Somehow we weathered and witnessed
A nation that isn’t broken
but simply unfinished
There is always light
if only we are brave enough to see it
if only we are brave enough to be it

“The Hill We Climb”      
Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Poet

In his Inauguration speech this morning, President Joseph R. Biden proclaimed that today is “A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve.” He urged us to write a new American story of hope, not fear; of unity, not division; of light, not darkness. To once again be a beacon to the world.

 Our country has long been known as a nation of immigrants– a beacon to the world– reflecting not only our diversity, but also a shared belief in liberty, justice, and opportunity. A place of refuge to those fleeing persecution. Just today, Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants, was sworn in as the nation’s Vice President.

Throughout the last four years, KIAC has deepened our efforts to work on behalf of immigrants in our community.  Despite attempts to limit access to lawful immigration, KIAC persisted in aiding clients in their pathways to citizenship.  We helped families reunite through the process of lawful immigration.  We fought for asylum for immigrants who left violence and corruption to seek a better life in America. We stepped up to meet the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on immigrant communities. The past four years have challenged us, but also galvanized us to meet the test.

Today, as we celebrate this new chapter in the American story, please know that KIAC is resolved to continue our work on behalf of immigrants.  We share the hope and the belief that our nation is not broken, only unfinished. 

On December 4th, a federal judge in New York recently ordered the Trump Administration to restore the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to the way it existed prior to September 2017. While community members who do not currently have DACA status are now eligible to apply, it is important to note that ongoing legal challenges by the Trump Administration mean that it is possible the program could still be put on hold in the future.

Read NWIRP’s Community Advisory

Lea nuestros consejo de la comunidad en español

For the first time in our nation’s history, a person of color and daughter of immigrants is set to become the Vice-President of the United States.  

Speaking to the crowd in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday night, Kamala Harris  proudly acknowledged her roots as the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father.   Speaking about her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, Vice-President Elect Harris said “When she came here from India at the age of 19, she maybe didn’t quite imagine this moment. But she believed so deeply in an America where a moment like this is possible.”  

Harris went on to say to the children of America watching this historic moment: “Dream with ambition, lead with conviction. And see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before, but know that we will applaud you every step of the way.” 

At KIAC, we see the same dreams in our clients:  dreams of making a better life for themselves and their children.  We are thrilled to be sharing this exciting time with people around the country, and especially with you, our supporters and friends. Thank you so much for your steadfast support for immigrants and for KIAC. Together, we will keep working toward moments of possibility living in every human heart. 

In solidarity,
The KIAC Team