Latest news with #Larcher
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Refugee services still wonder what future holds
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Commonwealth Catholic Charities is part of the world's largest refugee resettlement agency, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It places international refugees in the Roanoke, Richmond, and Hampton Roads areas. Kristen Larcher, director of refugee and immigration services at CCC says the impacts of President Donald Trump's order pausing refugee entry came 'fast and furious.' Trump ordered a pause on refugee arrivals in January, ending reimbursements for programs like the CCC's. His order included a 90-day review, which would have landed on April 27. Then in February, that review was seemingly scrapped when the state department terminated grant agreements with the ten resettlement agencies in the U.S. 'I don't really know what that means, I don't see after a termination that now they would come back and revisit how this is going to look,' said Larcher. 'What I have heard from the network USCCB is that helping refugees might resurface in the future but it might look different and it might not happen through these ten agencies.' The Trump administration argued in the January 20 order that 'The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans.' Roanoke Police looking for missing girl 'I think cities are well prepared and have always been,' Larcher responded in an interview Tuesday. 'I mean the 1980 Refugee Act, it's not a new program, it's been around for decades.' The order says refugee admissions can resume when they align 'with the interests of the United States.' Larcher and her team continued to offer 90-day services to refugees who arrived before January 20, despite not receiving reimbursements from the federal government. The CCC Roanoke office had to let go nine of its 17 member staff. They typically help about 315 refugees in one fiscal year (October to September). By January, 88 arrived, so Larcher's team started looking for alternatives funding. 'Past donors, churches, volunteers,' she explained. 'We had to pull together funds pretty quickly to cover those expenses that are promised to refugees coming through the reception and placement program.' The funding helps provide housing when they get to the U.S. and education in conversational English and other typical American life skills. The program also helps refugees find work so they can get on their feet after their first 90 days. The U.S. is still helping refugees who came to America before the order. 'Losing the reception and placement program is like losing one engine,' Larcher explained. 'We're still operating on this other engine. Funding does come through the Office of Refugee Resettlement and that's a completely different program that allows us, as I said before, to work with refugees for 3, 4, 5 years. That's the ongoing refugee services that go beyond the first 90 days.' As of right now, Larcher says they expect to have that funding next fiscal year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virginia nonprofit ceases refugee resettlement program in wake of federal cuts
Commonwealth Catholic Charities, a faith-based nonprofit that works with immigrant and refugee populations in Hampton Roads, Richmond and Roanoke, laid off 26 people and ceased a refugee resettlement program in the wake of sweeping federal cuts and executive orders. The organization has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on things such as direct support and rental assistance for refugees that will not be reimbursed by the federal government, and must now rely more heavily on donations to assist families who have already relocated to Virginia. 'The last month has been pretty nightmarish,' said Kristen Larcher, the nonprofit's director of the Refugee and Immigration program. 'We have received several executive orders, notices of suspension or termination of contracts that have pretty much changed our entire operation.' The organization has resettled about 1,500 individuals in the Newport News area since 2018. When refugees flee violence, persecution or war in their home countries to seek safety in the United States, the process can take years. They often wind up in a second country of asylum while they await a lengthy vetting process. The people Catholic Charities helps have been granted visas to travel to the U.S. and promised assistance to find housing and employment. Until about a month ago, the refugee resettlement program at Catholic Charities worked like this: Before refugees arrived in Virginia, the organization would procure housing and supplies, making sure the fridge was stocked. Then, staff would pick up refugees from the airport and begin an intensive acclimation process, which lasts 90 days. That meant meetings with a case manager. Health screenings. Pre-employment training and job interviews. Financial literacy training. English and cultural orientation classes. In the background, staff was coordinating transportation, helping people look for jobs and booking interpreters. 'I can imagine it's a whirlwind for a new refugee,' said Larcher. 'All these things we're trying to do to educate and just prepare them for life here.' That intensive case management, called the reception and placement program, has been totally suspended as a result of federal policy changes. The first came in January, when President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program. That effectively barred new refugees from entering the country, except at the discretion of the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security, who could agree to admit new people on a case-by-case basis. While the suspension is supposed to be reviewed every 90 days to determine whether it should resume, the practical effects meant Catholic Charities was no longer able to take in new refugees, ending the cyclical nature of the program. Virginia Politics | VMI's first Black superintendent says ouster is based on politics Virginia Politics | Republicans fight to restore party-run primaries, challenge new state law Virginia Politics | Help could be on the way for Chincoteague water wells contaminated by PFAS Virginia Politics | Norfolk's Commonwealth's Attorney condemns bill that would prevent federal funding for sanctuary cities Virginia Politics | Rep. Jen Kiggans asks Department of Defense to limit veteran workforce cuts in new letter Then the nonprofit, which is contracted through the U.S. Department of State and Office of Refugee Resettlement, received notice that federal funding for programs for new refugees was paused. That means no federal money was coming in to reimburse ongoing services with the resettled families already living in the state. As of Friday, the organization said it will not receive roughly $750,000 in reimbursement on expenses for direct client support, rental assistance and staffing costs. 'We're paying out a lot,' Larcher said. 'We're helping refugees with rent. We are buying them food and clothing, and we're not able to get that funding reimbursed.' Catholic news outlets reported the State Department canceled its contract on Feb. 27 with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the national agency for Commonwealth Catholic Charities. That has meant the elimination of the reception and placement program. Vice President JD Vance has been critical of the Catholic Church's involvement with immigration advocacy and refugee resettlement efforts, suggesting that bishops cared more about their bottom line than humanitarian efforts. Trump has said the refugee resettlement pause is necessary to ensure refugees are 'appropriately' assimilated and that taxpayer money is not wasted. Since October, Commonwealth Catholic Charities has taken on 96 cases, a total of 378 people coming from countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria and Ukraine. The nonprofit is still assisting 60 families while they look for work. The federal announcements have meant a lot of scrambling, Larcher said, including emergency fundraising efforts to make sure existing refugees in the program are getting basics met, such as rent and utilities. So far, the organization has raised $280,000 to pay for rent for all new arrivals through March. They hope to raise an additional $120,000 to cover rent through April and May. About $41,000 of the anticipated funding gap affects refugees in Hampton Roads. After the initial 90 days, Catholic Charities provides other less intensive support for refugees for up to five years, after which they can apply for citizenship. That aid includes support services such as ESL classes, food pantries and immigration assistance. Under new federal policy, the 90-day case management program is terminated; the other support services are ongoing. 'Despite that funding and that program suspension and termination, we can't not continue to take care of refugees that have just come that were assigned to us,' Larcher said. 'These are individuals who are going to be part of our community, and we recognize in solidarity with them that we're all part of one human family.' No one the organization currently works with will go homeless or hungry, Larcher said, but it's clear the nonprofit can't continue operate as is. In addition to laying off 26 staff members, a move that the organization said was necessary to continue to pay for direct assistance for new arrivals, refugees using the nonprofit's services are on a much more condensed timeline to become fully independent. The layoffs accounted for about 15% of the organization's total workforce, and more than half of the refugee resettlement team. Though a Supreme Court decision last week upheld a requirement to have Trump resume payments for aid work already done, the administration signaled to faith-based charity groups that receive millions of dollars from the government every year that that time is over. Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881,
Morocco World
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
France Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin to Visit Morocco This Week
Rabat – French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin will carry out a bilateral visit to Morocco this week. A source confirmed the news to Morocco World News (MWN) today. The whereabouts of the visit is yet to be confirmed by official channels. The visit comes as Morocco and France continue to celebrate strong bilateral ties, especially after France decided to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. The decision in July 2024 followed Emmanuel Macron's historic state visit to Morocco in October of the same year. During his visit, Macron doubled down France's support for Morocco's territorial integrity. At the Moroccan Parliament, he made a speech in which he vowed that his country would continue to defend Morocco's cause and support its territorial integrity at all international forums. Macron's visit followed a series of visits from French officials. In February, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati visited Morocco, and notably Morocco's southern provinces in the Western Sahara. The visit marked the first of such a trip to Morocco's southern provinces. Dati's visit followed another high-ranking visit by the President of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher to Morocco, including Laayoune. During his visit, Larcher said that Morocco's southern provinces constitute 'a success model for the entire Sahelo-Saharan zone' as the region faces various tensions. Impressed by the development in the region, he recalled Morocco's development model. 'This model is part of Morocco's geostrategic vision and presents itself as an opportunity for opening up and development for the states surrounding the Kingdom,' Larcher said. The visit by Larcher to Morocco's Laayoune sparked frustration from Algeria's regime, which responded to the news by severing ties with the French Senate. This came amid brewing tensions between the two countries. Algeria's regime continues to refuse to cooperate, denying entry to Algerians under deportation measures from France. France slammed the Algerian regime for its reluctance, stating that similar acts are aimed at humiliating the European country. One of the Algerian nationals carried out a knife attack in Mulhouse in February, and Algerian authorities had refused to issue consular passes for the suspect. In response, France announced last month measures restricting movement and access to French territory for a number of 'Algerian dignitaries.' Algeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced the measures, calling them 'a new provocation from France.' Tags: Algeria and Western SaharaFrance and Morocco
Morocco World
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Dismisses European PMs ‘Inconsequential' Unauthorized Entry to Southern Provinces
Rabat – Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Tuesday described an unauthorized entry attempt by four European Parliament Members into Laayoune as 'agitation with no impact' on the country's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Speaking at a press conference in Rabat following talks with Cape Verde's Foreign Minister, Bourita stressed that Morocco exercises full sovereignty over its southern provinces, just as it does across its entire national territory. Bourita said that 'the Kingdom, including its southern provinces, welcomes millions of tourists annually, along with official delegations and representatives.' In this context, he referred to the French Senate President Gerard Larcher's visit to Laayoune on Monday as an example of properly conducted official visits. Bourita further explained that Morocco, like all countries, has established clear organizational procedures for any visit, whether official, touristic, or for specific missions, which must comply with existing regulations and laws. 'Anyone respecting these rules is welcome,' Morocco's Foreign Minister added, noting that 'the law applies to those who attempt to violate them, as is the case in other countries.' Authorities did not specify the nationality of the European lawmakers or provide further details about the circumstances of their attempted entry. Read also: France's Top MP Calls Southern Provinces a Regional 'Success Model' The incident comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding Western Sahara, with Morocco securing growing international support for its sovereignty over the southern provinces. Although provocations come from Algeria and the Polisario separatist front, a growing number of countries have endorsed Morocco's position on the Western Sahara dispute, supporting the country's territorial integrity. The North African country is winning the diplomatic question internationally, with the latest pivotal position from France to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara on July 30, 2024. This position has ignited diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers, with the latter being upset as it found itself losing one of its historical allies. In response to Paris' newfound position, which Larcher described on his visit to Morocco's Laayoune as 'not hostile to anyone,' Algeria recalled its ambassador to France, condemning the decision as being against international law. Larcher again renewed his country's support for Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. Read also: International Support for Morocco's Territorial Integrity Grows Stronger
Morocco World
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
France's Top MP Calls Southern Provinces a Regional ‘Success Model'
Doha – French Senate President Gérard Larcher said in Laâyoune on Monday evening that Morocco's Southern Provinces constitute 'a success model for the entire Sahelo-Saharan zone' as the region faces various tensions. The top French parliamentarian made the remark following his morning meeting with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita in Rabat, where he reaffirmed that France's position on the Sahara issue is 'non-discutable' and underscored that the French-Moroccan relationship is built on 'a deep history and friendship.' During his historic visit to Laâyoune, Larcher declared that France's new perspective on the Western Sahara dispute and the evolution of the French position is 'an obvious fact, a primary truth.' He stressed that 'this obvious fact has undergone a long maturation process.' According to Larcher, the Senate had early on worked toward a diplomatic initiative so that France, which has always supported Morocco in its existential challenges, would take into account developments since 2007 and set aside any ambiguity. France's support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole framework for resolution 'is acquired and constitutes the position of the French Republic's institutions in their diversity,' he argued. Larcher insisted that this support 'is not the result of a governmental policy. It now represents the policy of the French Republic.' He said he was impressed with the remarkable development the Laâyoune region has experienced in recent years, citing large-scale infrastructure projects, social facilities, and the constant pursuit of sustainable development. 'This model is part of Morocco's geostrategic vision and presents itself as an opportunity for opening up and development for the states surrounding the Kingdom,' Larcher pointed out. He announced the readiness of the Senate to make available to the North African country its experience in deconcentration and decentralization, proposing to advance cooperation between France and Morocco. 'Territorial communities present a rich potential for development and are a crucible for political, economic, and social cooperation in water management, transport, and digital transformation,' he stated. Larcher further spoke of the need to give new momentum to territorial diplomacy between French and Moroccan communities, arguing that any proposal to resolve the Sahara question should embrace the fact that Morocco's borders extend 'from Tangier to the confines of the Sahara.' For his part, Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the Chamber of Councilors, the upper house of the Moroccan parliament, expressed his great pride in this visit with profound significance. The visit constitutes not only a step to enhance achievements, but also a major historical event and an exceptional moment, marking a major turning point in bilateral relations, he reflected. It especially reflects 'our common and resolute will to contribute concretely to writing glorious pages in the new chapter opened by the Heads of State of both countries,' projected the Moroccan MP, referring to the state visit made to Morocco by French President Emmanuel Macron at the invitation of King Mohammed VI. Ould Errachid disclosed that the historical partnership between the two countries constitutes a unique model, praising the role of France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in pushing for a solution that permanently recognizes Morocco's full sovereignty over its southern provinces. The President of the French Senate is making an official visit to the country, leading a high-level delegation including the chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee in the Senate, Cédric Perrin. The delegation also includes the chairman of the France-Morocco friendship group, Christian Cambon, the President of the Union Centrist (UC) political group, Hervé Marseille, and the vice-president of the France-Morocco friendship group, Corinne Féret. Another slap to Algeria and its proxy militia Polisario The visit comes in the wake of France's formal recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region in July 2024, when President Macron officially stated that 'the present and future of the Western Sahara lies within Moroccan sovereignty.' Larcher's visit to Laâyoune is nothing short of a historic turning point, marking the most senior French parliamentary delegation to ever set foot in the Sahara. During his stay, he also announced plans to enhance France's diplomatic and consular presence in the region, including the launch of a new Alliance Française in Laâyoune. The visit has not gone unnoticed by Algeria, whose regime continues to fume at every step reinforcing Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara. As tensions between Paris and Algiers escalate, this visit delivers yet another blow to Algeria's relentless but futile attempts to obstruct Morocco's territorial integrity. Furious over any recognition of Moroccan sovereignty, Algerian authorities had already lashed out at French Culture Minister Rachida Dati's visit in February, labeling it 'of particular gravity' and 'condemnable on more than one count.' Now, with Larcher's high-profile visit, Algiers is expected to once again resort to its usual tantrums and diplomatic theatrics, desperately clinging to a lost cause. In October 2024, a UN Security Council resolution, supported by 12 of its 15 members, called for a 'realistic and mutually acceptable' solution to the Western Sahara dispute – language that many interpret as favorable to Morocco's autonomy proposal. Tags: France-Morocco relationsWestern sahara
