Thanks to efforts by Vets for American Ideals leaders in Colorado—in partnership with the International Rescue Committee in Denver—refugees and Special Immigrant Visa recipients will soon be eligible for in-state tuition at Colorado colleges. Travis Weiner, an Iraq war veteran and VFAI leader, told Fox 31 Denver that this bill “will allow them to re-enter the workforce in positions that are suited to their qualifications, which is particularly important for SIVs.” Governor John Hickenlooper signed the bill into law on Thursday.

President Donald Trump’s choice of anti-immigration hard-liner Ronald Mortensen to lead a State Department bureau overseeing refugees has alarmed human rights advocates as well as top lawmakers. Mortensen has criticized several Republican lawmakers such as Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and Sen. John McCain of Arizona, for being, in his opinion, too “soft” on immigration.

VFAI leader Peter Farley spoke to the Philadelphia Inquirer about the ongoing struggle to help his Iraqi interpreter Wisam’s family reach safety. They’re currently in hiding in Iraq, due to their allegiance to the Americans. They stood with us—we must do right by them. You can help by signing #VFAI leader Peter Farley's petition here: http://ow.ly/Ni4730keHwG and writing your legislators by participating in our action alert here: https://humanrightsfirst.quorum.us/campaign/9765/

The keynote speaker at a Memorial Day commemoration in Greenfield, MA was a Vietnamese refugee who previously served as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. Nam Pham, who came to the United States in 1975, explained his gratitude for America:

“The image of the American soldier trying to save a stranger, the image of all of your sacrifice to try to keep this land as a land for the free, as a home for all of us, is something that I’d like to tell you makes a big difference…” Pham said. “That’s why America is still a beacon of hope. We’re still a shining city upon the hill. We’re still the best place for people who want to find freedom, peace and happiness. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m forever indebted to the sacrifices of all of you and your families.”

As Americans kicked off summertime with Memorial Day festivities this weekend, we remain reflective. For many veterans and military families, Memorial Day is every day. It is not abstract; it is personal—a moment when we remember our friends. As VFAI Founder Scott Cooper wrote, “We are witness to what is most hideous about war: its waste of life. A nation’s treasure is in its youth, and their loss is beyond measure because it is irretrievable.”

May we honor the fallen’s legacy through our continuing devotion to our national ideals.