectors in support of IINE’s work. GDA host committee co-chairs and past honorees, Julie Kim, Graham Robinson, Anthony Consigli, Dr. Victor Dzau, Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Dr. Srikant Datar, Stephane Bancel, and Belinda Termeer the wife of our 1999 honoree the late Henri Termeer joined IINE supporters, longtime partners, clients, volunteers, and staff to honor both Dr. Greenstreet and the collective impact of the organization’s community over the past 100 years.

The evening program included a performance by Back Bay Chorale’s ESOL Chorus, and a Suitcase Stories® performance from an IINE client who reflected on her journey from Haiti to Massachusetts, and her unwavering commitment to pursuing a career in medicine—even when it meant starting over in the U.S. Guests were also invited to explore the Centennial Walk, an art exhibition that debuted last year and highlights IINE’s 100-year history in Boston and the city’s deep immigrant roots.

Since opening its doors more than a century ago, IINE has served more than 100,000 immigrants and refugees and currently supports thousands of individuals each year.

• • •

Learn more about our annual celebration of immigrant achievements and contributions at the Golden Door Award gala.

In Bridges, Refugee Youth Share Their Personal Stories

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Lowell, Our Team, Volunteer, Youth Programming.

A new publication developed within IINE’s Refugee Youth Program brings young voices to the center stage. Bridges: Personal Narratives by Immigrant Youth features eight stories written by clients in the Lowell program, with the support of community volunteers. The young authors reflect on important moments in their lives, their challenges and dreams, and the gratitude they feel to be Americans.  

Building Bridges

The Bridges project was spearheaded by Lena Aloise, a sophomore at Groton High School, who had volunteered as an English tutor in the Refugee Youth Program. As explained in the book’s preface, she felt “the writing process fit the IINE Youth program’s focus on English Language Learning and affirmation of diverse experiences and wanted to help share the voices of young immigrants with their communities.” 
 
Lena secured grant funding for the project from her school and reached out to IINE Youth Program Manager Isabel Goes to collaborate. Together, they recruited students and volunteers and drafted a lesson plan for a six-session creative writing workshop, which launched in August of 2025.  

The Writers’ Workshop

Each student received a personalized binder containing vocabulary resources, materials on story structure, and activity handouts. In early workshop sessions, they studied the art of personal narratives through stories and poems, and brainstormed people, places, and events of importance to them that might inspire their own writing. They learned how to craft interesting hooks, expand their stories’ settings, and develop strong openings, conflicts, and endings. 

The participants received feedback from the IINE Youth Program team, as well as students at Groton.  Once they finalized their pieces, the participants celebrated with their peers over pizza and soft drinks, and their manuscript was sent to IINE’s Marketing team to be designed and published.  

Reflections

“They were so excited and proud to get the actual books in their hands!” says Isabel. “I’m proud of them for their achievement and also love that they had the chance to express themselves. Some have already said they have more stories to tell! We’ll be launching another series of workshops for them this summer.” 

Lena is equally pleased with how the project turned out, “I was surprised by and incredibly grateful for the eagerness that many of the writers brought to each session of the workshop, especially after learning that many were joining after a full day of work at summer jobs!” she says. 

Key to success, Lena says, was the strength of the collaboration, “I was so happy to see the commitment of the volunteers and the team at IINE—they really worked hard to help make the workshop the best it could be. The volunteers were excited to contribute ideas and perspective while being respectful of the writers’ visions and our plan, and deserve a huge shout-out for all their support.” 
 
For Lena, this supportive relationship between new arrivals and the community they’ve found in Lowell is one of the major themes that shines through in the students’ stories: “I definitely feel as though the connecting thread among most was the people or experiences offering them support throughout emotionally challenging periods of change,” she says. “Whether it was a parent, a sport, or a friend, the stories focused on a source of comfort and inspiration, which I feel is a testament to all the writers’ resilience and optimism.”

The Broader Message

Isabel says she plans to get the book into school libraries in Lowell where she particularly hopes it will find its way into the hands of other immigrant youth.  

Lena hopes the authors’ words will have a positive effect on other readers, as well: “In a culture that can be dismissive of diverse experiences, I hope that Bridges can be a small part of affirming the unique outlook that immigrant and refugee youth contribute to their communities, and a reminder of the importance of celebrating stories of all kinds.” 

• • •

Refugees and immigrants make long, difficult journeys to escape violence and rebuild their lives in the U.S. You can give them the help they need. 

From the Desk of the CEO: The Impact of Refugees on Host Communities

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, FEATURED, From the Desk of the CEO, Refugee Resettlement.

Five lessons from the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

By Jeff Thielman, President & CEO of the International Institute of New England

Some question how welcoming refugees affects the strength, culture, and character of a nation. The question is a fair one—and the answer is clear.  

Refugees are people who cannot return to their homeland because they were persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political origin, or membership in a particular social group. The U.S. accepts a small number of the world’s vast refugee population each year because a significant majority of Americans support welcoming people to the U.S. for humanitarian reasons. In fact, doing so is a value that has been part of American life since our nation’s founding 250 years ago.  

Host communities and the country as a whole benefit when refugees come to the U.S. Thousands of people across New England have helped IINE support newly arrived refugees, helping them to learn English, to understand and navigate their new homes, and to prepare for employment. With their presence, our culture becomes richer, and the economy grows stronger.   

We’ve seen this put into practice since the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program was formalized forty-five years ago. It’s an integral part of the story of how the U.S. became a global superpower, and it should be a crucial part of the next chapter of the American story.  

Here are five lessons we’ve learned at IINE through over five decades of work with refugees. 

1) The level of support provided to refugees soon after they arrive determines their success.

When refugees have early access to English instruction, community orientation, and employment support, they can integrate quickly into a new community. By integration, we mean they become part of the economic, social, cultural, and civic life of their new community while preserving their unique heritage. Refugee employment rates rise steadily in their first few years in the country, and newcomers fill gaps in important industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and the service sector.  

Once they start work, they feed the economy with new consumer spending and tax revenue. According to a report released in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), over a fifteen year period (2005-2019), refugees generated a net benefit to all levels of government of $123.8 billion, meaning they paid more in taxes than the government gave them in benefits.  

Meanwhile, host communities benefit from new energy, restaurants, fashion, and ideas. Newcomers are deeply patriotic and eager to pay the hospitality they have received forward, making the community a better place.  

2) Social cohesion is strengthened when people from diverse backgrounds come to rely upon one another.

Cohesion isn’t about sameness, it’s about neighborliness. Prejudices fade, and communities grow stronger when people work, learn, pray, and participate in civic life together. One study from Data for Progress shows that among Americans who personally know a refugee, 89% support the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.  

In New England, U.S. citizens and refugees from different countries, cultures, and traditions often find common ground in the importance they place on working hard, caring for their neighborhoods, even rooting together for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots—revealing American values at their best. 

Refugees also receive strong support from institutions they join. Labor unions, for example, have stepped up to defend immigrant and refugee workers. One recent case is the advocacy effort for Tufts University student and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) member Rümeysa Öztürk in Somerville, MA.  

3) Well-integrated newcomers help communities stay economically strong and sustainable.

Many communities across New England are faced with rapidly aging populations and outmigration of younger people due to high housing costs, resulting in workforce shortages and a smaller tax base. The healthcare industry has been hit particularly hard, putting the supply of elder care at risk. Many refugees become caregivers and provide this critically needed service. 

Here in New England, the arrival of Southeast Asian refugees to communities like Lowell in the 1980s and 1990s reversed a population decline and led to the rebuilding of neighborhoods and creation of a much more vibrant city. In Manchester, NH, refugee resettlement has brought new students to a school system facing declining enrollment. In both communities, IINE is training a new generation of nursing assistants and home health care aides. 

4) When refugees have full access to civic life, they strengthen it.

As IINE Golden Door Honoree Noubar Afeyan often reminds us, people who are “Americans by choice” feel a strong commitment to helping this country realize its potential. This is especially true of those who have experienced persecution and exclusion. At IINE, our clients often speak of wanting to give back. They gravitate towards the caring professions, sign up as volunteers to assist fellow refugees, and sometimes even join our staff. Many have a strong drive to become citizens, longing to be able to vote and participate fully in their new communities.  

Nationally, studies show that refugees naturalize at high rates, with about 66% becoming U.S. citizens within 10–15 years. Some refugees and their families become public servants: in Boston, City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune (left), the daughter of Haitian immigrants, just completed a term as Boston’s City Council President. In Lowell, Vanna Howard (middle) was recently elected as the nation’s first Cambodian State Senator. In Manchester, NH, former IINE client Suraj Budathoki (right), a Bhutanese refugee, is a state legislator. Refugees don’t just integrate into civic life; they help lead it. 

5) Welcoming refugees reflects confidence in who we are and will shape who we want to become.

The United States has never been defined by a single culture or background, but by shared commitments: to freedom, to democratic participation, to class mobility, to rewarding ingenuity, and to the idea that people from different places can live and work together. Refugee resettlement is one of the clearest expressions of these values in action. 

When we invest in helping refugees integrate and eventually contribute to the growth of our region, we reinforce the kind of country we choose to be: confident enough in our institutions and values to welcome others, and strong enough to incorporate new perspectives into American life.  

Welcoming refugees does not weaken cultural cohesion. Welcoming and helping refugees integrate into a new community makes this country a better place for everyone. 

Welcoming, supporting, and integrating refugees is a community effort. Explore opportunities to get involved.

Announcing Our New Director of Immigration Legal Services

The International Institute of New England Hires Rebecca LaPierre as Director of Immigration Legal Services

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Our Team, Press Releases/Statements.

BOSTON – March 30, 2026 – The International Institute of New England (IINE), one of the region’s longest-established nonprofits serving refugees and immigrants, has announced the hiring of Rebecca LaPierre as its new Director of Immigration Legal Services. 

An experienced attorney and educator, LaPierre brings deep expertise in immigration law and cross-cultural communication. In her new role, she will oversee IINE’s Immigration Legal Services program, leading a team of attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, paralegals, and legal assistants who provide expert, client-focused legal representation and consultation to refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations across New England. The program supports immigrants seeking humanitarian protection, family reunification, lawful permanent residency, and pathways to long‑term stability and citizenship. 

Prior to joining IINE, Rebecca served as a senior staff attorney at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), where she supervised legal teams, provided strategic oversight on complex immigration cases, ensured effective reporting and grant compliance, and helped develop internal policies, training programs, and case management systems. Her legal practice focused on affirmative immigration matters, including asylum, Special Immigrant Visas, adjustment of status, and family reunification. Her previous roles also include working as a labor and employment attorney at Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP in Boston and at Eaton Peabody in Bangor, Maine. LaPierre received a Master of Arts in International Human Rights and Global Ethics from the University of Leicester and a Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Maine, School of Law.  

In addition to her legal work, LaPierre currently serves as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University, where she has taught undergraduate courses in legal and justice studies, social justice, restorative justice, and business law. She is committed to building inclusive, discussion‑driven classrooms and mentoring students. 

“In today’s immigration landscape, ensuring that refugees and immigrants have access to expert, compassionate, and affordable legal services is especially critical,” said IINE President and CEO Jeff Thielman. “Rebecca’s extensive immigration law experience, strong leadership, and deep commitment to justice make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. We are thrilled to welcome her to IINE at such a crucial moment for the communities we serve.” 

LaPierre’s hire comes at a time of significant legal advocacy for organizations like IINE on behalf of immigrants and refugees. Earlier this month, a federal court judge ruled in favor of a group of plaintiffs, including IINE, blocking the federal government from arresting and detaining any refugee who has been in the U.S. for a year and not yet received a green card.

“I am excited to join the team of committed advocates and legal professionals at IINE,” said LaPierre. “It is an honor to be part of an organization with such a long, impactful legacy of uplifting immigrant communities throughout New England.” 

Federal Lawsuit Update: Court Blocks Unlawful Refugee Detention Policy

Federal Lawsuit Update: Court Blocks Unlawful Refugee Detention Policy

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Advocacy, Blog, FEATURED, Press Releases/Statements, Refugee Resettlement.

Unopposed Motion was Granted as Court Halts Policy Forcing Arrest and Indefinite Detention of Lawfully Admitted Refugees

Boston, Mass. — Six refugees, Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, and the International Institute of New England (IINE) secured a major court victory today when a federal court blocked the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful “Refugee Detention Policy,” which mandates the warrantless arrest and potentially indefinite detention of lawfully admitted refugees. Plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP).

The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted the plaintiffs’ motion to pause the policy – an unopposed motion after the government chose not to contest, effectively conceding to the plaintiffs’ arguments – finding that refugees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims and that they would face irreparable harm without the court’s intervention. The order prevents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from enforcing the policy while the case proceeds.

The motion follows a lawsuit challenging a policy issued that sought to mandate the arrest and detention of refugees who had not applied for or received permanent residency within one year, despite no evidence of wrongdoing and no statutory authority to detain them. The challenged policy was set to disrupt longstanding federal guidance, including a 2010 Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy confirming that a refugee’s failure to apply for adjustment of status is not a lawful basis for detention. 

“This ruling is a victory for the refugees we are privileged to serve every day at IINE—brave individuals who followed the law, trusted this country, and deserve to live peacefully and without fear. It is also a win for everyone who believes in the fundamental American values of humanity, due process, and dignity for all,” said Jeffrey Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England. “Today and every day, we are proud to stand in solidarity with refugees, so they may find the safety and opportunity they deserve and that our nation promised.” 

The court found that the plaintiffs face clear harm, noting that the threat of unlawful detention is quintessential irreparable harm. The court further recognized that the policy would disrupt the core missions of the organizational plaintiffs. “I have sat with refugee families in their first hours in this country — exhausted, hopeful, and trusting that the United States would keep its promise to them. Today’s ruling honors that promise and recognizes what our tradition has long taught: that no one should be told they do not belong. Detaining people who have done everything right is not justice; it is cruelty. Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts celebrates today’s order as one important step toward restoring justice and humanity to our immigration system. Refugees who arrive in this country lawfully should never face detention simply because of a manufactured delay in paperwork,” said Rabbi James Greene, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts.

“Today’s ruling affirms that the government cannot manipulate the law to justify the mass arrest and detention of people,” said Steven Bressler, Senior Legal Advisor at Democracy Forward. “For decades, federal law has established that refugees who are lawfully present in the United States will not be jailed simply because of administrative delays or paperwork. This new policy was as cruel as it was unlawful, and we are encouraged that the court is protecting the fundamental rights of refugees and ensuring the Trump-Vance administration follows the law.”

“Just as we previously blocked the Trump administration from terrorizing refugees in Minnesota, we have now stopped this policy of illegal arrest and detention from being carried out on a national scale,” said Laurie Ball Cooper, Vice President of U.S. Legal Programs at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “While this case moves forward, refugees can live their lives without worrying about the government ripping them away from their families and communities.”

Federal law requires refugees to apply for permanent residency (a green card) after at least one year of physical presence in the U.S. The new policy targets not only those who need time to complete their applications and medical exams, but also approximately 100,000 refugees who have pending applications that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not adjudicated, leaving more than 100,000 in limbo.

Refugee status does not expire after one year, but the Trump-Vance administration now claims that on the 366th day after arrival, refugees who have not yet received their green cards must be arrested and detained indefinitely. By freezing applications and then using the agency’s delay as a basis for detention, the Trump-Vance administration is creating a trap in which refugees are penalized for the government’s own failure to act. Today’s order blocks the unlawful policy, restoring longstanding protections and ensuring that refugees will not be subjected to unlawful arrest and detention while the case continues.

The case is Jean A. et al v. Noem, and the legal team at Democracy Forward includes Kali Schellenberg, Erez Reuveni, Jennie Kneedler, Ryan Cooper, Steven Bressler, and Robin Thurston. The legal team at IRAP includes Ghita Schwarz, Lupe Aguirre, Mevlüde Akay Alp, Dalia Fuleihan, Kimberly Grano, and Pedro Sepulveda.

IINE is committed to fighting for the rights and safety of refugees, but we need your support. Please consider making a donation today.

“Pro-Immigrant” Message Wins Fans and Raises Funds at New Hampshire Coffee Shop

“Pro-Immigrant” Message Wins Fans and Raises Funds at New Hampshire Coffee Shop

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Community Partners, Manchester.

A Day of Protest

It was January 30, 2026, a day on which activists throughout the country had called for work stoppages, school walkouts, and shopping boycotts in protest of violence and rights violations by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE).  

“We felt like we wanted to do something, but at the same time—I think a lot of small businesses felt this way—we didn’t want to close our doors because we have a lot of hourly employees and a lot of customers who rely on them,” says MacKenzie Logan, a Manchester, New Hampshire native who founded Flamingos Coffee Bar five years ago. “An alternative was to find a local organization that helps immigrant communities.” 

On their social media accounts, under the phrase “Disgustingly Pro-Immigrant” across a flamingo-pink background, the café announced that all of its proceeds for the day at both of its locations in Exeter and Hampton would be donated to the International Institute of New England.

Coffee and a Cause

MacKenzie hadn’t been familiar with IINE, but when she found the organization through some internet research, she was impressed. “I thought it was a really worthy cause, and I thought supporting it could be a cool way to shift the narrative that day.” 

Why the phrase “Disgustingly Pro-Immigrant”? Turns out it was a riff on another slogan that had helped establish the café’s identity. 

“It started from a 2-star Yelp review someone left us one day, saying that our café made them feel ‘uncomfortable as a man,’ that we were ‘disgustingly pro-women,’ and it was a ‘terrible business model.’ We decided to make t-shirts out of that because we loved the phrase ‘disgustingly pro-women.’ Then it sort of snowballed into this, like, movement. It’s been really cool to watch that grow.” 

Mackenzie (L) has embraced the term “Disgustingly Pro-Women” at her café, Flamingos Coffee Bar

When she posted about the review on Instagram, she got a groundswell of support. The “disgustingly pro-women” shirts she had made sold well and seemed to attract new customers. She donated 20% of the proceeds from the t-shirts to a local charity that helps women in need in her community. This venture has become important to MacKenzie and to the identity of her business. When the January 30 day of action came around, she saw an opportunity to champion another cause about which she feels strongly.

“I think just seeing everything that’s happening in the country—it’s hard to watch, and then on a personal level, my husband is an immigrant, and I’ve seen the difficulties that he’s faced just getting a Green Card. He’s very fortunate to be sponsored by a local company and to have that opportunity. I’m aware of how hard it can be for some people to get access to a pathway to citizenship—especially for people who need it for their well-being or because they’re fleeing an atrocious situation at home. I love that your organization is able to help people like that.” 

The Benefits of Speaking Out

MacKenzie says that Flamingos’ stand for immigrants’ rights on January 30 fit into the pattern of their previous activism. 

“I’m always scared that we’re going to alienate people, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. When you do make a stand like that, I’ve seen a lot of people get behind it and support you rather than demonize you for it. It was really cool to see that happen again with the pro-immigrant post that we did. A lot of people were really happy that we did that and came into support, which was cool.” 

The café raised about $1,000 for IINE, and attracted some new customers, including IINE Community Services Manager Zazie Sawyer (pictured right) and other members of IINE’s staff who are definitely keeping an eye on Flamingo’s Instagram and eager to support the café, along with their coffee habits.  

• • •

IINE depends on community support to serve refugees and immigrants in New England. There are many ways to get involved as a donor, volunteer, or advocate—including hosting your own fundraiser.

Welcome Kit

What’s In Your Welcome Kit?

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Our Team, Refugee Resettlement, Volunteer.

IINE community members on the resources they would share with newly arriving refugee families to help them feel at home 

Being a refugee takes tremendous bravery. Refugees arrive in our communities while still processing recent trauma, often carrying little more than a single suitcase, and have to rebuild their lives in a place where they often don’t know the local language, culture, or customs.  

Welcoming them calls for both empathy and imagination—skills with which our IINE community members are rich. We asked staff, clients, board members, and volunteers about their own migration experiences and family stories, and how they would put together a “Welcome Kit” for newcomers.  

Andrea West, IINE Education Admissions Specialist

Andrea (R) with IINE Employment Specialist Zahra Lofti at our annual Golden Door Award gala

What resources would you include? 

  • Descriptions of and directions to places in the community where our new friends can meet other people from their home country or region. Whenever I move to a new place, I seek out people from my home country or region. Belizean and Caribbean immigrants help me, my Mexican husband, and American son feel connected to Belize. They are also a source of support for us as we settle into and learn to navigate our new community. They tell me where I can find the ingredients I need to make the local Belizean dishes I like, places to worship, and where their kids attend school. We celebrate and commiserate with each other.  
  • List of food pantries, meal programs, and places where you can get free or cheap clothing (especially winter clothing). Moving to a new place is expensive for any family, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or nationality.  
  • Information on how to get support with childcare and places where their kids can get a good education. Childcare is expensive and can be a major barrier to families achieving self-sufficiency.  
  • Stories! Plenty of stories! Children’s stories of historical figures, history of the State of Massachusetts, stories of other refugee families. I can’t overstate the importance of stories in educating our new friends on the amazing history of Massachusetts that will make them both proud to be a part of this community and inspired to contribute to it. As an immigrant, I find comfort in stories that remind me of what those who came before me endured and fought against to bring about changes that I benefit from today. They inspire me to pay it forward and make me hopeful for the future.   
  • Directions on how to use public transportation. Buying and maintaining a car in the U.S. and using ride shares is expensive.  
  • Information on how to maintain one’s immigration status. Federal regulations regarding maintaining legal status are complicated, and not doing so may jeopardize a refugee or immigrant’s ability to continue to live and work in the U.S.
  • Sources of support for finding and landing a job. We can’t pursue our American dream without a job. Hard work is one of the greatest American values.  

What would you want them to know about their new community and neighbors? 

I am originally from Belize, and I’ve lived in Cuba, Mexico, China, and several U.S. states. The personal and professional experiences I’ve had while living in these countries have taught me two very important lessons that I would share with a newly arrived refugee family.  

The first is that the foreign policy of a country is rarely ever a reflection of the attitudes and beliefs of that nation’s everyday citizens. In America, I often see many examples of the disconnect between U.S. governmental policies on issues such as immigration and the attitudes of American citizens towards immigrants. I’ve also learned that America is a very diverse country. There is not only a wide range of races and ethnicities represented in America but also a great diversity of beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives on any given issue.  

I’d let our new arrivals know that their lives in America will not only be defined by the anti-immigrant people we see on TV and on social media or by the governmental policies that are bound to adversely affect them but by the kind and caring people in their communities.  

My husband and I have both had people shout at us in the streets to go back where we came from, but we’ve had far more Americans kindly welcome us into their homes and treat us to unbelievable hospitality. 

Is there any part of your own family story you would share? 

While growing up in Belize, I watched the brutal beating of Rodney King, an African American man, by several Los Angeles police officers on TV. The riots that erupted in L.A. when the officers were acquitted of charges of police brutality were also aired on local TV. I viewed them with my family in our living room. When it was time for me to come to the U.S., replaying those images in my mind fueled my fear of being judged and discriminated against because of the color of my skin. My fear and apprehension kept me from having meaningful relationships with white people until a friend gave me some sage advice. My friend, Sharon, who was also a Black Caribbean immigrant, encouraged me to stop going around expecting hate and discrimination. By her example, she taught me how to enter rooms and relationships with an open mind and open heart. I still experience hate and recognize and acknowledge the people who give it. But being able to move beyond that hate and to be open to the love, kindness, and joy that others bring has made me a much happier person.  

What hopes would you share for them? 

We came to the U.S. to pursue our dreams. I’d hope that they are able to accomplish theirs. I’d wish them success, however they define it. 

The Capacho Family, former IINE clients

What resources would you include? 

We believe that community spaces for connection and dialogue are essential: places where migrants can meet, share experiences, learn from one another, and build friendships that strengthen the community. These spaces help people adapt together, regain trust, and reinforce hope, reminding us that even after trauma, there is always a path forward. 

What would you want them to know about their new community and neighbors? 

We are a multicultural family: my husband and I are Venezuelan, one of our children is also Venezuelan, two were born in Colombia, and our youngest was born here in the U.S. From the very first day, we have felt the love, solidarity, and support of our new community. We feel blessed to belong to a place where empathy, respect, and unity are lived every day, and where neighbors are kind, caring, and willing to help. 

Is there any part of your own family story you would share? 

Each stage of our journey—from Venezuela to Colombia and now to the United States—has taught us resilience, gratitude, and the value of community. Having support along the way allowed us to keep moving forward with faith and hope, and now we want to share that strength with others.  

What hopes would you share for them? 

Our hope for other families is that they find peace, stability, and a sense of belonging. Even after difficult experiences, we hope they can heal, rebuild their lives, and dream again. Especially in the hardest moments, staying united and hopeful makes all the difference. 

We also want to inspire everyone to find their passion and live freely. Look for a “why” that drives you, reinvent yourself, and pursue everything you have ever dreamed of being. Today we are in a free country: we are free, and it is time to free our minds. I have always lived by the motto “Live free, live happy,” and I believe that each of us has the power to design and create our own life. Even when challenges are hard, every step forward brings us closer to fulfilling our dreams, sharing hope, and living fully. 

It would include faith, hope, and love for humanity. This is as vital as water as oxygen and gives us the strength to continue. 

Fereshtah Thornberg, IINE Board Member

What resources would you include?  

My kit would include: 

  • A map of the city’s public transportation  
  • A list of common questions you can ask in English (example: how do I get to this address?) 
  • Some basic necessities like toothbrush and paste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.  
  • English learning tools  
  • Temp agency lists 
  • Grocery stores nearby  
  • Where to go if you or your family gets sick  
  • The closest place of worship (depending on their religious beliefs and faith) 

What would you want them to know about their new community and neighbors?  

That they care and don’t hesitate to get to know them. 

Is there any part of your own family story you would share? 

When I arrived in New York over 30 years ago, we came with very little money and a lot of anxiety for what was ahead, yet grateful that we were safe. The first two years were a journey, but looking back, it has helped shape who I am and how much compassion I have. I was looking for a job during one of the worst recorded snowstorms, but was excited for what was ahead. 

What hopes would you share for them?  

Our hopes for newly arrived refugees are that they feel safe and cared for and trust that their lives will look much different two years from now and will improve for the better as they settle into their new communities. 

Danielle Rabina, IINE Resettlement Volunteer, Boston Bound Community Sponsorship Team

Danielle (L) with members of the refugee family from Nigeria, who the Boston Bound team helped resettle

What resources would you include? 

One item a member of our group thought of [when we did welcome a family] was a book of photos with names and phone numbers of each member of our group. New immigrants that IINE is helping to resettle are meeting so many new people in their first year, while also learning a new language, that it is easy to lose track of who is who. This book was referred to often in the first months.  

Here are some other items I think would be nice to include in a Welcome Kit. 

To help the family feel cared for: 

  • A toy or stuffed animal for any children 
  • A comforting soft blanket for adults 
  • Some tea and comfort foods  

To help with navigating a new area: 

  • A map of their local neighborhood highlighting important places like supermarkets, parks, and libraries 
  • A map of the public transportation system 
  • A pre-filled public transportation pass 

Although it’s unrealistic to include in a Welcome Kit, it would be so helpful to include a personal technology teacher to teach the family how to navigate all of the important online notifications they will be getting as they create a life here.  

What would you want them to know about their new community and neighbors? 

I would like to share the variety of cultures, languages, and countries of origin of their neighbors, so they can understand how America is a melting pot made up of people from all over the world. 

Is there any part of your own family story you would share? 

I would share my own family’s immigrant story, and over time, I would share how my family celebrates American holidays and pastimes. 

What hopes would you share for them? 

[I’d share] hope for them to gain a feeling of safety, security, and support so that they can have the freedom and confidence to pursue a meaningful life here in America.   

Geoff Birmingham, IINE ESOL Volunteer

Geoff (second from R) with ESOL students at their class graduation

What resources would you include? 

I would include membership cards to three museums in Boston: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, and the Children’s Museum. I would give them a snowblower for winters like this year. I would offer them a Red Sox package, which includes free tickets for the family AND me as an escort, so I can explain what the heck baseball is. I would give them electric bikes with panniers to make moving around the city and doing errands easier (and urban biking lessons included, if needed). 

What would you want them to know about their new community and neighbors?  

I would say it’s important for new arrivals to know that our community is friendly—but most people won’t go out of their way to be helpful. People are busy. They don’t spend a lot of time wondering how to support others. So, it’s very important to  ask  for help if you need it. When you do that, just about everyone you approach will do whatever they can to lend a hand. 

What hopes would you share for them?  

1. That they never forget and always honor their home country. 

2. That they can remain true to their culture and traditions while also embracing ours. 
 
3. That they are able to eventually feel at home in the U.S. and feel that they belong. 

The Machado Family, former IINE clients

Our Welcome Kit would include basic household essentials, information about local services, and a welcome letter reminding them they are not alone. I would also add a list of community spaces and support networks, because feeling guided and accompanied is just as important as material help. 

• • •

Helping refugees and immigrants resettle, find safety and opportunity, and succeed in New England takes a community. Explore ways to get involved with this critical work.

IINE Sues to Block Trump-Vance Administration Policy Ordering the Arrest, Indefinite Detention of Lawfully Admitted Refugees

IINE Sues to Block Trump-Vance Administration Policy Ordering the Arrest, Indefinite Detention of Lawfully Admitted Refugees

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Advocacy, Blog, Press Releases/Statements, Refugee Resettlement.

Filing Comes Amid New Unlawful Refugee Detention Policy

Boston, Mass. — Six refugees, Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, and the International Institute of New England (IINE), represented by Democracy Forward and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), filed a federal lawsuit today challenging a sweeping new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “Refugee Detention Policy” that directs the warrantless arrest and mandatory – and potentially indefinite – detention of lawfully admitted refugees who have lived in the United States for at least one year and have not yet adjusted their resident status or do not have a pending application for permanent resident or “green card” status – even though the government has no reason to believe that they are deportable or have committed any criminal violation.

This unlawful policy is part of “Operation Post-Admission Refugee Reinvestigation and Integrity Strengthening” (Operation PARRIS), in which DHS is targeting refugees. Federal law requires refugees to apply for permanent residency (a green card) after at least one year of physical presence in the U.S., but it has never authorized arrest or detention to compel submission of an application. The new policy targets not only those who need time to complete their applications and medical exams, but also up to 100,000 refugees who have pending applications, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has refused to adjudicate them, leaving more than 100,000 in limbo.

Refugee status does not expire after one year, but the Trump-Vance administration now claims that on the 366th day after arrival, refugees who have not yet received their green cards must be arrested and detained indefinitely. By freezing applications and then using the agency’s delay as a basis for detention, the Trump-Vance administration is creating a trap in which refugees are penalized for the government’s own failure to act.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenges two recent agency memoranda that reverse more than 45 years of settled practice and reinterpret federal immigration law to subject refugees to detention. Under the new policy, refugees who were lawfully admitted after extensive vetting, and who remain in lawful status, must be arrested without a warrant and detained even if they have not been charged with any crime or immigration violation. The policy reverses decades of settled agency guidance, which made clear that a refugee’s lack of adjustment to permanent resident status is not a lawful basis for arrest or detention.

Plaintiffs have also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and stay, asking the court to stop the policy under the Administrative Procedure Act to prevent irreparable harm to refugees while the case proceeds.

“I fled death threats and waited nearly a decade to resettle as a refugee in the United States,” said plaintiff Mona C. “My family has worked hard to restart our lives, but now I am worried that ICE might arrest me. Who will take care of my children if I am arrested and detained? We came to the U.S. to live in peace and safety, not to relive the horrors of our past.”

“Litigation is not our standard method of advocacy, but when the federal government directly targets refugees—resilient, hardworking community members who escaped persecution and were promised safety by our nation—we must stand up and speak out,” said Jeff Thielman, International Institute of New England President and CEO. “IINE is committed to fighting for the rights and protection of refugees, and we know our commitment is strengthened by a majority of Americans across the country, who recognize, too, the importance of welcome and humanity.”

Rabbi James Greene, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, said, “Refugee families often waited years for resettlement and were promised safety and an opportunity to build their lives here in the United States. With this policy, DHS is threatening them with arrest and detention for an indefinite period without any cause, crime, or reason. The Bible’s most often repeated commandment is to welcome the stranger – it is our central value and a pillar of Jewish tradition. To allow this policy to come into effect would be a rejection of the values that we most hold dear. We stand with our clients, and with all refugees who would be harmed by this horrific policy.”

“For more than four decades, the United States has honored its commitment to refugees by providing safety, stability, and a lawful path forward. This policy betrays that promise – it attempts to transform a routine administrative process into a tool for mass arrest and detention of people who followed the law, were thoroughly vetted, and were admitted into our country to rebuild their lives here,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The Constitution does not permit the government to jail people without statutory authority or due process. We are asking the court to stop this unlawful policy immediately, and will continue to use every legal tool available to protect people from the cruelty of this administration.”

“The Trump administration is clear it intends to take its terror campaign against refugees in Minnesota national,” said Ghita Schwarz, Senior Director of U.S. Litigation at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “Refugees were brought to this country by the U.S. government to restart their lives in safety and are now being threatened with mandatory arrest and detention. All Americans should be concerned about this lawless push to imprison people who have done nothing wrong.”

Plaintiffs argue that the policy violates the Immigration and Nationality Act, was issued without required notice-and-comment rulemaking, is arbitrary and capricious, and violates both the Fourth Amendment, which protects people, including noncitizens physically present in the U.S., from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fifth Amendment, which protects people from deprivation of liberty without due process of law.

The complaint also describes how the policy has already led to arrests and detentions of refugees, separating families and disrupting communities. Plaintiffs warn that without immediate court intervention, lawfully admitted refugees remain at risk of arrest and prolonged detention despite having done nothing wrong.

The filings explain that the statute governing refugee adjustment of status does not authorize detention and that the government’s interpretation would upend decades of consistent practice. The lawsuit seeks to vacate the challenged memoranda, halt their enforcement nationwide, and restore longstanding legal protections for refugees.

The case is Jean A. et al v. Noem, and the legal team at Democracy Forward includes Kali Schellenberg, Erez Reuveni, Jennie Kneedler, Ryan Cooper, Steven Bressler, and Robin Thurston.

IINE is committed to fighting for the rights and safety of refugees, but we need your support. Please consider making a donation today.

“I Started Living When I Came Here”: A Senegalese Refugee Finds Freedom in Boston

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Blog, Boston, Client Stories, Employment Support, Refugee Resettlement.

Pride, For the First Time

Ousmane marching at his first-ever Pride Parade in 2024

In the summer of 2024, Ousmane participated in his first-ever Pride Parade. Wearing a t-shirt with a rainbow-colored flame, he marched through Boston’s streets shoulder-to-shoulder with a boisterous group of IINE staff, volunteers, and clients waving mini-rainbow flags. Throngs of revelers lined their route and greeted them with cheers and smiles.

This was a very new experience for Ousmane. In 2015, he had been forced to flee his native Senegal as a refugee. “Anyone who knows Senegal knows that homosexuality isn’t allowed,” he explains. “It led to a very difficult moment with my family. Also with the population.”

A Difficult Moment

After escaping Senegal, Ousmane spent many years in a refugee camp in Mauritania. There he met another challenge. The country only abolished slavery in 1980, and Black Mauritanians and immigrants continue to experience racial discrimination and marginalization. Facing dual prejudices, Ousmane found he “couldn’t go out at certain times. I was not able to work some jobs. I struggled.”

Life got easier when Ousmane met Yaya.  

“Yaya is a great person. The thing is, I love him, and he loves me. I encountered a lot of pain there, but I could deal with that pain because of the love I had from him.” 

The bond they forged felt lifesaving. It also made the news for which Ousmane had been longing for years –that he had been approved to resettle in the U.S. as a refugee—feel bittersweet. 
 
“The separation was not easy. Yaya thought that when I left for the U.S., I was going to leave him, so it was a very difficult moment. But I couldn’t stay, because that time was too difficult for me.” 

Ousmane believed in his heart that their separation was temporary. He would work hard, establish himself, send Yaya money when he could, and wait for his partner to join him. So, he traveled to Boston alone; fortunately, he was not alone when he arrived.

First Days

“Coming into a place where you don’t understand the language and everything, that is not easy. But I had the [IINE] office that was also helping me.” 

IINE’s team was waiting for Ousmane when he arrived at Logan Airport and drove him to an apartment that had been furnished with donations from volunteers. As soon as he could, he enrolled in IINE English classes and began workforce orientation. Between classes and appointments, he remembers sitting on a bench in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood and marveling at the variety of people he would see bustling around on their way to work or school.  

“That was my first impression, and even now, when I have time, I just sit there and do the same thing, remembering my first days.” 

Finding Work

As he set out to join the workforce himself, he had a strong advocate in Sara, his IINE Employment Case Specialist.  

“IINE helped me a lot, and Sara helped me in so many ways. Anything I need, she will talk with me and help me. There were times I couldn’t find a job, but she went with me everywhere, trying to get one. She’s a good person and I thank her.”

For her part, Sara says she has been inspired by Ousmane’s incredible drive and persistence. 
 
“Ousmane may have the most strength of character of anyone I’ve ever met,” she says. “He came to Boston with a laser-sharp vision of the life he wanted, and it’s been absolutely incredible watching him go after that life despite the innumerable obstacles that lay in his way. He wasn’t able to safely live with the person he loved, so he found a way to move across the world. His first employer didn’t allow him the day off to attend his first Pride parade, so he found a new employer and teammates who love and respect him.” 

The new employer, a Mediterranean restaurant in Boston, was also impressed enough with Ousmane to go to great lengths to help him succeed.  
 
“He never had the chance to learn to read,” Sara explains, “but his manager was so taken with his work ethic and sense of humor that she moved the entire work schedule around so he could attend nine hours of English classes with us per week. She also developed a special training system for him, and others who are just beginning in English. She decided to put him on a management track and found a more visual way for him to use the company’s management software as well.” 

Sara says that Ousmane’s success has paved the way for dozens of fellow IINE clients to join him at the restaurant in their first job in the U.S. and that he has proudly helped them with the process.  

Finding Happiness

Ousmane joined the IINE community to march in the Pride Parade again this past summer

Three years into his time in Boston, Ousmane is in a good place. “I started being happy when I came here,” he says.  

People have been welcoming to him, and he finally feels freer to be himself. Now that he has some experience in the restaurant business, he has a new goal. 
 
“I’m dreaming of having an African restaurant here for Senegalese dinners,” he says, describing a favorite rice dish with onions and fish.

Best of all, Yaya has finally joined him in Boston and found a job he loves as a dressmaker. 

“I am so happy because besides the office, it’s only Yaya I have as a family member. I’m no longer lonely. Before, when I came, I was all alone, but now I have someone to keep me company, and we have real peace.” 

• • •

Refugees and immigrants make long, difficult journeys to escape violence and rebuild their lives in the U.S. You can give them the help they need. 

“Unnecessary, Destabilizing, and Deeply Immoral”: IINE Statement on New Federal Directive to Arrest and Detain Refugees

“Unnecessary, Destabilizing, and Deeply Immoral”: IINE Statement on New Federal Directive to Arrest and Detain Refugees

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Advocacy, Blog, Press Releases/Statements, Refugee Resettlement.

The latest directive issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marks an alarming escalation in the federal government’s attack on refugee families, who have already endured immense trauma due to persecution in their homelands and who have undergone the most exhaustive security vetting of any immigrant group admitted to the United States.  

The federal administration has authorized ICE to arrest and detain any refugee who has been in the United States for one year and has not yet adjusted to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. This requirement is being put in place even though refugees cannot obtain LPR status until one year after their arrival in the country, and their applications are frequently subject to delays. The newly disclosed memo mandates that all refugees must “return” to DHS custody at the one-year mark for inspection and rescreening and warns that if a refugee does not voluntarily appear, ICE is required to pursue arrest and detention. The memo further asserts that a refugee’s failure to obtain LPR status is itself a basis for arrest and authorizes DHS to detain refugees for a vaguely defined “reasonable length of time.”  

This directive builds on ICE’s recent actions in Minnesota under Operation PARRIS, which has led to thousands of refugees being seized without cause, separated from their families, and detained in inhumane conditions. Our position today is the same as when Operation PARRIS first came to light: Forcing heavily vetted refugees—already granted safety and a chance to rebuild their lives in the U.S.—to undergo politically motivated reinterviews is unnecessary, destabilizing, and deeply immoral.  

Refugees who have come to see the U.S. as home, and who have become our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends, should not live in fear that missing paperwork, delayed adjudications, or government backlogs will result in indiscriminate and indefinite detention. The U.S. has long promised refuge to families fleeing violence and persecution. Now, that promise is being systematically dismantled. 

We call on the courts to reject this unlawful policy and on Congress to demand immediate oversight. We will continue to stand with refugee families and do everything we can to help protect their safety and rights. We thank our community for joining us in this critical fight.  

Learn more about how to get involved and support our work today.