December 12, 2022 Dear Friends, We are living in unprecedented times globally, and here at home. More than ever, we are called to meet the needs of thousands of migrants crossing our borders every day in search of security, dignity, and a better future. Each week, hundreds arrive in Boston and the Haitians among them are directed to our IFSI doors. The vast majority we receive are refugees in dire need of food, shelter and legal aid. Each person and family we meet has a story - too often one of turmoil and tragedy having been driven from the home, land and people they love. ` Many make most of the journey on foot with little more than the clothes on their back. For some it takes a few weeks while for others it can be years crossing as many as 10 countries before finding their way here. Along with the tragedy, they often also share inspirational accounts of courage, persistence and hope. These defining character traits facilitate their integration and align with the better expressions of American culture. Since July 2021, following the assassination of Haiti's president, more than 60,000 Haitians have fled to save their lives and their families. Among these IFSI welcomed over 5,000 as new refugees apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) which was recently extended and asylum. Yet the $545 per person TPS application fee is cost prohibitive and the process so complex it requires expert assistance from IFSI staff. Meanwhile, Haitian immigrants are among those most disproportionately affected facing anti-immigrant policies and attitudes, racial discrimination, and language barriers. These are conditions aggravated by the pandemic, but also illuminated such that many U.S. citizens like you have become more aware, sympathetic and welcoming. Beyond the legal impediments to successful integration, IFSI and its partners are also working diligently to meet their many social challenges. These often include emergency food aid, clothing and cash assistance, counseling services, housing coordination, healthcare, education and employment. We have made progress in all areas through expanded partnerships, programming and services. Collaboration has never been so strong and efficient. Continued building of our organizational capacity has also been essential so we have accelerated professional development for staff and are attending to organizational and facilities improvements to our offices as well.
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