Letters - Apr 2024

Welcome Corps paused by executive order
We are a group of caring, private citizens, who volunteer as sponsors in a legal, federal refugee resettlement program called Welcome Corps. We were vetted through background checks and required to do training to prepare ourselves for the task of welcoming and walking beside newcomers fleeing crisis as they begin new lives in this country, in safety and dignity.
Sponsored refugees are also vetted, through a lengthy process of background checks, in-depth interviews, and medical exams. This careful deliberation aligns Welcome Corps with national security concerns about safe and orderly immigration.
We fundraise to support the refugees we sponsor and have found many Americans are eager to contribute – with great generosity – to ensure newcomers have the essential resources they need when they arrive in the U.S.
Sponsorship has a profound impact on sponsors and refugees alike. It forges relationships and tight-knit communities, strengthens our nation’s economy and social fabric, and demonstrates the good old American values of humanity and welcoming the stranger. As sponsors, we have felt such pride in helping people leave unimaginable difficulty for the promise of a better future in the U.S.
Welcome Corps was paused by executive order on Jan. 20. We are determined to speak up for refugees and invite Americans of all backgrounds to join us in contacting federal representatives to ask them to reinstate this valuable, bi-partisan program.
Welcome New Neighbors Private Sponsor Group – Minneapolis-St. Paul:
Christine Stevens - van Eijsden
Mona Askalani
Faisal Khan
Steve Kron
John Stevens

‘PEACE BUBBLES’ HELPS US MOVE FORWARD
I read the Monitor often. I enjoy your column, Peace Bubbles. The most recent one where you shared Bishop Budde’s words and the words of Larry Long is moving. Literally moving, helping me and other’s move into these challenging times with love and kindness allowing the invisible forces to guide us. Thank you for your words.
I was reading about you at the Friendly Streets Initiative. You certainly walk your talk. Thank you for all that you do and have done.
We are all bright lights, aren’t we?
Georgia Duncan