Good Morning & Welcome to The Lab Brief

We’ve started 2023 off strong: new Lab partners, new polling data, and new state legislation. We’ve also given this newsletter a new look and feel – let us know what you think of the Lab Brief!

Let’s take a closer look.

Lab Highlights

EVENTS

On February 2, the American Immigration Council and the Lab co-hosted “The 2023 State Playbook: Opportunities to Advance Inclusive Policies.” The event featured a discussion with Oregon State Senator Kayse Jama and Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran on best practices for advancing legislation in challenging political climates, and strategies for how state-level policy agendas can ensure immigrants and refugees have opportunities to thrive.

RESEARCH

The Lab and Data for Progress released new polling data showing that 70 percent of likely voters across the political spectrum, race, religion, and age support the U.S. refugee resettlement program. But support among one group of voters was remarkable: 89 percent of those who reported that they personally know a refugee support the U.S. refugee program.

PARTNERSHIPS

The Lab is thrilled to welcome two new organizations to our network as partners: The Jewish Federations of North America and Talent Beyond Boundaries.

State Roundup

The Lab and our State Leads have hit the ground running in 2023 with state advocacy days and the introduction – and passage – of inclusive state policies across the country.

GEORGIA

GA Loves Refugees Advocacy Day took place on February 14 with more than 300 participants, including Governor Kemp. This success rode on the heels of the BIG Partnership’s “Maximizing Global Talent: Opportunities for Georgia Businesses” in January, which brought together the business community, state legislators, and refugee leaders to discuss the importance of including global talent in the workforce. Echoing this message, the Governor’s Behavioral Health Reform & Innovation Commission 2023 Report noted the need to serve Georgia’s diverse population with more cultural competency among providers and a full endorsement of licensing reform for foreign-trained mental health professionals.

OREGON

Several bills have been introduced including an international medical graduate (IMG) bill that mirrors Colorado’s International Medical Graduate (IMG) Healthcare Workforce Bill that passed last year, and a $10.5 million budgetary measure for resettlement and other services.

UTAH

The legislative session has come to an end with several big wins. An in-state tuition bill passed through both houses of the Utah Legislature unanimously. The most inclusive in the nation, this bill extends access to in-state tuition rates to refugees, SIVs, asylees, asylum seekers, and TPS holders. Also, an English Language Learner bill that addresses funding & policy for English Language Learner instructional materials, passed through both chambers.

VIRGINIA

VA Advocacy Day took place on January 19. Among the legislation championed was a nursing licensure bill that provides a pathway for internationally licensed nurses. This past week, H.B. 2211 passed through both chambers! Hear from Virginia State Lead Rodrigue Makelele on why this bill is so important.

Stay in Touch

Thanks for reading!

Are you interested in state advocacy or Lab resources? Reach out.

The Refugee Advocacy Lab partners with varying groups on different activities, and as such, partnership with the Lab does not necessarily imply a partner’s support for any specific activity or policy. Similarly, the Lab does not necessarily support or endorse specific activities or positions of partner organizations.

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