WHO IS A REFUGEE?

According to the 1951 Geneva Convention, a refugee is a person who has fled his country “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.” He or she cannot or will not return because her government cannot or will not protect her. The United Nations works in conjunction with national governments to find recipient nations for these individuals. The United States accepts thousands of refugees every year from around the world. Refugees are invited guests of the United States. They are legal residents and should be able to enjoy all the privileges of their status.

WHO IS AN SIV?

  • The U.S. State Department’s “Special Immigrant Visa” program is designed for the brave men (and some women) who provided critical support to U.S. military forces during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Immigrants who arrive under this program are referred to as “SIVs,” and they (like refugees) must endure a lengthy and thorough vetting process prior to entry in the United States. Because of their commitment to the U.S. in Afghanistan/Iraq war zones, SIV neighbors and their families are not safe in their native country.

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

After 7 Years Apart, Afghan Translator Reunites with Parents Thanks to Volunteers

By Chris Howe • November 22, 2024
Abdul Parwez hadn’t seen his parents in seven years. The only son of Abdul and Bibi, he served with the US Army as a translator before moving to the United… The post After 7 Years Apart, Afghan Translator Reunites with Parents Thanks to Volunteers appeared first on International Neighbors.

They Make Me Feel Like Family

By Chris Howe • March 28, 2023
Fariha brings cakes and tea to the table of her two-bedroom apartment. Her children gather close to their mother. Mariam is going on a class field trip to the Jamestown… The post They Make Me Feel Like Family appeared first on International Neighbors.

Building Hope: One girl’s quest to live a full life

By Chris Howe • July 8, 2022
Hajer Salaam is all smiles with a bright voice and cheery disposition who wears a long braid, pink hair bow and polka dot tights on the day we meet. A… The post Building Hope: One girl’s quest to live a full life appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet Elias

By Chris Howe • March 14, 2019
Meet Elias, you can learn a little bit about him here | Password: lighthouse You can learn a LOT about him if you choose to apply as a volunteer with us! He is a… The post Meet Elias appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet Fatou

By Chris Howe • March 14, 2019
Meet Fatou, a survivor from Gambia. She was referred to us leaving the Shelter For Help IN Emergency (SHE) which is a great resource but has a 6 week stay… The post Meet Fatou appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet the Karaz Family

By neonadmin • June 19, 2017
Yahya and Siba fled Syria in 2013, with their infant daughter. They lived in Jordan for 3 years, awaiting refugee resettlement status and welcoming a son. Now, the family of… The post Meet the Karaz Family appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet the Rai Family

By neonadmin • June 19, 2017
Bhutanese refugees who spent a decade in Nepal, the Rai family has been in Charlottesville, VA since 2012. On the anniversary of her fifth year in the country, Chandra earned… The post Meet the Rai Family appeared first on International Neighbors.

KNOW OUR VOLUNTEERS

Army Veteran Sponsors Afghan Family’s Petition to come to the United States

By Chris Howe • September 2, 2022
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Leroux, a 20-year Army veteran, says he worked with many interpreters during his time in Iraq. “We couldn’t have done a thing without them,” he says.  In 2015, he… The post Army Veteran Sponsors Afghan Family’s Petition to come to the United States appeared first on International Neighbors.

Local Resident Provides a Safe Haven at the Recycled House for Resettled Refugees

By Chris Howe • August 25, 2022
Debra Weiss has lived in Charlottesville for nearly thirty years. She owns the Recycled House, a homestay property in a North Downtown neighborhood that is constructed primarily from second-hand materials.… The post Local Resident Provides a Safe Haven at the Recycled House for Resettled Refugees appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet Volunteers Emily and David

By Chris Howe • March 14, 2019
Emily and David Leblang are the the curtain installation duo. They’ve been volunteers since 2016 and have installed 35 curtains in 30 different houses around the windows, but also as… The post Meet Volunteers Emily and David appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet Volunteers Cathy & Becca

By Chris Howe • October 13, 2017
Cathy and her family decided to find out what they could do to support refugees in our community because of the many conversations they were having at the dinner table… The post Meet Volunteers Cathy & Becca appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet Volunteer Mil Bailey

By Chris Howe • October 9, 2017
Mil Bailey has invested over 100 hours with IN! Whether taking shoppers to EE or dancers to CBA. Mil always does so with a smile. A world traveler, Mil appreciates… The post Meet Volunteer Mil Bailey appeared first on International Neighbors.