Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) in New Haven is closing its primary office and moving operations primarily online and to satellite locations amid drastic cuts in federal funding. Executive Director Maggie Mitchell Salem revealed the organization, which provides vital support to refugees and immigrants, has seen half of its staff laid off since the start of the Trump administration. With anticipated funding substantially diminished, IRIS will continue select programs remotely and at alternate locations, striving to maintain support services for recent arrivals amidst changing policies.
"IRIS has occupied the Nicoll Street office since 2006, where it has provided case management, education, job training, legal support, and health assistance to many hundreds of refugees and immigrants over decades."
"Due to funding slashes under President Donald Trump's administration, the organization will cease operating from its East Rock home base by the end of March, with official plans to leave by April 30."
"Mitchell Salem said in a phone interview that IRIS has so far laid off about half of its staff members since the start of the Trump administration."
"According to Mitchell Salem, the Trump administration has suspended or canceled approximately half of IRIS' anticipated $12 million of funding so far through funding freezes, stop-work orders, program suspensions, and ripped-up contracts."
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