Internationalfortwayne.org

FROM: Internationalfortwayne.org

http://internationalfortwayne.org/ Fred Gilbert

260-479-5060

OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT (ORR) letter to states, excerpts from

This agency provides most of the funding to states, thru the Refugee Coordinators at the state level. These provide for the basic initial needs, plus categorical funding within the regular cash, Medicaid and food stamp agencies. Pence has ordered non-support of Syrians here as refugees.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/resource/resettlement-of-syrian-refugees

The Refugee Act of 1980 requires states to provide “assistance and services . . . to refugees without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, or political opinion.” 8 U.S.C. §1522(a)(5). Through the state plan process, states and ORR agree on the resettlement activities in each state. Consistent with the Refugee Act, state plans must include an assurance that “assistance and services funded under the plan will be provided to refugees without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, or political opinion.” 45 CFR §400.5(g). States must certify that their state plan is current and continues in effect each fiscal year. See 45 CFR §400.4.

States that continue to use ORR funding must ensure that assistance and services are delivered without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, or political opinion. States may not deny ORR-funded benefits and services to refugees based on a refugee’s country of origin or religious affiliation. Accordingly, states may not categorically deny ORR-funded benefits and services to Syrian refugees. Any state with such a policy would not be in compliance with the state plan requirements, applicable statutes, and their own assurances, and could be subject to enforcement action, including suspension or termination. In addition to these authorities, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000d, prohibits discrimination on the bases of race and national origin in all programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Thus, it is not permissible to deny federally funded benefits such as Medicaid or TANF to refugees who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements.

White House Letter to Governors This explains the President’s official position

 https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2624822-dmcos-letter-va-11-30.html

Food Stamp Non-Discrimination Complaints regarding ANY denial of benefits

 http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/USDA_Nondiscrimination_Statement.pdf

Indiana FSSA complaints Internal venue for Indiana FSSA complaints

 http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/1400.pdf

Indiana State Refugee Coordinator Matthew Schomburg

 matthew.schomburg@fssa.in.gov

 Indiana FSSA letter to Exodus re: Syrian Refugee suspension

 https://tribwttv.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/fssa-letter-to-exodus-refugee.pdf

DRF Director, FSSA, Adrienne.shields@fssa.in.gov

ACLU of Indiana Lawsuit with link to actual brief

 http://www.aclu-in.org/news/36-news-with-photos/364-aclu-lawsuit-against-indiana-governor-seeks-relief-for-syrian-refugees

ACLU of Indiana Home has link to Petition to Governor against his actions

State Department Population and Refugee Management

- actual department that determines where refugees are sent, states submit annual projections NOTE THAT COMMUNITY INPUT IS REQUIRED (as a result of Senator Lugar’s work to insure community input and support)

 http://www.state.gov/j/prm/policyissues/issues/refugeeresponse/index.htm

Detailed briefings since 11-17-2015 Please read these as this State Department office has a long tradition of resistance to community input and fought the Lugar-based orders for community review. Note the absence of identifying spokespersons in the interview.

http://www.state.gov/j/prm/policyissues/issues/refugeeresponse/c69396.htm

New Video sponsored by Indiana Center for Middle East Peace

The video that Sam, Amar, Caleb and Troy used at their Beacon Heights presentation can be accessed from the link below, this is the story of their late 2015 visit to Syrian Refugees:

 https://vimeo.com/142196124

 Catholic Charities of Indianapolis scheduled to receive Syrian Families

Heidi Smith – Director of Refugee Services
(317)236-1518
hsmith@archindy.org

Exodus Refugee Immigration primary Indiana Syrian placement agency

Executive Director Cole Varga at cvarga@exodusrefugee.org

1125 Brookside Ave, Suite C9
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 921-0836
Fax: (317) 921-1992

Indiana Civil Rights Commission ANY refusal of service or mistreatment should be filed as an official national origins discrimination complaint

Christine Meyer Deputy Director – External Affairs

1000 North Senate Ave. Room N103

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Office Phone: 317-232-2651 Cell Phone: 317-501-4602

Fax: 317-232-6580

Email:  cmeyer1@icrc.in.gov

Web:  www.in.gov/icrc

This is the official LEGAL description of the violation Pence has ordered FSSA to enact. HE DID NOT SIGN THE ORDER

Federal Coordination and Compliance (insuring federal benefit non-discrimination)

If you believe you or an individual that you or your organization represents has been discriminated against because of your race, color, or national origin, including limited English proficiency (LEP), by programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance, you may contact the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section. If you believe that you or an individual that you or your organization represents has been be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of your sex by any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, you may contact the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination in programs or activities of entities that receive federal assistance, please print and fill out the appropriate complaint form:

 English:

 Please mail the complaint to the following address:

Federal Coordination and Compliance Section - NWB

Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530

Should you need assistance, our phone numbers are:
(888) 848-5306 - English and Spanish (ingles y español)
(202) 307-2222 (voice)
(202) 307-2678 (TDD)

http://www.justice.gov/crt/federal-protections-against-national-origin-discrimination-1