This week, the Trump Administration announced that refugees from 11 “high risk” countries will once again be admitted to the United States now that the latest 90-day travel ban has expired. Individuals from these mostly Muslim-majority nations, however, must now contend with additional screening measures including “deep-dive” background checks and more “in-depth” interviews.

America has always been strongest when its policies and actions align with its ideals. This week in The Hill, VFAI joined Veterans for New Americans in calling on Congress and the White House to come together to pass a permanent solution for DACA recipients. In the op-ed, rear admiral James W Partington, (Ret.), Lt Col.

“Wherever the standard of freedom and independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy.”— JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

Trapped in camps for years on end, many refugee stories largely go untold. On January 23, 2018, a new PBS FRONTLINE special, “Exodus: The Journey Continues” seeks to change that. “Exodus” tells the stories of refugees and offers a unique look at the global migration crisis by drawing on intimate footage filmed by refugee families themselves. One of the filmmakers, Hassan Akkan, began documenting his treacherous journey from Syria to Europe 2015.

Refugees are bringing culinary wonders and meaningful meals to New York City. A new catering company, Eat Offbeat, has hired nearly 30 chefs who came to the United States as refugees from 17 different countries. Each chef is empowered to create dishes that provide a taste of home.

by Fiona Tomlin

On Monday, schools, organizations, and governmental agencies across the nation closed in recognition of the life and vision of the honorable late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order directing the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to ensure that military service members transitioning to civilian life have access to mental health services.

This weekend the VFAI team is in San Antonio at the Student Veterans of America National Conference 2018. With over 4,000 student veterans in attendance, NatCon is the largest annual gathering of post-9/11 veterans in the country. VFAI is thrilled to be in attendance to share our work protecting the SIV program for interpreters and translators, standing up for refugees, and countering anti-Muslim bigotry. Follow along on social media with the hashtag #NatCon2018!

By Michael Trudeau

At Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a group of about 70 people stood in the 26-degree dry cold of the first day of winter.  Jovial exchanges from the group could be heard, even as chattering teeth made communication exceedingly difficult. Street performers playing music in this tourist-filled part of the city added to the joyous atmosphere.

My fellow Americans would do well to remember that we all come from, and will one day return to, the same earth. We should treat our fellow Americans, and global citizens, as they are: part of our beautiful, multicultural, and multi-ethnic extended family.