Podcasts about lutheran immigration

Luke 6:17-26[Jesus] went down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. They came out to hear and to be healed of their diseases, and all those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured. All in the crowd were trying to touch Jesus, because power came out of him and healed all of them.Then Jesus looked up to his disciples and said, “Blessed are you who are poor now, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you and exclude you and persecute you and defame you on account of the Son of Man, rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven. For that is what your ancestors did to the prophets.But woe to you who are rich now, for you have receive your consolation. And woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. And woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what your ancestors did to the false prophets. Pastor Cogan confirmed a rumor we've heard about that new construction going on at the southeast corner of U.S. 40 and Mt. Comfort Road these days. Apparently, it's going to be a WaWa – another convenience store/gas station out of Philadelphia. WaWa also has food, with enough of a menu that you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as part of your gas station experience. But that's also true of the Speedway across the street and the Leo's just up the road on your way to Greenfield. (I was hoping for a restaurant NOT attached to a gas station and something without a drive-thru, but no one asked me.)But did you know there's some marketing and social science behind the decision to put a gas station across the street from another gas station? That there's a logic to the capitalistic tendency to put a Lowe's hardware store very near to a Home Depot; to build a CVS kitty corner from a Walgreen's; to put a Burger King next to a McDonald's, next to a Wendy's, next to a Taco Bell, next to a Chik-fil-A?The logic, as I understand it, is that it changes the questions that potential consumers ask themselves as they drive around town. When only one potential option presents itself, the question is simply, “Do I need gas, or something from the hardware store, or something to eat?” Those are simple, yes/no questions and easier, cut-and-dry decisions to make.But when there are similar options available to us, our minds are more inclined to engage the nuance of the potential decision before us. We no longer wonder so much about WHETHER we want or need a particular thing – a simple yes/no question. Instead, we wonder WHICH ONE of the available options is more appealing, and are more inclined to choose SOMETHING, accordingly, whether we need it or not. Sneaky, right? Clever, don't you think?It could very well be just me – and my struggle with the Beatitudes whenever they show up – but I feel like Jesus might be up to something similar with this portion of his “Sermon on the Plain,” today, and all of his talk about “Blessings” and “Woes.”Blessed are you who are poor, who are hungry, who are weeping …If Jesus ONLY gave us the blessings to wonder about, it would be easy for each of us to see ourselves as recipients of the healing, hope, comfort, joy, and favor, he promises. Who among us doesn't or hasn't wished for “more,” to the point that, without some perspective we might think we know what “poor” feels like? And who among us doesn't know what it is to weep, or to hunger for something other than food, or to be left out, excluded, and misunderstood where faith – or something else may be concerned?I'll take that blessing every time and I'll live in that hope whenever and wherever I can find it, thank you very much.But Jesus gives us more than one option to think about – more than one perspective to consider – this morning, doesn't he? To use my gas station example, Jesus sets up this little shop of BLESSINGS right next door to this little factory of WOES, does he not? He proposes this litany of BLESSINGS right across the proverbial street from that other list of WOES so that it's harder to just drive on by, encouraging us to think more deeply about how they show up in our lives – whether we may want to go there, or not. And, truth be told, I'm equally – if not more – convicted by the woes than the blessings in Jesus' beatitudes. I'm not wealthy by the standards of many, but I am rich in ways most of the world cannot fathom. (Woe to me.) I am filled to overflowing – literally and figuratively – and have never known the kind of hunger – literal and figurative – with which so many struggle. (Woe to me.) I find opportunities for joy and light and laughter in this world, even though there is so much to be dismayed about and despairing over, for sure. (Woe to me. And to most of you, too, from what I can tell.)So, again, if Jesus merely presented us with the WOES as he lays them out today, I could easily wallow in that shame, guilt and sadness, like a pig in slop. Woe, is me.But, again, Jesus builds this house of WOES, right next door to this little gift shop of BLESSINGS, and inspires me to do more than just drive on by, or to say “yes” or “no” to my first instinct or inclination about how they apply to my life and faith in this world.And it's important to notice that this is a conversation and that these are choices meant and made, very specifically, for Jesus' disciples. Yes, there were multitudes there from all over Judea, from the big city of Jerusalem, and from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. But when Jesus looked up and started saying these things in particular, we're told he was speaking directly to his disciples – to those who wanted to follow in his footsteps, to do his bidding, to walk in his ways.And that's you and me on our best days, right?Our lives are a swirl of blessings and woes so extreme that they can be difficult to reconcile – and God knows that. And God knows, too, that we find ourselves on either end of the spectrum of these blessings and woes, depending on what day or minute or moment we decide to take a good, hard look, as Jesus invites us to do, today.How can we look at the world around us and not wonder who are the rich and privileged? (Global Refuge, which used to be Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, had 97% of their funding frozen in the last week or two, leaving refugees stranded instead of saved, as planned. They've laid off ¼ of their staff and couldn't make payroll this week, either so it's not getting better anytime soon.)How can we see the poverty of food and the scarcity of resources that exist for so many and not wonder how we might pray and advocate for something better? (The recent halt to USAID funding will impact everything from AIDS testing and education to contraceptive healthcare to food and medical assistance for some of the most vulnerable people on the planet – including our friends in Haiti.)And how can we see the weeping and mourning of others and not do whatever we can to provide comfort, peace, and hope in its place? (This is why we plan things like advocacy training workshops around here so that we might make a difference on behalf of people without homes in our own neck of the woods.)See, I think Jesus lays out these two competing realities – these blessings and woes – side by side before us, as he does – so that we won't just go about our lives of faith asking simple “yes” and “no” questions, like blind, happy capitalists, on our way to the gas station, or the drive-thru, or the voting booth, or even to church on Sunday morning.I think Jesus knows and wants us to assume that most of us will have blessings and woes aplenty in this life. And he wants us to wonder about how our blessings impact the woes of others, and vice versa, so that we will see our wants and needs, our blessings and woes, in the context of and in connection with the multitudes of neighbors – all children of God – in the wide world around us.And I think Jesus wants us to ask better questions. Not merely IF or WHETHER we'll step up and step out in faith to love our one another, for God's sake, but WHEN and WHERE and HOW. And he wants to watch us do something to turn the tables – to create more blessings where there seem only to be woes – for us and for others, on this side of heaven, in his name.Amen

The huge humanitarian crisis at the southern border continues. More than 300,000 migrants were processed by US immigration officials just last month. And the repercussions of the crisis are far-reaching. Republicans in Congress are holding up aid to Ukraine and Israel until some kind of deal is reached about tightening border security in the US. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, returns to the show to discuss the crisis.Email us at midday@wypr.org, tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First – a conversation with Society for the Rule of Law Institute Board President George Conway. We talk about the organization and its mission. Then -we speak with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He talks about Iran's role in the Israel-Hamas war and the state of U.S. relations with Iran. Plus - Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service talks about U.S. immigration policy and the asylum process. Make your donation at: c-span.org/donate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Telly McGaha is the Interim President of the Georgia State University Foundation and the Co-Interim VP for University Advancement. In this role, he is responsible for leading the fundraising and engagement operations for the University and working directly with the President and Foundation Board of Trustees as the institution's Chief Development Officer.Prior to this interim appointment, Telly served as the Associate VP for University Advancement, working with a team of nearly 20 major gifts officers to raise funds for eight different GSU colleges and schools. Telly joined GSU in 2017 as the lead fundraiser of the Honors College, before being promoted to the Associate VP for University Advancement in 2020. Previously, Telly worked as the Senior Director of Development for the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He has amassed over 20 years of experience in securing significant philanthropic support for various organizations in Washington DC, Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.Telly joined Georgia State University in 2018 to oversee the philanthropic outreach and support of the Honors College. Previously, Telly worked as the Senior Director of Development for the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He has amassed over 20 years experience in securing significant philanthropic support for various organizations and institutions, such as Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, among others.Telly is a native Kentuckian and has lived in Baltimore; Cincinnati; Montpellier, France; and Washington, DC. He enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling.

Matthew 22:15-22Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and that you teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and that you show deference to no one, because you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”Jesus, aware of their malice, said to them, “Why do you put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius. He said to them, “Who's head is this? And who's title?” They answered him, “The emperor's.” And he said to them, “Give, therefore, to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and give to God, the things that are God's.” When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away. I get that the Pharisees and the Herodians were out to “entrap” Jesus. It happens all the time in the Gospels, you may know. Religious leaders and others were always trying to trick Jesus and get him into trouble. They asked him hard questions about marriage and divorce and about which commandment was the greatest. They present him with seemingly impossible situations, like that woman they wanted to stone to death after catching her in adultery. They watch him spend time with tax collectors, sinners, the unclean, the outcasts and outsiders of all kinds, just waiting to pounce and prove him to be the fake and the fraud and the false prophet they believed him to be.But what he really shows along the way is that all of their questions, tricks and traps, reveal as much about them as they do about Jesus. What I mean is, they already knew what they wanted to hear – and they always thought they knew what Jesus would say or do. They didn't expect there to actually be a “correct” answer. In fact they knew there wasn't a single correct answer Jesus could give, which is why they asked their questions or posed their predicaments, like they did, in the first place.For the Pharisees, for example, the right answer this morning is, “don't pay the emperor's tax.” Faithful Jews should be beholden to God's higher authority, not that of any government. They weren't really supposed to even handle graven images like the coin they brought to Jesus, let alone use them for the work of the world's empire in Rome. That's the answer the Pharisees wanted to hear.On the other hand, for the Herodians – who were beholden to the politics and politicians of that same Roman empire – the right answer this morning is, “you absolutely should pay your taxes.” As subjects to the powers that be, it is right and lawful to obey and to pay, as the Emperor demands.So, in the minds of those who confronted Jesus today – according to their plans – in keeping with their respective world views – Jesus was, to put it theologically … screwed. If his answer favored the Pharisees, then the Herodians would be upset. If his answer favored the Herodians, then the Pharisees would have a bone to pick. And they were all there for it … to catch Jesus in a pickle, get him into trouble, add one more strike to use against him when the time came.And, of course, in this instance, it's all about money. And, of course, both sides of the fence want more of it for themselves. And, of course, Jesus amazes them with his response because he gives them an answer neither side expected or hoped for or believed could be true. Jesus tells them to do both.“Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's and give to God the things that are God's.” And I think the lesson in that response is pretty simple – and something neither side, and too many of us, too much of the time, want to believe: that there's enough to go around. That there's enough to do both. That there's plenty, and we all know it.It reminds me of a question I've been asked a million times – and that I've wondered about myself, along the way. The question goes something like this: “When I decide about my offering … when I do the math about my tithe to the church … do I make that decision based on the “net” or the “gross” of my income?” My snarky reply is to say something like, “If your giving is an expression of gratitude – as it is intended to be – for the grace of God and for the forgiveness of your sins – are you grateful and hopeful that God forgives the “gross” of your sins, or just the “net?”A more faithful and kind and thoughtful – less snarky – response, though, is to say something like Jesus implies … that there's enough to be more generous than we are inclined, and we all know it, so give accordingly.There's an old joke about Lutherans … that the reason we don't go down to the river to be baptized … the reason we merely sprinkle each other or cross our foreheads with water, rather than fully immerse one another as part of the sacrament … is because we don't want to get our wallets wet. In other words, the joke is that we want all the blessing and benefits and abundance of God's grace in our life, we just don't want to have to respond to that with our money.But again, Jesus would say, like he reminds us this morning, that there's enough, and we know it.There's another story about the pastor who addressed his congregation during their latest financial stewardship campaign, telling them about all they were trying to accomplish with their ministry. The pastor told his people, “the good news is that, as a congregation, we have all the money – and more – that we need to do what God is calling us to do through our life together. The bad news is, that money is all still folded up in your wallets, and stuffed in your purses, and stored away in your checking and savings accounts.”Again, as Jesus would say, and as Jesus showed, there is enough. There's plenty if we're faithful and honest and generous in the way God has already been so generous with us.What Jesus is really calling us to today – and every day – is to be clear about where, in whom, and toward what we put our allegiance. And it's about more than taxes to the powers that be, for sure. We are beholden to the IRS in more ways than some of us wish, but we are to obey the law, and we are to pray and work and vote in ways that move our government to deal with our tax dollars in God-pleasing ways – which can be a sad, frustrating, laughable proposition a lot of the time, as we know.Which is why I happen to think it's a gift to have somewhere else to give our money if and when our tax money doesn't make God smile.See, I hope you see the money you give to God through the ministry we share in this place as a blessing for the world around us that “the empire” can't or will not muster. I'm talking about supporting organizations like Zoey's Place – our Mission Sunday for the month, just as one example – that actually works alongside government organizations to do good work in the world…… and, I mean building houses in Haiti, a place whose government is so broken and impoverished it can't do the kind of work Zanmi Fondwa does with our help;… and, I mean supporting organizations like Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Lutheran World Relief, and Lutheran Disaster Response, organizations where our offerings do the work of God in ways our tax dollars just don't;… and, I mean feeding people who are hungry by way of our food pantry;… and, I mean, generally creating a safe, welcoming, loving place of grace and good news and generosity and abundance for all people in a world that is full of so much to the contrary;… and I mean doing our best as a family of faith to educate, encourage and inspire one another about what God's kingdom can look like when we get it right in that regard.We are called to give in ways that bless the world – even when, maybe especially when, the world doesn't return the favor. We are called to give because we can, not because we have to. And we are called to do that through the Church – and in other ways and to other places, too – with the same kind of sacrifice and joy with which God has first given to us. And the truth, good news and holy challenge from Jesus today is that we have been blessed with enough abundance to do all of this, by God's gracious generosity and in Jesus' name.Amen

Isaiah 25:1-9 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-matured wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-matured wines strained clear.And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations;he will swallow up death for ever.Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name;for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin;the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt.Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat.When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place,you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled. It was Friday, July 17, 2015. I was in Chicago, Little Village if you know the neighborhoods. Every Friday I went to the Marie Joseph's house of hospitality and spent time with the men who lived there. All of them were immigrants awaiting court dates and paperwork, waiting for the right kind of visa or documentation. Some had lived in the house for a couple years, waiting; others just a few weeks. When I walked into the house on that Friday, my mouth watered at the smells coming from the kitchen. This was a regular occurrence; Food was always being made and shared. I followed the delicious scent of spices and smoke coming from the kitchen that filled the house. Habbi, who is from Rwanda, was standing over a hot stove. I asked how I could help and the only thing he wanted me to do was test the food, which was fine by me. I started to realize, though, the vast amount of food Habbi was preparing; pounds of chicken, a giant pot of beef in a thick stew, multiple pots of rice, salad with vegetables from the garden out back. Habbi was a big man, but there was no way that was all for him! So I asked him, “Habbi, what's all this for?” With sweat gleaming from his brow he told me that today was the beginning of Eid, the celebration that occurs at the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims. He continued, “many in the house went downtown to pray and they will be hungry when they return.” The food was almost complete when the men who were Muslim in the house came back, drenched in sweat, and in obvious need of water and food. To their surprise, Habbi, a Christian from Rwanda, had prepared a feast big enough for the whole house to join. I sat at the table with 12 or so men from at least 10 countries: Every shade of brown; Christian, Muslim, Buddahist, and nothing. All sitting around the table, enjoying a feast I won't forget.Nothing provides comfort or gives us hope, even, like a feast. They help us celebrate major holidays, weddings, funerals and everything in between. What was the last feast you had? What was served? Who was there? What was the celebration? Yet there doesn't feel like too much to celebrate these days. If you haven't seen the images and heard the reports about what's happening between Israel and Hamas, it's harrowing. The brutality is unforeseen in the region. Hamas using hostages of all ages as shields and bargaining chips, the indiscriminate killing, the lack of concern for civilian life is nothing short of evil. The blockade on water/electricity/food is inhumane. Israel will continue to be relentless in their response, as a ground invasion is prepped at the Gazan border. The pictures I can't get out of my head are of parents, tears streaming down their faces, wondering where their children are and if their alive.And because of this, all week I've struggled with the violence that abounds in this text. Isaiah praises God for laying waste to a city, destroying it till it's a heap, never to be rebuilt. Undoubtedly many have tried or will try to make a connection between this text and the strife in the Holy Land. Some even will say this is good news. Yet, context is always helpful. This passage is often called an apocalyptic text, meaning it deals with the end of time, because it doesn't refer to a specific event or moment in time. And while there is no explicit reference to what city is laid ruined, the text is clear; it was one that was ruthless against those who were weak, poor, and vulnerable. That's why God stepped in, to shelter those who needed refuge. However, what follows the destruction is the vision of hope and promise of peace our weary world needs now more than ever. After God brings low and humbles the ruthless and proud; God also raises them up to the mountain top, where God has prepared a feast. “On this mountain” Isaiah says, “The Lord will make for all peoples a feast” full of the best food and drink imaginable. But if it's a feast, what's the celebration? It's that War, violence and death are no more! The veil of mourning that weighs down all people and nations, God has finally removed. And while guests open wide their mouths to eat the finest of food, God does the same, swallowing up death forever. And those same people with tears streaming down their face because they don't know if their child, spouse, or loved one is dead or alive, God sits beside them at the table, wiping the tears until they fall no more. It is this promised feast that gives us hope in such times of unthinkable violence. You might say “that sounds too good to be true! It'll never happen.” And in our lifetime it may not. But I know for certain that hospitality and fellowship between radically different people is possible; Habbi's feast showed me that. We all know that true acts of love and forgiveness are possible through Jesus Christ; we've seen and experienced them firsthand. So I have to believe that somehow, the grace and love of God, made known to us in Jesus Christ, will one day bring together Israelis and Palestinians, Russians and Ukrainians, people of all nations at a feast where food and fellowship abound and tears and death are no more. It seems too good to be true, but it's that how the grace and love of God work? So until that day, what can we do over here, in the safety and privilege that we have. I can think of three things: First, as Paul suggests, in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God: requesting an end to the violence, liberation for those held in bondage, and justice for all. In the words of Rabbi Sharon Brous, we must “dare to hold the humanity, the heartache, and the need for security of the Jewish people while also holding the humanity, the dignity, and the need for justice of the Palestinian people. For too long, these two have been set up as incompatible, but this is a false binary. The only liberation will be a shared liberation. The only justice is a justice for all.” So for all of that, we pray.Secondly, give to Lutheran World Relief or Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. Aid is needed and the need will grow. People will flee from both Palestine and Israel and need a place to go. These organizations help in both those areas.And lastly, protest all of this violence and war with a feast! Practice what it will be like at that great banquet on the mountain. Invite and sit with people who are different from you. Make lavish meals full of good food as signs of hospitality and abundance. Come to this feast that Christ has prepared for you in which we experience the fullness of his grace and receive a foretaste of the feast to come.There are too few feasts and far too many wars. And had it not been for that feast in Chicago on a hot Friday afternoon, I would say the promised feast in Isaiah is too good to be true. But there I experienced a portion of what it might be like when God makes that feast for all people and we sit together in peace with tears wiped away saying, “this is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”Amen.

President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refuge Service, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, discusses immigration policy and how the organization works to assist migrants and refugees.

Asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border are often subject to arbitrary decisions made by border patrol agents who decide whether they can enter the country or not. And in Texas, a federal judge ruled Gov. Greg Abbott's floating barrier in Rio Grande. Reporter Lillian Perlmutter and Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, join us. And, as more companies return to in-office work requirements, the future of remote work is uncertain. Callum Borchers, columnist at the Wall Street Journal, joins us to explain what happens next. Then, the NFL football season kicks off on Thursday as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Detroit Lions. With the return of football comes the return of sports betting, now legal in two-thirds of states. But there's a darker side to the industry. Professor Lia Nower, director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University, joins us.

Almost everyone agrees that immigration policy in the United States is lacking, but despite decades of debate, Congress has not been able to pass comprehensive reform on the issue. For some, the primary issues are border security and economic concerns, and for others, labor needs and a commitment to humanitarianism take precedence. Why is it so hard to find common ground, and what are some visions for a different immigration future? NBC correspondent Tom Llamas moderates a panel of experts at the Aspen Ideas Festival who identify the key immigration pressure points and share thoughts on moving forward. Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey joins Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the head of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, U.S. representative Tony Gonzales from Texas and Mary Kay Henry, the international president of the Service Employees International Union.

A federal judge blocked President Biden's new policy that would make it tougher to apply for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, joins us. And, there's an ongoing, deadly heat wave in Texas, and the state approved a 50% price increase on water bottles. Paul Flahive, accountability reporter for Texas Public Radio, joins us to discuss the danger of price gouging. Then, we talk with Miriah Nunnaley, director of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, about the care the coalition provides to the state's unhoused population. Among those receiving help is Ed Clair, a man who lived on the street throughout the winter and had to have his feet amputated after they froze in the cold weather.

Linda Hartke is currently serving as the Interim Vice President of Operations at CWS and is a consultant who supports not-for-profit organizations.  Her previous professional experience includes:  President and Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; Executive Director (founder) of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (Geneva, Switzerland); Deputy Executive Director of CWS; Country Director of CWS Cambodia; Chief of Staff to Congressman Chet Atkins; and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.  In a volunteer capacity, Linda has served on several not-for-profit Boards of Directors, including:  the Center for Migration Studies; the World AIDS Campaign (chair); Amnesty International USA (chair); and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (on behalf of the ELCA).  Linda graduated from Smith College with a double major in Government, and Religion and Biblical Literature (New Testament) and she is active in a local congregation in Massachusetts where she lives.   Many of the guests are asked to come up with song that reminds them somehow about CWS, these selected songs are part of a special Playlist #CWSsongs.   Please let me/us know via our email innovationhub@cwsglobal.org what you think about this new series. We would love to hear from you.   Please like/follow our Walk Talk Listen podcast and follow @mauricebloem on twitter and instagram.  Or check us out on our website 100mile.org.

We sit down with Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, to discuss what led her to serve the immigrant community, her five years in the Obama administration, and working with companies to help them invite immigrant talent.

Israel is facing unprecedented internal unrest as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forges ahead with a controversial bill to allow lawmakers a political veto over the Supreme Court, and therefore the independent judiciary. Ever since its founding, Israel has proclaimed itself the sole democracy amid dictatorships and authoritarians. Its strongest allies like the United States have touted that very democracy as a key reason for its steadfast backing, yet even their support may be shifting. To discuss this, Christiane speaks with Efraim Halevy, a former head of Mossad.  Also on today's show: Aaron David Miller, Former U.S. State Dept. Middle East Negotiator; Victor Gao, Director, China National Association of International Studies; Krish Vignarajah, President & CEO, Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Congress has not passed meaningful immigration reform in more than two decades. So when  President Joe Biden took office in 2021, he promised to craft immigration policies far more humane than those of his predecessor and to “reassert America's commitment to asylum-seekers and refugees.” But the realities of immigration during the Biden years have been far more mixed. In recent months, the administration put in place more restrictions on who and how people can claim asylum in the U.S. at the U.S./Mexico border. These rules are some of the administration's harshest asylum policies yet.  These tightened restrictions are coming just ahead of the end of the Trump-era border restriction, Title 42. Since 2020, Title 42 has allowed border security to turn away hundreds of thousands of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers attempting to enter the country through the southern border. Title 42 is set to expire when the Biden Administration lifts the COVID-19 national and public health order on May 11. And the White House has voiced concern with a possible “surge” in migration at the border. For more on this, we're joined now by Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. And Isabela Dias a reporter at Mother Jones covering immigration.

Congress has not passed meaningful immigration reform in more than two decades. So when  President Joe Biden took office in 2021, he promised to craft immigration policies far more humane than those of his predecessor and to “reassert America's commitment to asylum-seekers and refugees.” But the realities of immigration during the Biden years have been far more mixed. In recent months, the administration put in place more restrictions on who and how people can claim asylum in the U.S. at the U.S./Mexico border. These rules are some of the administration's harshest asylum policies yet.  These tightened restrictions are coming just ahead of the end of the Trump-era border restriction, Title 42. Since 2020, Title 42 has allowed border security to turn away hundreds of thousands of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers attempting to enter the country through the southern border. Title 42 is set to expire when the Biden Administration lifts the COVID-19 national and public health order on May 11. And the White House has voiced concern with a possible “surge” in migration at the border. For more on this, we're joined now by Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. And Isabela Dias a reporter at Mother Jones covering immigration.

Our guest, the Rev. Eric Shafer, Pastor-in-Residence for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services reminds us that by God's grace, we are salt and light. There's nothing conditional about this good news! What will we flavor? How will we shine? Matthew 5:13-20

The State Department announced a new program to help facilitate refugees coming to and settling in the United States. It's called Welcome Corps and aims to empower private American citizens to sponsor refugees. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service joined Amna Nawaz to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Mayor Adams traveled to the border in El Paso this past Sunday to make the case that the federal government needs to cover the cost of caring for the influx of migrants making their way to NYC. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, talks about the predicament cities are in and the Biden administration's current immigration and border security policies.

Today on Midday, it's Midday on Immigration.  Last week, the Biden administration announced new policies designed to help stem the surge of migration across the nation's southwestern border with Mexico. The policies include a combination of pathways to legal entry into the country and expanded expedited removal of those who cross into the US unlawfully. The President visited the border for the first time as president on Sunday, and then he travelled to Mexico City for what is known as the “Three Amigos Summit,” where he met with his presidential counterparts in Canada and Mexico. Today, Tom speaks with three people with keen insights into America's complex and persistent immigration problem. His first guest is NPR White House Correspondent Franco Ordoñez, who joins us on our digital line from NPR headquarters in Washington. Tom speaks next with Krish Vignarajah. She is the President and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Krish Vignarajah joins us on Zoom from her office in Baltimore… Next week, Maryland will inaugurate its first African American Governor, its first South Asian Lt. Governor and its first woman comptroller. Our state's first Black Attorney General was sworn in last week. Marylandis the most diverse state on the eastern seaboard, and it's fitting that we have state leadership that reflects the demographics of our citizens. In November, 2021, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr., acknowledging that his county is becoming more diverse, appointed the County's first Immigrant Affairs Outreach Coordinator, Giuliana Valencia-Banks, who is Tom's final guest today. She joins us on Zoom… How do you think the US should be handling the waves of migrants seeking entry at America's southern border? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, talks about the migrant crisis at the border and what her organization is doing to help refugees, plus the latest on Title 42 and the Afghan Adjustment Act.

Karen Gonzalez is an immigration advocate and the author of Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in Our Christian Response to Immigration.  In this episode, Karen Gonzalez, helps us understand both the challenges of immigration and how we, the church, can love and bless those who have immigrated in ways that are healthy and lifegiving for everyone. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Karen Gonzalez is an immigration advocate and the author of Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in Our Christian Response to Immigration.Karen Gonzalez shares the story of how her understanding of immigration developed over time.Church ministries that focus on immigration don't generally center on the immigrants; they tend to focus on the church and its people.Think about the words that you use and whether your words are creating an “us and them” or just creating a “we.”The words we use can sometimes be unintentionally dehumanizing.Hospitality should not be one-directional—from the non-immigrant to the immigrant.  Hospitality should be mutual, flowing in both directions.Karen Gonzalez shares the story of a woman who said she appreciates Mother Mary because Mary knows what it feels like to have her son killed by the state—which is how this woman's son died, too.We all do theology from somewhere.Karen Gonzalez describes the richness that those who are not immigrants can experience when they learn from the experiences of those who are immigrants.Ministry leaders should reflect on where their understanding of immigration comes from.Karen Gonzalez offers some ways that people and churches can help immigrants and refugees.To find out how to best help immigrants visit World Relief, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and Church World Service.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Karen Gonzalez:TwitterInstagramBooks mentioned:Beyond Welcome, by Karen GonzalezBeyond Thingification, by Markus WatsonImmigration Resources:World ReliefInternational Rescue CommitteeLutheran Immigration and Refugee ServicesChurch World ServiceEngaging God's Mission online course (with special Christmas offer)Growing Where God is Working online course

In this week's episode, we're focusing on DACA, as the program and its recipients wait for a decision on the program's legality from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. We'll welcome Niña Ledonio, BPC's Corporate Relations Manager and a DACA recipient, to talk about the program's impact on her life. This Week in Immigration regular, Theresa Cardinal Brown, will then join to talk through the policy side of DACA, walking us through the Biden administration's recent final rule and the maze of litigation that DACA faces. Finally, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the President of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, will join us to discuss the Afghan Adjustment Act. 

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah is the President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) — the largest faith-based national nonprofit exclusively dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees. In this episode of Journeys, Krish shares with us her story of how her family came to Maryland from Sri Lanka and her thoughts on the U.S. immigration system.

Today on Midday, we take up an issue that has flummoxed Congress for about as long as gun regulation: that is, immigration, and what to do about the southern border. At the center of the debate is Title 42, a 1940s-era law that allows federal health authorities to prohibit migration into the US to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The CDC — the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia —  invoked Title 42 in March, 2020, at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. Critics call it “a border-control tool masquerading as a public health order.” The Biden Administration moved to discontinue the policy, but last month, a Louisiana Federal District Judge ordered that the policy stay in place, in part, because the administration had failed to adequately consider how much migration would surge when the policy ends, and the cost to states to provide services to the migrants who are seeking asylum. That ruling is under appeal. We begin our discussion today withSheriff Mark Lamb. He has been the Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona since 2017. He is a close ally of former President Trump and a vocal critic of the Biden Administration's handling of immigration. He is the founder of a group of sheriffs called “Protect America Now,” and he is a self-described “constitutional conservative.” Later in the hour, Tom gets another perspective on Title 42 from two local immigration advocates: Krish Vignarajah, the President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and Ruben Chandrasekar, the executive director of the International Rescue Committee in Maryland. All our guests join us on Zoom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by Dan Hanniher of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and Erol Kekic of Church World Service. This show discusses the ever pressing issues of refugees.Erol Kekic is a senior vice president at Church World Service (CWS), where he leads the Immigration and Refugee Program. CWS is one of nine refugee resettlement agencies in the United States, and it also operates the Resettlement Support Center Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is the largest faith-based nonprofit dedicated to serving vulnerable immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the U.S. For more than 80 years, LIRS has been a champion for migrants and refugees from around the globe.BRAND NEW:From Chapman's Center of Demographics & Policy, Joel Kotkin & Marshall Toplansky co-author the brand new report on restoring The California Dream.If you haven't downloaded the report, see it here: https://joelkotkin.com/report-restoring-the-california-dream/Visit Our Pagewww.TheFeudalFuturePodcast.comSupport Our WorkThe Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center's senior staff.

What rights do refugees have, and how can states protect them? The first episode of Intersections discusses Ukraine, Afghanistan, the two-year anniversary of Title 42 and the global health crisis, and other current issues in refugee rights with Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and Jon Hoisaeter, Deputy Representative for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Washington, DC.   Additional Resources: LIRS: https://www.lirs.org/ UNHCR: https://www.unhcr.org/ceu/ Rights of Refugees: https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/publications/brochures/3b779dfe2/protecting-refugees-questions-answers.html   On Title 42: https://abcnews.go.com/US/title-42-amid-backlash-biden-administration-defends-trump/story?id=80149086 Truth of the Matter Podcast: The Haitian Migrant Crisis and the Bigger Picture: https://www.csis.org/node/62683

The Seminary Explores catches up with The Rev. Eric Shafer, Senior Pastor of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, California before his upcoming retirement. He's worn many hats in the past decades, including those of parish pastor, communications and fundraising executive leader, mentor, and partner in interfaith initiatives. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he is graduate of Muhlenberg College and Hamma School of Theology (now part of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capitol University). Rev. Shafer was recognized with a 2021 Partnership Award from The Westside Coalition for Housing, Hunger and Health in Santa Monica. He serves on the President's Council of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a member of the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council and is a founder and board member of Students 4 Students Homeless Shelters.  

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a non-profit organization that welcomes and supports https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refugee (refugees) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_migration (migrants) entering the United States. It is one of nine refugee resettlement agencies working with the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_Refugee_Resettlement (Office of Refugee Resettlement)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheran_Immigration_and_Refugee_Service#cite_note-2 ([2]) and one of only two that serves https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unaccompanied_refugee_minors (unaccompanied refugee minors). With more than 1 million refugees fleeing Ukrainian borders today, President and CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah shares her organization's resettlement initiatives, assistance programs, and how everyday citizens can help during these trying times.

In this week's episode, Theresa Cardinal Brown will be joined by Cris Ramon, Global and U.S. Immigration Policy Researcher and Analyst, to discuss how Europe is responding to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees. Also joining is Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, to talk about what policy avenues the United States has available to assist Ukrainians in the United States and those displaced because of this military action.  Links: How to Help Refugees — Aid, Relief and Donations | USA for UNHCR Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service  

Russian troops have gained control of the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine. A 40-mile convoy of troops that has been observed for days appears to be stalled on its way to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Russia has kept up a steady stream of indiscriminate bombing, killing thousands of civilians, according to Ukrainian government officials, utilizing weapons that are banned by the Geneva Convention, and causing the most rapid mass migration of displaced people in this century. It's been a week since Russia began its aggression into Ukraine, and an estimated one million refugeeshave already poured into neighboring countries on Ukraine's Western border. UN officials say that if the Russian invasion continues, as many as four million more refugees could follow. Joining Tom now is Krish Vignarajah, the president and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, an aid organization based here in Baltimore… Krish Vignarajah joins us on Zoom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been more than six months since the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Since the withdrawal, more than 76,000 Afghans have resettled across the U.S. We check in on resettlement efforts, the challenges facing Afghan refugees, and more with Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.

It's been more than six months since the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Since the withdrawal, more than 76,000 Afghans have resettled across the U.S. We check in on resettlement efforts, the challenges facing Afghan refugees, and more with Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.

President Biden inherited an emaciated resettlement and asylum program from former President Trump, whose administration enacted blatantly anti-immigrant, anti-refugee and anti-asylum policies throughout its four years. This week we look at the path forward for those affected by America's archaic immigration system - and what you can do to help make changes for immigrants and their families in our communities.    We hear from Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Taif Jany Director of Policy and Practice at RCUSA, and Lacy Broemel, a Policy Analyst at the International Refugee Assistance Project.   If you liked what you heard here, please be sure to check out the full conversation on our Facebook page.

Good on Paper (2021) and He's all that (2021) It's a new year and we're starting off these new relationships surrounded in red flags! Also, there's a VERY exciting surprise at the end of the episode... Charities assisting the Afghan refugee crisis: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

WE ARE SO F***KING JAZZED FOR MOONFALL!!!! Charities assisting the Afghan refugee crisis: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) and Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) Simone and Chad discuss two criminally underrated movies that got lost in the noise as movies transitioned from 2D to 3D animation. Charities assisting the Afghan refugee crisis: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

The Emperor's New Groove (2000) Cinderella (1997) Happy New Year y'all! We hope 2022 treats you better than the last two years have, or at least we hope things won't get worse. Enjoy a refreshing break from terrible movies with two of our favourites - a great way to jump into the new year! Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

In this week's episode, Simone revels in all the things she's watched... and gets cancelled by an incredibly toxic fanbase or two. Charities assisting the Afghan refugee crisis: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

Listen to Chad gush about Spiderman: No Way Home while Simone geeks out over her first impressions of Witcher, season 2. Trailers: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8VuWhvk87o The Lost City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CChz9LX6wiA Home Team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CChz9LX6wiA Everything Everywhere All at Once: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxN1T1uxQ2g Charities assisting the Afghan refugee crisis: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

Happiest Season (2020) and Single All the Way (2021) We did it y'all! This is what true equality looks like! The LGBTQ+ community has finally joined the fray with their own crappy Christmas movies... It's a true Christmas miracle! Charities assisting the Afghan refugee crisis: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

IT'S A MOTHER FLIPPEN CHRISTMAS HEIST Y'AAAAALL!!! This is something we didn't realise we needed in our lives, but honestly we are all so much better for it. If you only do one thing this Christmas period, it's watch this movie (and the other two Princess Switches, of course). Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - https://www.lirs.org/emergency-evacuation-afghan-allies-action-alert Doctors without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/afghanistan Miles4Migrants - https://miles4migrants.org/ Organisations that actively fight against the Texas Anti-Choice legislation: The Lilith Fund - https://www.lilithfund.org/donate Jane's Due Process - https://janesdueprocess.org/donate/ Whole Woman's Health - https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/donate/ Fund Texas Choice - https://fundtexaschoice.org/donate/ Social Media: Website: https://freshtomatoespodcast.wixsite.com/website Facebook and Instagram: @FreshTomatoesPodcast Twitter: @FreshTomatoesMP Email: FreshTomatoesPodcast@gmail.com Gamefly Link: Just follow this link (https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-10480547?sid=fresht) for 30 days free Gamefly! That's 60 days for just $10! Lootcrate Link: If you want 15% off your Lootcrate purchases, use this link: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100173810-13902093?sid=fresht AND the code ROBOTSRADIO at checkout. Nord VPN Link: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100173810-12814552?sid=fresht Audiobooks.com Link: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100173810-11099382?sid=fresht --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fresh-tomatoes-podcast/support

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah is a Marshall Scholar, former policy director to Michelle Obama and an immigration advocate serving as President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (@lirsorg). If her last name sounds familiar, it's because her brother Thiru Vignarajah was interviewed in EP 16! (make sure to check out that episode)She joins Ara on the latest episode of #TheTamilCreator to discuss growing up in #Baltimore, the lessons learned in losing an election, working with Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) and the lifelong learning benefit of such an opportunity, having a bout with breast cancer, and much more.Follow Krish:- Twitter (https://twitter.com/KrishVignarajah) - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krish-o-mara-vignarajah-34382683/) Timestamps00:19 - Ara introduces this week's guest, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah01:44 - Krish speaks on the impact of her parents' support05:09 - What it was like growing up in Baltimore08:04 - Krish's decision to pursue political science at Yale10:42 - Will Ivy League Schools maintain their brand recognition?16:14 - How did Krish become the policy director to former First Lady, Michelle Obama21:46 - Securing a role as the President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service24:31 - Handling the ISIS crisis27:11 - What surprised Krish about the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, after joining it29:42 - Losing an election, and the learning lesson it created33:17 - Breastfeeding on camera as part of her campaign36:39 - The personal legacy Krish wants to leave behind38:18 - Advice she would give her 16-year-old self39:26 - Lifelong learning, podcasts / books Krish values41:41 - Creator Confessions48:53 - The Wrap UpIntro MusicProduced And Mixed By:- The Tamil Creator- YanchanWritten By:- Aravinthan Ehamparam- Yanchan Rajmohan     

This week's Sector Spotlight Podcast will focus on the increasingly in-demand field of Refugee & Resettlement work, spotlighting four RPCV professionals working in the field, sharing about their own careers and spotlighting the many career opportunities available.  Resources on job opportunities and organizations have been listed below in the description.Special Guests:1) Anneke Valk, RPCV/Georgia 2013-15, is a Regional Refugee Health Office for the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants where she manages the Refuge Medical Assistance Program for Tennessee and Michigan. She is also the Local Liaison Coordinator for Peace Corps Community for Refugees.2) Anne Scheid Jasinski, RPCV/Jamaica 1991–93, is the Director of Refugee Resettlement at Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio and works for Catholic  Charities in Ohio as Refugee Resettlement Services Director. She brings 30+ years' experience working with culturally diverse individuals and communities.3) Erin Morrell, RPCV/Jordan, works as a bilingual Arabic caseworker for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program of Ascentria Care Alliance, a Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) affiliate in Worcester, Mass 4) Gianna Bennett, RPCV/Panama, works at the Americana Community Centere, serving refugees in Louisville and is an active member of the Peace Corps Community for Refugees (PCC4R.)Resources on job opportunities and organizations:Ascentria Care AllianceCatholic Charities Southwestern OhioChurch World ServiceEpiscopal Migration MinistriesEthiopian Community Development CouncilHIASInternational Rescue CommitteeIRIS National FairPeace Corps Community for RefugeesLutheran Immigration and Refugee ServiceU.S. Committee for Refugees and ImmigrantsU.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (Catholic Charities)World  Relief

The U.S. in the middle of resettling tens of thousands of Afghan citizens around the country. At the same time, it’s turning away Haitians and Central Americans at the U.S.-Mexico border. What gives? “The reasons why they may be migrating are very similar, in terms of fleeing persecution, war, violence; the difference is where they seek that legal relief,” said Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a nonprofit organization that’s helped resettle refugees for decades. On the show today, we’ll dig into the U.S. refugee system, how it got to be this way and how we can rebuild a system that is more just. We’ll also talk about a major victory for garment workers in California and what that might mean for their counterparts nationwide. Plus, we’ll get an update on the debt troubles of China’s Evergrande and hear from listeners about their parent-child “Make Me Smart” listening teams. When you're done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we'll explain why Costco hot dogs are so cheap, the fight over Apple’s app store and the economic consequences of hurricanes. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Afghan refugees and Haitians at the Texas border: Who’s worthy of US protection?” from Vox “The Biden administration will raise the cap on refugee admissions to 125,000” from The New York Times “The evacuation of Afghan refugees is over. Now what?” from The Brookings Institution “California Ends ‘Piece Rate’ Work For Garment Workers, Guaranteeing Minimum Hourly Wage” from HuffPost “Garment Workers, Paid Per Piece, Say They’ll Keep Fighting to Change System” from NBC News “Evergrande Bondholders Mull Next Steps in Wake of Missed Payment” from The Wall Street Journal  “Yellen tells Congress that U.S. will run out of debt ceiling flexibility on Oct. 18”  from The Washington Post

The U.S. in the middle of resettling tens of thousands of Afghan citizens around the country. At the same time, it’s turning away Haitians and Central Americans at the U.S.-Mexico border. What gives? “The reasons why they may be migrating are very similar, in terms of fleeing persecution, war, violence; the difference is where they seek that legal relief,” said Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a nonprofit organization that’s helped resettle refugees for decades. On the show today, we’ll dig into the U.S. refugee system, how it got to be this way and how we can rebuild a system that is more just. We’ll also talk about a major victory for garment workers in California and what that might mean for their counterparts nationwide. Plus, we’ll get an update on the debt troubles of China’s Evergrande and hear from listeners about their parent-child “Make Me Smart” listening teams. When you're done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we'll explain why Costco hot dogs are so cheap, the fight over Apple’s app store and the economic consequences of hurricanes. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Afghan refugees and Haitians at the Texas border: Who’s worthy of US protection?” from Vox “The Biden administration will raise the cap on refugee admissions to 125,000” from The New York Times “The evacuation of Afghan refugees is over. Now what?” from The Brookings Institution “California Ends ‘Piece Rate’ Work For Garment Workers, Guaranteeing Minimum Hourly Wage” from HuffPost “Garment Workers, Paid Per Piece, Say They’ll Keep Fighting to Change System” from NBC News “Evergrande Bondholders Mull Next Steps in Wake of Missed Payment” from The Wall Street Journal  “Yellen tells Congress that U.S. will run out of debt ceiling flexibility on Oct. 18”  from The Washington Post

Hardin Lang, Vice President for Policy and Programs at Refugees International, joins Dan Runde in this week's episode of Building the Future. Dan and Hardin discuss the ballooning refugee crisis and the latest updates on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Their conversation spans the different countries that could take in Afghan refugees, the magnitude of the refugee crisis, and the actions that the U.S. and other countries should take to mitigate internally displaced Afghans. For those concerned about the ongoing emergency, consider contributing to NGOs on the ground such as the International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, and others that are providing humanitarian relief in Afghanistan, as well as refugee resettlement agencies such as the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service working to help Afghan refugees navigating the legal application processes.

Glenn separates fact from fiction in a Newsweek article titled “Taliban Holds Up Glenn Beck Group's Planes.” Glenn reveals one story of how the State Department complicated evacuations from Afghanistan. Glenn breaks down what the banks are doing as the country is distracted. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, joins to discuss efforts to help supply and resettle Afghan refugees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glenn separates fact from fiction in a Newsweek article titled “Taliban Holds Up Glenn Beck Group's Planes.” Glenn reveals one story of how the State Department complicated evacuations from Afghanistan. Portland threatened to cut trade and travel with Texas over its anti-abortion heartbeat law. A new report reveals what the U.S. funded at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Glenn breaks down what the banks are doing as the country is distracted. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, joins to discuss efforts to help supply and resettle Afghan refugees. Glenn and Stu take on the corporate media's obsession with bashing ivermectin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four years ago, host Peter O'Dowd visited the fishing village of Jean Lafitte, an area in Southern Louisiana that was battered on Sunday by Hurricane Ida. We revisit one of the residents that O'Dowd met in 2017 and listen back to some of his reporting on coastal erosion in the area where Ida hit. And, the U.S. military is out of Afghanistan, but many Afghan refugees still face an uncertain future. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of the groups helping resettle Afghans, joins us.

Sometimes an image is so powerful it breaks through political rhetoric, media noise and sears into the soul. A recent video of Afghani children being foisted over the Kabul airport wall and into the arms of American soldiers resonates in this way. What we don't see is the organized process underway by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) to help Afghans who supported the U.S. Military as translators, drivers and guards, flee Afghanistan and resettle in America. LIRS has been at the forefront of this work for 80 years and is now mobilizing a network of churches, nonprofits and volunteers to welcome these families. CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah knows that in these divisive times even resettlement work will be politicized, and Afghan families will be demonized. And LIRS not only resettles families it advocates in Congress for immigration policies that are long overdue. Having lived the refugee experience and served at the highest levels of the State Department during the Obama Administration she is committed to the mission and prepared for resistance. Krish perseveres to honor these families and her own.  

The family's new apartment is on the second floor of a mazelike, lower-income complex in a suburb of Sacramento, California.It's barely furnished, but bit by bit, it's becoming home. A vacuum cleaner stands next to two donated mattresses, leaning against a wall.“We haven't gotten the beds yet. No worries. For now, we are managing.”Afghan father in Sacramento, California“We haven't gotten the beds yet,” the father said. “No worries. For now, we are managing.” Donated mattress and a tricycle are among the items slowly arriving at a newly arrived Afghan family's apartment in Sacramento, California.  Credit: Monica Campbell/The World  Just days before Kabul fell to the Taliban, the family in Sacramento — mom and dad and their 2-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son — managed to fly out of Afghanistan after the father received a Special Immigrant Visa based on his work for the US military.Related: How to help Afghans right now Because of ongoing threats by the Taliban against the family, they asked not to use their names.Many of the newcomers helped the United States' military and have applied for or received a Special Immigrant Visa (SIVs). The SIV program was created by Congress to allow local allies in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are threatened by groups like the Taliban, to resettle in the US.Other arriving Afghans are part of a broader at-risk group — ranging from extended family members of SIV recipients to human rights activists — who can reportedly request humanitarian parole, a rapid way to temporarily enter the US with permission, an option used to evacuate people at the end of the Vietnam War.Among the groups spearheading efforts to support Afghan refugees once they land in the US are refugee resettlement agencies and Afghan American groups.Related: Chaos in Afghanistan creates power vacuum for ISIS, al-Qaeda to reorganize, counterterrorism expert says“Our mission is to get you somewhere to live, get you enrolled in a jobs program, and get your first couple of months' rent and utilities paid,” said Vanassa Hamra, with World Relief Sacramento, part of a larger refugee resettlement agency.That is often the path for many refugees resettled in the US: They receive federal help with housing, enrolling kids in school and finding work. Those benefits can run out, however, within a year, so having affordable rent is critical once refugees are on their own. Boxes arrive at the door of a World Relief Sacramento employee. Donations are arriving quickly to the refugee resettlement agency. The boxes are filled with everything from kitchen supplies to bedding, items needed to help furnish newly arrived Afghan refugees' homes.   Credit: Courtesy of World Relief Sacramento It is also unclear how many Afghans the US will ultimately receive. Tens of thousands are en route or have just landed at US military bases. Many helped America's military, but the US is also now evacuating a much larger group of at-risk Afghans. Traditionally, resettlement groups have had far more time to prepare for newcomers. But not now.Related: Taliban have acquired an 'overwhelming amount of potential weaponry,' global security expert saysChances to help those hoping to join the evacuation are fading fast. More European allies and other nations were ending their airlifts Friday, in part to give the US time to wrap up its own operations and get 5,000 of its troops out by the Aug. 31 deadline.In an emotional speech Thursday night, US President Joe Biden vowed to complete the evacuation and hunt down the ISIS militants responsible for the suicide attack on Thursday that killed well over 100 Afghans and 13 US service members. The group's Afghanistan affiliate is far more radical than the Taliban fighters who seized power less than two weeks ago in a lightning blitz across the country.The US warned more attacks could come ahead of Biden's fast-approaching deadline to withdraw American forces from Afghanistan by Tuesday.The Taliban have said they will allow Afghans to leave via commercial flights after the US withdrawal, but it remains unclear which airlines would return to an airport controlled by the militants.Many others will try to escape over land borders. The UN refugee agency said a half-million people or more could flee in a worst-case scenario in the coming months.Related: How the Kabul airport went from calm to chaosUntold numbers of Afghans, especially ones who had worked with the US and other Western countries, are now in hiding, fearing retaliation despite the group's offer of full amnesty.‘They were knocking'Like many other Afghans, the father in Sacramento waited several years for the visa. Already, the father said the Taliban have gone to their home in Kabul, perhaps looking for him.“They came to our gate,” the father said. “They were knocking.”He said his mom told the armed group there were no men inside and they went away.Threats like that are keeping the couple awake at night in California. The mom, 27, is also worried about how life is changing for the women she knows back home.“My sisters and friends can't leave the house. They can't go and walk to the bazaars.”Afghan mother in Sacramento, California“My sisters and friends can't leave the house,” she said, speaking Pashto. “They can't go and walk to the bazaars.”And she can't reach out to her friends to see how they are doing because only a few people know she's left Afghanistan.“Only our immediate family knows that we are here,” she said, looking down and touching the Persian rug she's sitting on. It's deep red and elegant. A newly arrived Afghan family, now in Sacramento, California, is slowly furnishing their apartment. A family friend, also from Afghanistan and now living in Sacramento, too, gave them a Persian rug.   Credit: Monica Campbell/The World It reminds her of home, she said. A family friend who also left Afghanistan a few years back and now lives in Sacramento bought them the rug and a TV.One new prized possession: a slightly worn, steel pressure cooker. It's tinier than the one the family had back in Afghanistan.“In our culture, in our tradition, families are not three or six members. My family has 17 members,” the father said.Back in Kabul, they all lived next to each other and ate communally.Adjusting to family separations that may last years are among the many changes facing thousands of Afghans arriving in the US. Many will head to parts of the country with Afghan American communities, the largest in California, followed by Virginia, Texas, New York, Washington and Maryland, according to census figures.Resettlement agencies across the country say that they must ramp up fast to meet refugees' needs.To hear more about The World's report on Aug. 27 about resettlement in the US, click the audio player below.  “This effort is very much building the plane as we're flying it,” said Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, who leads Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a resettlement agency based in Baltimore, Maryland.Vignarajah said it is unclear how many Afghans will ultimately arrive in the US in the coming months.“Honestly, at this point, what we're going to be relying on are private donations, in-kind contributions, people who are willing to open up their homes to these individuals,” Vignarajah said.Big donors and volunteers are key because refugee resettlement agencies are just barely recovering from the hits during the Trump administration, when the number of refugees allowed into the US was cut to historic lows.Afghan American organizations are also taking the lead.“We can speak the language. We understand some of the cultural nuances, just the openness of just being Afghan and understanding those aspects.”Aisha Wahab, city council member and interim mayor, Hayward, California“We can speak the language. We understand some of the cultural nuances, just the openness of just being Afghan and understanding those aspects,” said Aisha Wahab, a city council member and interim mayor of Hayward, a city east of San Francisco and a major Afghan American hub.Wahab is also among the first Afghan Americans elected to office in the US.“Afghans have come to this country as refugees for nearly half a century,” Wahab said. “There's not a single Afghan generation that has been alive today that has not been affected by war directly or indirectly.”She has been flooded with Afghan Americans offering to help, including people ready to make big commitments, such as Nurges Gheyaszada, a licensed mental health therapist who lives in the Bay Area.She has taken a leave of absence from her job to help newly arriving Afghan refugees. Her family left Afghanistan in the late 1980s, when Gheyaszada was just an infant. She hopes to meet families soon after they arrive and offer her services, “kind of treading lightly and not pushing it.”She said that she wants to recognize the trauma people are experiencing and to know that “we are here to listen to you.”Gheyaszada does worry that support for refugees will fade once Afghanistan is no longer the top news story.“That's when the real fight starts, where we need to continue this momentum as Afghan Americans,” she said.Hopes for the future  In Sacramento, the local Afghan community — those who have resettled here over the years and know how difficult these first days can be — has advice for the newly arrived family. A newly arrived Afghan woman is now safe in the United States, after fleeing Afghanistan. Only her immediate relatives know she has left. Her husband worked with US military forces and she fears Taliban reprisals.   Credit: Monica Campbell/The World  Local Afghans tell him: “Don't be sad. You will be good in the future,” the father recalled. “You will have your own house. And all the things will be great.”While the couple spoke, their two kids played. Their son pedaled a donated red tricycle down the short hallway. He will start kindergarten soon. His little sister watched an Afghan music video on her dad's phone. That phone also has messages from her father's former co-workers — who are now scrambling to leave Afghanistan themselves — trying to enter the Kabul airport.The father thinks the US could have withdrawn from Afghanistan in a better way: “The US government could prevent this situation that is happening right now. It could be managed better.”He also adds feeling guilty being in the US.“I'm very lucky that I am here, safe. But sometimes, I think that I made a big mistake.”Afghan father in Sacramento, California“I'm very lucky that I am here, safe,” he said. “But sometimes, I think that I made a big mistake.”It was his job in Afghanistan that has put his family in danger, he said. And now he is in the US and his family remains at risk in Afghanistan.“It would be better to be by their side, whatever happens.”Then, he remembers how his life felt increasingly under threat as the Taliban gained power. He started switching up his route to work — to avoid being followed. He stopped seeing friends as much and quit exercising outdoors.Here in California, they feel freer. In the evenings, the family goes for walks in a nearby park, also frequented by Afghan American families. The children run around, something they no longer felt safe doing back home.“The life we were living, that was not life.” 

Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness is happy to welcome Dan Hannaher in studio to talk about how immigrant resettling works in our state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 22, 2021 Faith, Okemos Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18, Psalm 34:15-22, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69   The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those whose spirits are crushed.                                                                                                             Psalm 34:18 Who of us who has seen this week the pictures of those on the tarmac, some even clinging to a departing plane at the airport in Kabul, who of us has not felt the great anguish of those desperate to flee their Afghan homeland?  Who of us who witnessed the tears of the Haitian people following the devastating earthquake compounded by torrents of rain from tropical storm Grace, who of us has not wondered how it could be any worse for a country still scarred by the earthquake of 2010 in which thousands died and by the recent assassination of its president?  And who of us who week after week see the grieving faces of those whose homes and even whole towns have been reduced to ashes and naked chimneys and blackened remnants of cars and trucks from the still raging fires in California and the Pacific Northwest, who of us cannot but wonder if our whole world is edging toward irreparable brokenness and unyielding darkness?   But all this week as I read and re-read the scriptures for today, the words of the psalmist refused to be extinguished:   The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those whose spirits are crushed.   We pray this morning for the Afghan people, especially for the women and children, especially for all who supported the Allied forces over these past 20 years, We pray that they will know that God, whom most in Afghanistan name Allah, whom we as Christians know most intimately in Jesus, is near them is their great desperation.  We pray this morning for the people of Haiti, clearly overwhelmed and fragile and afraid, that they, even now, will know our suffering God is fully immersed in all the tragic chaos of our fallen world, that God in Christ is near them. And we pray for individuals and families in or near towns like Grizzly Flats, California that they will know that the Lord's own tears are mingled with their tears.   The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those whose spirits are crushed.   And then I read and re-read these opening words in the text from the letter to the Ephesians:  Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.  Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.   I thought not only about the plight of the most vulnerable in Afghanistan and Haiti and California, but also about us….because the devastation and darkness in all those places is highly transmissible, not unlike the delta variant of Covid-19.  Even if we are not directly in the path of brutal soldiers or in the midst of flooded or crushed or burned homes and cities, on our own the immune systems of our souls cannot withstand “the cosmic powers of this present darkness.”   I think now about the questions asked of us or of our parents and sponsors when we were baptized:   Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?   Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?   Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?     To which we or our parents and godparents/sponsors answered:  I renounce them.   This renunciation is the first step we would wisely take each day to keep at bay the corrosive, infectious power of the devil, the power of death and darkness, the power of despair.  It is the first step we would wisely take each morning, akin to taking a tablet of vitamin C or a zinc pill, to strengthen our immunity to the wiles of the devil, to what this scripture calls “the spiritual forces of evil…” We would ask ourselves each morning:  Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?  And we would answer:  I renounce them.   But then early in the day we're also implored to take a second step, to get dressed.  In this letter, attributed to Paul to the church in Ephesus, are these words: Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.   What follows are metaphorically what we are to wear:  the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness (i.e. mustering the heart and will to both boldly and gently do what is loving and just); to put on shoes enabling us to go to our neighbors with the gospel of peace (of healing and reconciliation); to take up the shield of faith “to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  And lastly we are to put on the helmet of salvation (the mental awareness that in this moment, in this day, God in Christ is reaching out to save me and the whole world), and finally, take into our souls the sword of the Spirit with words from God like “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power,” words that can cut through the paralyzing fears which would cause us to quickly stumble and fall.   As it was in the time of the early church when these words about the armor of God were first written, when until the year 313 it was illegal to be a Christian in the Roman empire, so today, though it may or may not be illegal for us to give our ultimate allegiance to Christ, it is still a serious struggle, a battle we can't fight alone to speak truth in the face of so much misinformation.  It is still a struggle to patiently and lovingly persevere in actively giving of ourselves and our resources to our neighbors both here in mid-Michigan and wherever in the world our neighbors suffer and prematurely die.  No less than for the early church, we must struggle mightily and bravely today to be Christians, to authentically live the gospel of sacrifice and suffering for others, to stand up for them, to die to our self-centeredness and then to rise up by the power of the Spirit.  Wearing the armor of God, we rise up each day with Jesus at our side, giving ourselves once more for all who are suffering and dying.   Here is the gospel: we have this armor, perfectly fitted for each of us, perfectly fitted for congregations like Faith.  We have this armor of God, from God, to do battle against the wiles of the devil, against the spiritual forces of evil.     And we have the gift of prayer:  Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.  Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel…   With this gift of prayer we think about and pray in the Spirit of Christ this morning for President Biden presently under considerable fire for not foreseeing and planning for an earlier exodus from Afghanistan for those especially endangered by the sweeping takeover of the Taliban.  We pray that each day he may be given wisdom and courage.  We pray that he would put on the whole armor of God.   We pray in the Spirit this morning for the staff of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, for the leaders and volunteers of Lutheran Disaster Response, for Samaritas, and for all others who are called to the hard, complicated, arduous work that lies ahead in bringing comfort and hope to those who are brokenhearted, whose spirits have been crushed.   In the guiding, powerful, comforting Spirit of God ever stirring within us, let us also pray for ourselves that we too might be bold in living and sharing the mystery of the gospel.  With grateful hearts for this gospel, for this good news that Jesus through his suffering and dying and rising truly equips us with exactly the armor we need to engage in daily battle against the wiles of the devil, against the forces of evil, against “this present darkness,” may we know and trust in our hearts and minds that our Lord is near to us and to all who are brokenhearted.  May we know and trust that our Lord wills to save all whose spirits are crushed.       Amen.                                                            

The city of Kabul's international airport has become the unlikely focal point of an unprecedented humanitarian effort as U.S. soldiers and diplomats seek to maintain control of their airport facility while facilitating the evacuation of thousands of Americans and foreign nationals, as well as at least some vulnerable Afghans. Meanwhile, on the outside, an improvised network of veterans, former diplomats, humanitarian workers and civil society groups has been desperately working to help vulnerable Afghans evade the Taliban, get into the airport and onto a flight to safety before it is too late. Scott R. Anderson sat down with three people who have been closely involved in this latter effort: Susannah Cunningham of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Camille Mackler of the Truman Center for National Policy and the Immigrant Advocates Response Collaborative, and Chris Purdy of Human Rights First. They discussed what's happening on the ground at Kabul airport, what's likely to come next for those who make it through and what the Biden administration needs to do to save more lives while there's still time.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

And now, an update on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Reports from the area outside Karzai Airport describe ongoing chaos and danger for those who are attempting to leave the country, as the US and other countries rush to evacuate their citizens and Afghans who assisted NATO forces over the last 20 years. After the Taliban gained control of Kabul on Sunday, the scene at Karzai Airport was chaotic for a couple of days, until American troops finally restored order at the airport, and implemented a schedule of military and commercial flights. Tom's next guest is Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. She has long been an advocate for the Afghan partners who are facing an uncertain future. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah joins us on our digital line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As many as 100,000 Afghans — those who worked with the U.S. military over the years, and their families — are trying to get out of the country. But access to the Kabul airport is controlled by the Taliban, and the American military says evacuating American citizens is its 'first priority.' Among the Afghans trying to flee are those who've applied for or been granted a Special Immigrant VISA. James Miervaldis, chairman of No One Left Behind — which helps Afghan and Iraqi interpreters resettle in the U.S. — tells NPR the process has been frustratingly slow. For Afghans and the families who do make it out, those who wind up in the United States will be offered help from organizations like the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the group's president and CEO, tells NPR how the resettlement process unfolds. This episode also features stories from family members of Afghan refugees already living in the U.S., which which first aired on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, with production from Hiba Ahmad and Ed McNulty. Correspondent Eleanor Beardsley in Paris reported on Afghan refugees in France. In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

As many as 100,000 Afghans — those who worked with the U.S. military over the years, and their families — are trying to get out of the country. But access to the Kabul airport is controlled by the Taliban, and the American military says evacuating American citizens is its 'first priority.' Among the Afghans trying to flee are those who've applied for or been granted a Special Immigrant VISA. James Miervaldis, chairman of No One Left Behind — which helps Afghan and Iraqi interpreters resettle in the U.S. — tells NPR the process has been frustratingly slow. For Afghans and the families who do make it out, those who wind up in the United States will be offered help from organizations like the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the group's president and CEO, tells NPR how the resettlement process unfolds. This episode also features stories from family members of Afghan refugees already living in the U.S., which which first aired on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, with production from Hiba Ahmad and Ed McNulty. Correspondent Eleanor Beardsley in Paris reported on Afghan refugees in France. In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

Wilmot Collins is the Mayor of Helena, Montana, and in 2017, he made headlines as the first black elected official in Montana's state history. Born in Liberia, West Africa, he and his wife fled the country when a dangerous civil war erupted, killing 250,000 people—including two of his brothers—and displacing over a million more. After navigating immigration programs for nearly three years and a string of divinely-orchestrated events, Wilmot finally settled in the small town of Helena in 1994, where he raised his two children and has held positions with Intermountain Children's Home, Alternative Youth Adventures, Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs Montana and more. Wilmot has also served in the Army National Guard and Navy Reserves and is active on the boards of United Way, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and Montana Immigrant Justice Alliance.I sat down with Mayor Collins at the Feathered Pipe Ranch to talk about his early life, growing up in Firestone, Liberia, working on his parents' chicken farm, riding motorcycles with his brothers and the story of how he met his wife at a bus stop of the local college. We shared many, many tears as he walked me through the unbelievable circumstances that he has survived, a barrage of hurdles, one after the next, that nearly defeated him on his path to freedom and reconnection with his family.I feel so lucky to have Wilmot Collins in a leadership position in Helena, the town that our Feathered Pipe Ranch community has called home for the last 46 years. Someone who sits down for an interview and says, “Ask me anything. I'm an open book.” Someone who isn't afraid to show his heart, his emotions, his journey. That's who I want mediating and making decisions. Because he brings his whole self and that inherently gives people permission to do the same.Support the show (https://featheredpipe.com/gratitude/)

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 - With Lutheran Social Services closing, the resettlement efforts for refugees in North Dakota has been taken up by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. Here to discuss the changeover and the outlook for resettlements in North Dakota is the director of the program, Dan Hannaher. ~~~ Correcting myths and looking at the evolution of Native American identity over the last 400 years is the mission of The 400 Years Project, a pictorial collection of Native American life. It includes original photos, text essays and a digital library of Native photographers from the mid-1800s to the present. Project founders Sarah Stacke, Sheena Brings Plenty and Brian Adams want to address colonization while centering the Native voice.

Today on Midday, it's Midday on Foreign Affairs. Tom's next guest is Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. She formerly served in the Obama Administration as a senior adviser at the State Department and as a policy director for Michelle Obama. Ms. Vignarajah describes the uncertain prospects for Afghans who have been serving the US military as translators, fixers and other capacities. They are frustrated and fearful of retribution now that the United States is ending its 20-year presence in Afghanistan and beginning final troop withdrawals— even as the country's indigenous, anti-Western Taliban forces are once again ascendant. The ILRS is urging the Biden Administration to begin evacuating America's Afghan allies to safety outside the country. Ms. Vignarajah also discusses the continuing humanitarian crisis along the US southern border, where thousands of Central American migrant families and asylum seekers endure difficult transit and detention conditions, and face uncertain prospects for safe passage into America. Krish Vignarajahjoins us on our digital line from Syracuse, New York. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused parents to be stretched and challenged in ways most of us did not think possible. This presentation, given by two working moms, will discuss the concerns and stress parents are facing, but will provide support through a focus on self-care, accompaniment, and finding community. Dr. Kristin Witte, D.Min Director for Outreach, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Advisor, Catholic Apostolate Center Monica Thom Konschnik Assistant Director of Administration, Catholic Apostolate Center

Change-making looks different for every person. It takes the work of an entire community to welcome our refugee friends; from the people donating furniture and setting up apartments to those who meet them at the airport and those walk alongside the refugees helping them adapt to their new environment during those crucial first few months. Alex, and all those working at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, remind us that the refugees they serve are people who just want a fresh start in life. They want the chance to watch their children grow up in safety. They desire to work and provide for their families. They have dreams and goals just as we do. However, we haven't been forced to flee for our lives as they have. I'm so thankful LFSRM exists to give these refugees a welcoming smile, cultural guidance, and a safe home to start their lives over in. Alex's quote:    "The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people, but it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of every kind." by David W. OrReferences:LFSRM - https://www.lfsrm.org/programs-and-services/refugees/greeleyfort-morgan/LIRS - https://www.lirs.org/UNHCR Figures at a glance - https://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.htmlWorld Refugee Day - https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-dayVetting Process - https://www.rescue.org/article/how-us-refugee-vetting-and-resettlement-process-really-worksThe nine volags are:1. Church World Service (CWS) (religious)2. Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) (religious)3. Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)4. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) (religious)5. International Rescue Committee (IRC)6. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) (religious)7. U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)8. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) (religious)9. World Relief Corporation (WR) (religious)

"I wasn't running despite being a woman, but in part because of being a woman." - Krish O'Mara Vignarajah Our guest this week Krish O' Mara Vignarajah embodies "The Power Of The Only" not just because of her impressive resume, but by the way she shows up.  She is creating a new model of what leadership looks like through her service and her actions and shows us how we can step into our "Only." Krish is the President and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS), one of only two organizations that are helping to reunify families during the separation crisis. She previously served in the Obama White House as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama and at the State Department as Senior Advisor. With multiple degrees from Yale including serving on the Yale Law Journal and was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford, she's also worked at McKinsey and company. In 2018 she was the only woman running for Governor of Maryland. She was just nine months old when she and her family escaped Sri Lanka on the brink of a civil war with only $200. Now her mission is to help support others and their American dream. “Cancer obviously changes your perspective, just as the pandemic has made all of us appreciate every precious moment that we have." - Krishanti Vignarajah On today's show, we talk about the power of authenticity and taking risks.  She shares the words that inspired her to run for governor while doing a spin class with Michelle Obama that can help you step into your strength. We discuss the journey of running for office as a new mother, how to overcome your self-doubt, and perfectionism.   We also talk about why being an only isn't always about being first, it's about the path you leave behind for others.   Join us as she shares her personal health story publicly to raise awareness and help others not feel so alone. "When I launched my campaign my daughter was three months old and I frankly thought it would be too tiring to try to be someone else." - Krishanti Vignarajah Show Notes: Trust your gut when it comes to your body and your health Her breast cancer journey during COVID-19 Diversity in the Maryland state legislature How to get out of a rut How to prepare to run for office Why immigration is an asset to the US Why women are uniquely qualified to run for office How to find environments where your uniqueness is an asset "When your mother is a maverick, you grow up challenging orthodoxy." - Krishanti Vignarajah 3 Pieces of Advice or Action Steps: Find mentors and sponsors Seek out environments where you can bring a unique perspective as The Only Pay it forward Connect with Krishanti Vignarajah: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn |Luthern Immigration and Refugee Service Thanks for being a part of this bold and powerful conversation on The Power of The Only! If you would like a free copy of The Power Of The Only principles and a Clarity and Vision worksheet to help apply them in your business and life click here to get access. Whether you feel like the only one in your company, industry or community or the only woman in the room, we're here to support you in stepping up, speaking up through power, presence and representation and to make an impact in your personal and professional life. Get my Free YOU, Amplified! Video Training Series-7 Steps To Always Ready, Confidence, Clarity and Connection On-Camera and Off! Click here Want even more insider tips, resources and training  to help you own your voice and power and step into your leadership.  Join me in my free, invite only  YOU, Amplified!™ community! You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.    

Joanna Krause has been selected to replace Canopy Northwest Arkansas's founding executive director, Emily Crane Linn. An agency of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Canopy has resettled over 170 international refugees in Arkansas since the nonprofit was founded in 2016. Previously, Krause served as director of Canopy’s Integration Services.

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), joins Press the Button to discuss the intersection of immigration and national security, and how the work of LIRS makes us safer. Early Warning features our deputy policy director Mary Kaszynski and Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association on the veracity of reports that Russia and China have conducted nuclear tests, and the latest news on US-Iran tensions. Joe Cirincione answers a question on nuclear close calls.

Rachel Pieh Jones has a very cool life -- and it's almost hard to believe. The mom of three moved to Somalia years ago with her husband and three-year-old twins, for her husband's job at a university. Soon after, the family moved to Djbouti and Rachel gave birth to her third child in a pretty dangerous scenario where no healthcare would be available if anything went wrong. She ended up writing about that birthing experience for the New York Times and has since made a long, happy life in the Third World. From the Horn of Africa, Rachel has written an incredible book, run the Somalia marathon and started a running club for girls to encourage them to stay in school. She's raised her children and offered up valuable perspective on American Christianity and life overseas in publications like Christianity Today, Deadspin, Runner's World and more. In this interview, we talk about raising Third World kids, what it was like to write about the "Mother Theresa" of Somalia, Annalena Tonelli -- an incredible, Catholic woman who gave her life for impoverished Muslims. Rachel mentions, almost as a side note, that she is battling a non-aggressive cancer and honestly, that section of our conversation may have been the most inspiring of all to me. This lady has things to do and she isn't letting cancer get in the way! Connect with Rachel: Facebook Twitter Instagram Recent Episodes: Gracy Olmstead is the Journalist We Need Manda Carpenter: 28-Year-Old Foster Mom on a Mission Krish O’Mara Vignarajah: President & CEO, Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service —-> Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to “Worth Your Time” on iTunes. Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politics

Gracy Olmstead is a beautiful writer, her pieces published regularly in the New York Times and many others. As someone who ingests thousands of words per week, I make a point never to miss hers. She's writes about culture, faith, politics, policy, farming, food and more -- and does so with a voice all her own. Her pieces are often focused on compromise, human dignity and life and she has a knack for luring in both sides of an issue and helping them hear one another. So important! Gracy is the mom of two little girls and grew up in rural Idaho. She's now in Virginia, where she gardens, bakes, writes and stays at home with her girls. In today's interview, we talk about the freelance writing lie and her process for coming up with ideas, as well as that tough mom-life balance when you are home with your kids and working. I loved what she had to say about why she loves working with the earth in gardening and how she approaches ideas about writing with such reverence. She wants every piece to be extremely thoughtful and honoring of the topic at hand, which usually means no breathless op/es within 24 hours of breaking news ;) She's got a new book coming out and recently started an amazing monthly newsletter that writers, book and culture lovers will want to subscribe too. Gracy counts writers she's loves to follow: Wendell Berry, Ross Douthat, Michael Brenda Dougherty, Elizabeth Bruenig, Emma Green & others. I second all of those! ----> Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to “Worth Your Time” on iTunes. Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politics What We Talked About: Gracy's newsletter, "Granola" Her piece on "Feasting" that I loved! Seeding Control to Big Ag Her latest in the New York Times Furious Hours Dignity by Chris Arnade Strong Towns Podcast At Home with Sally Clarkson Connect with Gracy: Facebook Twitter Instagram Recent Episodes: Manda Carpenter: 28-Year-Old Foster Mom on a Mission Krish O’Mara Vignarajah: President & CEO, Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service Rachel Barkley: Fighting a Spinal Tumor with a Newborn

Manda Carpenter is 28 years old and has already been a foster mom for several years. It's a passion God put on her heart years go, in childhood, and she was just waiting for the opportunity to go for it. She met an incredible man, married him and the two set out on their foster journey. They even signed up to take on kids with significant psychological issues, those cases that not everyone might be willing to take on, She's an incredible advocate and a humble servant of Jesus. In the midst of motherhood, Manda is also thriving as a writer, speaker and leader. She recently came out with a devotional, "Space" and is working on her first full-length book. She has a couple of life mantras, including "Impressing is Exhausting" and "Get Too Attached" (in reference to being a foster parent). Honestly, it was so refreshing to speak with someone just letting God take the lead in life. She's got a platform, readers and followers, but Manda's heart is humble and pure. It's hard not to be inspired by the way she lives her life and respect the way she honestly tackles the tough questions that come with fostering and living life as we are called to as Christians. Build a longer table, she says. I'm in. What we talked about: Space devotional Peel the Orange Marriage Course One Simple Wish (gifts for foster kids) I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown Nice by Sharon Hodde Miller Connect with Manda: Facebook Twitter Instagram Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to “Worth Your Time” on iTunes. Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politics. Recent Episodes: Krish O'Mara Vignarajah: President & CEO, Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service Rachel Barkley: Fighting a Spinal Tumor with a Newborn Nancy French: Not Your Average NYT-Selling Author

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah is one impressive -- and gracious -- lady. She's the President & CEO of Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS) and has been working hard during our country's recent immigration struggles. Prior to this position, Krish ran for Governor of Maryland and was Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama -- very cool! I get her to answer a few questions about working with Michelle in this interview :) I first encountered Krish while researching a piece I wrote on families in the immigration crisis for the Washington Post. I so enjoyed chatting with her that I knew I wanted to have her on the podcast right away! She has a lot of important insight on history and current immigration policy and how it's affecting those crossing the border. Hit up the interview around 20 minutes to hear Krish tick off some VERY important info. about the immigration crisis, myths people believe and why we all need to be invested in this. She's a toddler mom, like many us are -- or have been -- and I really resonated with her on the professional and mom life balance. Her passion, intelligence and mission are incredibly inspiring and I was so grateful to speak with her for this episode. What we talked about: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Commercial for Governor with her daughter Know My Name by Chanel Miller Connect with Krish: Twitter Facebook Instagram Recent Episodes: Rachel Barkley: Fighting a Spinal Tumor with a Newborn Nancy French: Not Your Average NYT-Selling Author Pastor & Mom of 4: Melanie Lynam on Miracles Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to “Worth Your Time” on iTunes. Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politic

In the latest blow to President Trump’s immigration agenda, a federal judge in Maryland on Wednesday blocked the enforcement of a presidential executive order that gives state and local governments the ability to refuse the resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions. Peter Messitte, a senior judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, issued the preliminary injunction at the request of three national resettlement organizations: HIAS Inc., Church World Service Inc., and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Back in September, President Trump issued an executive order declaring that the federal government would only place refugees where permission has been given by both the state and local government. Read the article here!

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, a national organization https://www.lirs.org/ Voces de la Frontera is a Milwaukee advocacy group https://vdlf.org/ How The 1965 Immigration Act Made America A Nation Of Immigrants https://www.npr.org/2019/01/16/685819397/how-the-1965-immigration-act-made-america-a-nation-of-immigrants?fbclid=IwAR3d3HDe3yKa6GEZFnyrxrGZQ6C6922Y0UszUBt8noipixl9a8aoauS0YCk Everything you need the next time someone starts trying to tell you about how their family came “the right way” and anyone who wants to do it like their ancestors did should “get in line.” (TL;dr: there’s a really good chance that at least some portion of your family came to the U.S. without a visa and/or received immigration amnesty, and the “right way” from 1790-1965 has nothing to do with how things are done now.) -Matt Cameron, immigration attorney- https://www.facebook.com/notes/matt-cameron/all-possible-responses-to-they-should-get-in-line-and-do-it-the-right-way-the-wa/10155288583987693/List of other organizations you can donate to https://www.bustle.com/p/12-immigrant-advocacy-organizations-to-donate-to-if-you-cant-stand-trumps-family-separation-policy-9483834 List of books and movies about immigration - many of which might be available at Cedarburg public library! Books for ChildrenStepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Margriet Ruurs, translated by Falah Raheem, and illustrated by Nizar Ali Badr. This book is full of photographs of actual stone art created in Syria, and outlines the Syrian refugee crisis in a helpful way for young readers.Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale. By Duncan Tonatiuh. This is an allegorical picture book, which explains a fictional animal journey. The author brings to light the hardship and struggles faced by families crossing from Latin America to North AmericaThe Journey by Francesca Sanna. This has beautiful illustrations and is based on a number of true migration stories.Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes. This is a true story of a cat trying to be reunited with its refugee family, made famous via youtube videos. Includes pictures from Amy’s time with the cat and the family.Refuge. B y Anne Booth, illustrated by Sam Usher. This is a retelling of the Christmas story, highlighting the immigrant and refugee journeys of the holy family. Great Christmas addition.Refugee by Alan Gratz. This book includes three stories, about children from Germany 1929, Cuba 1994 and Syria 2015. All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge.Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Esperanza had a privledged life in Mexico, but a tragedy forces her to flee to California with her mother and settle in as a farm laborer. A classic.Books for Adults https://oedb.org/ilibrarian/coming-to-america-50-greatest-works-of-immigration-literature/ Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Nominated by PBS. When a young NIegerian woman heads to America, she must grapple with what it means to be black for the first time.The Namesake: A Novel. By Jhumpa Lahiri. This novel includes details of the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, the conflicts of assimilation, and more as it follows an Indian family’s journey to America.The Book of Unknown Americans. By Cristina Henríquez. Award winning novel which ties together multiple stories of Immigrant journeys.Dear America: A Letter from an Undocumented American. Memoir from a Philippino – American Journalist, sharing his story of living 25 years in a country which does not consider him one of their own.Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in 40 Questions by Valeria Luiselli. The author is a translator, required to ask children facing deportation 40 specific questions. She writes an essay about each question.The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong. By Karen Gonzalez. The author is a Guatemalan immigrant, and connects her story to the stories of immigration in the Bible.The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. Chronicles the migration of Black US citizens from the south to the north and west, in search of a better life.Movies for (almost) all agesLet Me In by Alicia Keys. Only 14 minutes long, this music video imagines what it would be like if US citizens were forced to seek refuge in Mexico. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-1hpZzJpmg All Saints: Based on a Powerful true story. This great family movie about a pastor, his family, a dying church, and a group of immigrants will warm your heart. http://www.allsaintsmovie.com/ Sweet 15. This 1990 made for TV drama connects a Latina-American girl’s Quinciñera (15 th birthday party) with her family’s immigration status during the Reagan Administration. A great introduction for all ages; this shows how little has changed in 28 years.Movies for AdultsSin Nombre. 2009 Mexican-American film about two teenagers fleeing violence and seeking refuge in the United States (it has subtitles; filmed in Spanish)Brooklyn 2015. An Irish Immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, and must make choices about her future.United Shades of America. With W. Kamau Bell, from CNN. Season 2, episode 1 is all about US immigration policy and the stories of immigrants and refugees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoPJWhfPlTk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From the attack 10 days ago by a gunman who targeted Hispanics at an El Paso Walmart, to migrant family separations and detentions at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facilities, to the arrest of nearly 700 undocumented factory workers in a raid in Mississippi last week, and a policy announced just yesterday by the Trump Administration that will make getting a green card even harder for low-income, legal immigrants, it’s been a time of extraordinary turmoil in the immigrant community throughout the United States. Today on Midday, a conversation about the continuing crisis at the U.S. southern border and the human impact of increasingly restrictive US policies toward migrants. Tom is joined in the studio by three guests with unique perspectives on immigration...Krish O’Mara Vignarajah is the president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, which provides support services to international refugees. Ms. Vignarajah, whose family fled civil war in Sri Lanka for the United States when she was just nine months old, served as policy director for Michelle Obama and previously, as an advisor at the State Department. She also ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for governor of Maryland….Carolyn Barker-Villena is a development specialist who’s spent the past decade with Lutheran World Relief, a global relief agency. Ms. Barker-Villena serves as the Senior Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean... And joining us as well is David Cronin. He’s a government affairs specialist at Catholic Relief Services, based in Washington, D.C. He lobbies Congress and the administration on development efforts for Latin America ---- the Caribbean; and international refugee issues.This conversation was live-streamed on WYPR's Facebook page. You can view the video here.

In today’s News: Lutheran church bodies in Belgium, Denmark and Portugal join in altar and pulpit fellowship The 67th annual convention reaffirms life and biblical marriage President’s office asked to investigate the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Pastor John Sias is re-elected Synod secretary

We talk to volunteers setting up an apartment for a family of Afghan refugees and to Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, who heads Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.  Krish O'Mara Vignarajah

This episode features Krish O’Mara Vignarajah president and CEO of LIRS (Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service). Krish guides the national nonprofit in its role as the leading advocate for welcoming immigrants from across the globe with open arms. A refugee herself, Krish represents the promise of the American Dream and personally understands the importance of LIRS’s work. Krish joined LIRS early this year, after serving as Policy Director for Michelle Obama and led the President’s and First Lady’s signature Let Girls Learn initiative. Before the White House, she served as Senior Advisor at the State Department under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry, where she coordinated development and implementation of multiple programs including those concerning refugees and migration, engagement with religious communities, the legal dimensions of U.S. foreign policy, and regional issues relating to Africa and the Middle East. Join host Dustin Plantholt and his Life’s Tough team as they discuss with Krish how LIRS will build upon its 80 years of service and continue to support our new individuals and families as we welcome them to our great country and help them realize the American Dream. Life’s tough – you can be tougher, like Krish O’Mara Vignarajah

https://onthegroundshow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/SUB_OTG-AUG3-2018-DIST-SMALL.mp3 How Children Are Impacted By Family Separation...A Region Effort to Protect Teen Girls... Headlines on: -Toddler dies after being released from ICE detention. -March on the NRA -Rally for Missing Children -Protest Poor Conditions of DC Jail -Palestine-Ahed Tamimi -Culture and Media: -Comedy Benefit for Climate -Night out for Safety and Liberation -Facebook, -Gerald Horne on Zimbabwe and More... More Voices: Veronica Eyenja of NotaRunaway Inc. And Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, speaking before a Senate Congressional Hearing chaired by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) June 27th 2018 with Dawyna Underwood, director of children and refugee services for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and Heidi Altman, director of policy for the national immigrant justice center and Mimi Marziani of the Texas Civil Rights Project.

Leaders from two Baltimore-based relief agencies — the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and Catholic Relief Services — talk about President Trump’s order banning immigration from seven majority-Muslim nations and Trump’s indefinite ban on refugees from the Syrian civil war. Dan’s guests are Linda Hartke (1:28), president and CEO of LIRS, and Bill O’Keefe (13:14), vice-president for government relations for CRS. Offering commentary on the potential international ramifications of Trump’s controversial order: Arnold Isaacs (22:17), former Sun foreign correspondent and editor, and author of “From Troubled Lands: Listening to Pakistani Americans and Afghan Americans in post-9/11 America.”Links:http://lirs.org/http://www.fromtroubledlands.net/troubled lands about the author-1.htmhttp://www.fromtroubledlands.net/

Warfare and unrest is creating a flood of refugees. The United Nations estimates there are more than 21 million refugees worldwide. Resettling them is a controversial topic. President Trump, citing problems in Europe and concerns about terrorism, wants a 120-day delay in accepting refugees into the United Sates until the vetting process is examined. Lutherans have long been involved in helping refugees. In 1939, the National Lutheran Council set up a department to help Lutheran refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. In 1954, the LCMS worked with what would become the Lutheran Immigration and Naturalization Service. Guest Linda Hartke, President and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, says there is a lot of misinformation concerning refugees, including the exactly the exact definition of what is a refugee, the vetting of refugees as opposed to immigrants, and where they are from. She addresses those topics on today's WLN. Learn more about their work at lirs.org.

At THWTH we like to be topical...about a week late. We have a great guest in Paul Erbes from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. Through passion, helpful history, stats and storytelling Paul gives us some great thoughts on refugees and our call to welcome them. We hope you'll find this episode insightful and informative as you think about everything that's going on in the world these days. Featuring- Paul Erbes Rate! Review! Share! Subscribe! Buzzwords: Health check, Who's honored? We're honored!, Spreading information, Neighbor to others, Guidance and expertise, Challenging work, Listening and understanding, Prayer is powerful, Peter, Paul and disagreement, God in each other, Solid stats, Ideological vetting, Debunking myths Check out tohellwiththehotdish.com for show notes, to subscribe to the e-mail and more!

Plenary I of the 2016 LSTC Leadership Conference. Linda Hartke is president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS).