Dear {{Constituent First Name}}:
I hope this message finds you well and that you’re enjoying a restful and meaningful summer.
In June, communities across Arkansas gathered to mark World Refugee Day, a time to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with those who have journeyed far and made Arkansas their home.
Over 500 neighbors came together to celebrate through music, food, and personal stories. The air was filled not only with vibrant sound and flavor, but with something deeper: a shared sense of connection.
A heartfelt thank-you to Ateqa, Ghani, Basira, Christian, Leonard, Luis, Malath, and Mugisha, who shared their stories—stories of loss, perseverance, and the hard-won hope found right here in Arkansas. Each voice was a powerful reminder that each refugee experience is unique; a human life filled with struggle, strength, and spirit.
What’s Happening Now: A Threat to Basic Needs
Even as the celebration fades, a new concern is rising.
A bill currently under debate in the U.S. Senate proposes to strip access to SNAP and Medicaid from refugees and others with humanitarian protections, including families already living in Arkansas. Children would be among the most affected.
The bill also seeks to raise immigration-related fees, creating even more barriers for families striving to move forward with dignity and security.
If you believe that welcoming others means ensuring basic needs are met, now is the time to act. Your voice matters. Contact your Senators and urge them to oppose legislation that harms your neighbors.
As the Fourth of July Approaches: A Moment for Reflection
At the base of the Statue of Liberty are the words of Emma Lazarus:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The Statue of Liberty stands not as a warrior, but as a Mother of Exiles, lifting her torch for those cast out by war, poverty, and persecution. Her invitation is silent, but powerful. It shines as a beacon of radical hospitality, a call that has echoed across oceans and generations.
That call still resounds today. It invites each of us to show welcome, to keep the light on, and to remember that the promise of America is not sealed in stone, but renewed in action.
Thank you for being part of that promise.
With gratitude,
Khalid Ahmadzai
Senior Director of Community and Economic Development |
