ICYMI: On Friday, Vets for American Ideals issued a statement in response to President Trump's declaration of a national emergency, which enables the Adminstration to use military funds to build a wall at the southern border. "There is no national emergency at our southern border, only a political crisis in Washington," said VFAI Founder, Scott Cooper. "Keeping Americans safe is a priority, but politicizing the military budget to build a border wall doesn't enhance our national security—in fact, it could actively harm it."

Congress allocated 4,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visas in the compromise funding bill, providing safe harbor to thousands of our Afghan wartime allies. VFAI thanks our organizational partners and congressional champions for ensuring we keep our promise to these brave Afghans.

On the Greek Island of Kos, there’s an informal school, called KEDU that provides education for refugees ages seven through eighteen. KEDU teaches many different subjects and includes field trips around the island in their curriculum so the kids can learn about Greek culture. Without KEDU, these young refugees would have very limited educational opportunities.  

The high commissioner of the United Nations commended Ethiopia for their generosity during the refugee crisis. The region of Melkadida, which borders Somalia, spent millions of dollars creating a prosperous community for over two hundred thousand refugees. The nation also created numerous programs to successfully create harmony between the refugees and local Ethiopians.  

Wardah, a Yemeni restaurant in South Korea, is building bonds between refugees and their new neighbors. Started by a Korean woman and staffed by Yemeni servers and chefs, Wardah is one of the few places that serves strictly Halal food in the area. The restaurant brings together diners of multiple nationalities in a unique and comforting setting.  

Farshad Usyan became a photographer to support his family. He now captures incredible images of daily life in Afghanistan. Usyan seeks to convey the hope he has for the advancement of his country and, despite having lived through fear under the Taliban regime, is optimistic about the future.