UPDATE ON REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT | 11/26/2025

​We received frightening news today from Church World Service. There is a USCIS memorandum signed by USCIS Director Joseph Edlowugh calling for a review and “potential” re-interview of all refugees who arrived between January 2021 and February 2025 – including the many who have already adjusted from refugee status to lawful permanent residence. The review would include “circumstances establishing past persecution or a well-founded fear for principal refugees, the persecutor bar, and any other potential inadmissibilities.”

It is unclear how the review and the “re-interview” process will work. And we know that many of our 200+ refugees that Global Friends has resettled since 2023 are worried and upset. Advocacy is especially important. 

Another piece of bad news is that there is to be an immediate halt on all I-485 applications for lawful permanent residence (often known as green card) filed by refugees who entered during these years (January 2021 through February 2025).  Many of our refugees have either applied for their lawful permanent residence (green cards) or are in the process of doing so. The law is clear that refugees shall be considered for a green card after one year of residence in the U.S.

We are getting as much information as we can but there is much we don’t know. For example, we don’t know what factors will lead to refugees being required to have an interview now that they are in the US. We don’t know who from USCIS would or could appropriately conduct such a review. We don’t know the specific criteria USCIS will be using in the review and re-interview process, and we don’t know whether or how USCIS might seek to revoke the green cards of refugees who have already adjusted to lawful permanent residence.

Global Friends remains committed to helping people who have fled violence, war, and persecution. We strive to build friendships, educate, and empower immigrants in our community. Advocacy is essential. Lend your voice and speak out to Senator Hoeven and Senator Cramer and Representative Fedorchak. 

Cynthia Shabb
Executive Director
Global Friends Coalition

SNAP cuts and the shutdown-released freeze will devastate ​refugee families here in Greater Grand Forks.

Learn how you can help families in need of food at our Help a Neighbor page.

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS / CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS

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Please note:
Until further notice, due to the federal pause on refugee resettlement, we are unable to accept donations of furniture or household items.

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COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Sunday Afternoons
Are you interested in developing your conversational English in a relaxed and informal setting? Contact Global Friends about our in-person Coffee and Conversation gatherings on Sunday afternoons.
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For more information:
Call 701-746-8233 or email [email protected]​

INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH CLASS

Intermediate Current Events Class 
Varied Weekdays
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Classes held virtually on Zoom

If interested, contact us at
701-746-8233 or email [email protected] to register and learn what day(s) classes will be held. 

This class uses a newspaper called, "Easy English News" and covers current events, plus a variety of topics. You must be able to read, write, and speak English to join. 

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WHAT WE DO

EDUCATE

New Americans through English and citizenship classes, and the broader community through conversations, presentations, and events.

EMPOWER

New Americans through mentorship, leadership, and community involvement opportunities.

EMBRACE

New Americans by fostering a more welcoming, equitable, and accessible community through outreach and advocacy. Photo by Andrea Bisenius/Busy Bee Photography​.