A Better Approach Toward Reception of People Seeking Asylum

This event was hosted on December 12, 2023.

Displacement throughout the western hemisphere is growing, and increasing numbers of people seeking safety and better lives for their families have come to the United States southern border over the past several years. Meanwhile, federal and local reception policies have adapted but remain incomplete and contested. 

Refugees International and the Women’s Refugee Commission hosted a virtual event highlighting challenges and best practices that should drive the development of a humane and sustainable reception policy. Speakers addressed how to coordinate efforts by federal and local governments and NGOs to strengthen long-term support for newcomers and their U.S. communities. An audience Q&A followed. 

Sponsors and Moderators: 

Yael Schacher, Refugees International, author of forthcoming report “From Crisis to Possibility: Moving Beyond an Emergency Approach to Reception of Asylum Seekers in the United States”  

Katharina Obser, Women’s Refugee Commission, co-author of forthcoming report “Opportunities for Welcome: Lessons Learned for Supporting People Seeking Asylum in Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Portland, Maine”

Speakers:

Camille Mackler, Executive Director of I-ARC, New York

Kate Clark, Senior Director of Immigration Services, Jewish Family Service of San Diego 

Atim Otii, Director, Denver Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs 

Julie Allaire, Chief Program Officer, Catholic Charities Maine

Joanna Testa, Program Director, Catholic Charities Maine