The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the third version of the Trump administration’s travel ban, which bars most travelers from Syria, Iran, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, and North Korea, with restrictions on some from Venezuela.
In 2018, the number of refugees and individuals from these countries admitted to the U.S. has dropped dramatically. Only 13 refugees from Syria have been resettled in the U.S. so far this year, compared to more than 2,800 during the same period last year. But through the challenges and uncertainty, Upwardly Global has remained committed to our mission, and to ensuring that skilled immigrants and refugees have the tools and support they need to succeed in their new home.
We continue this critical work because we know what newcomers—including those from the countries affected by the ban—achieve when they are welcomed into our communities and integrated into our economy. We have served more than 700 men and women from the banned countries, the majority from Syria and Iran. Our alumni from these nations are now working as software engineers, chemists, and medical residents. They are employed at Apple, Google, Boston Medical Center, Stanford University, and Tesla Motors. They are husbands, wives, and parents who came to the U.S. to live in peace and build better lives for themselves and their families.
“Since the day I arrived, I have embraced the United States as my country,” said Khaled, an UpGlo alumnus who fled Syria due to his political activism against the Assad regime. He drained his savings to reach the U.S., where he was granted asylum. And with Upwardly Global’s help, he secured a job as a project manager at global consulting firm, where he has helped to open doors for other immigrant and refugee professionals.
“Stability, safety, respect, and humanity are the primary issues for anyone immigrating to a new country. When people are greeted with these things, it creates loyalty to a new home,” he said.
We will continue to serve skilled immigrants and refugees in the U.S. who need our services, because we know from experience that these individuals are assets to our country. We are so grateful for your continued support in this important work.