Tonight at First Missionary: Know Your Rights Seminar

We are grateful to the Welcome Network and International House for bringing a Know Your Rights seminar to our neighborhood this evening! The event will take place at First Missionary Church, right next door to the Refuge, and is open to all who want to learn more about their rights and resources available in our community. We’d love to see you there tonight!

Immigration Updates

Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting entry for certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers. Employers must now pay a $100,000 supplemental fee to bring in new H-1B workers unless exempt. The order is set to last 12 months.

Read the White House Proclamation

Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery for FY 2027 will open for entries in October 2025. Applicants from eligible countries can submit online applications through the State Department website. Winners will be announced in May 2026.

State Dept. DV Program Info

USCIS Fee Changes

As of August 21, 2025, USCIS began enforcing new application fees under H.R. 1. Applications without the updated fees are now rejected. For example, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals now cost $275 for FY 2025.

More details from USCIS

Visa Integrity Fee – October 1, 2025

Beginning October 1, 2025, a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will apply to applicants from non–visa waiver countries, including Mexico, India, and China. This raises total visa costs to over $440.

Coverage from Reuters

Events in the Community

Know Your Rights Seminar

Tuesday, September 24, 2025 | 6:30–8:00 PM (Tonight!) First Missionary Church, Next to The Refuge

The Welcome Network and International House are hosting a community seminar on immigrant rights. Learn about your legal protections and available resources. Free and open to all.

International House Annual Benefit (Sold Out)

Saturday, October 2, 2025 | 6:00 PM Parkview Mirro Center, Fort Wayne

Join International House for an evening of connection, storytelling, and celebration of what God is doing through this ministry. While tickets are officially sold out, you can still support by making a donation at ihouse.org.

 Questions? Want to Sponsor a Room?Call us at 260-800-1558 or email TheRefugeFW@gmail.com

 You Make This PossibleEvery sponsored room brings a family closer to safety and belonging.

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