Journey of Success
 Sebastian Moh was born in Batu Pahat, Malaysia and is one of seven children to have settled in the United States. Upon graduating from college and in search of a place to call home, he ended up in Louisville. Moh is a proud United States citizen who sees Louisville as a city of immigrants. He sees those like himself in this city – friendly, kind, welcoming individuals.
To learn more about Moh's story, and previous Journey of Success entries, you can visit the Office for Immigrant Affairs website.
WorldFest Update
 WorldFest is Louisville's premier international festival, and is rapidly approaching! WorldFest 2024 will be held from August 30 - September 2. More details will be released in the coming weeks about specific events, but if you are interested in participating in the WorldFest Parade of Cultures or the Global Village, please fill out the forms below.
The Parade of Cultures will be held on August 24 at 12 p.m. and the Global Village days are Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1.
News Updates
+ 'Opportunity to Dream' on WDRB
 The city of Louisville has given hundreds of refugees a new home and a second chance thanks to important partners such as Catholic Charities of Louisville.
The director for Louisville Metro's Office for Immigrant Affairs, Amos Izerimana, shared his own journey of success with WDRB News during the Fourth of July.
Watch the full story by clicking the button below.
+ Bringing Hope Back Home on WDRB
 Sarah Kimeu grew up in Bwoga, a small village in the western part of Uganda. She came to America after earning an athletic and academic scholarship to Western Kentucky University.
She settled in Louisville, owns a business, and continues to give back to her old village. Watch her story by clicking the button below.
+ From Nigeria to Louisville to the Olympics
(Picture courtesy: Racing Louisville FC)
For the first time since 2008, Nigeria's women's soccer team will be competing in the Summer Olympics. One of their stars heading to Paris is Racing Louisville FC's Uchenna Kanu.
The Courier Journal spoke with Kanu about growing up in Nigeria, how she got to America, and how she feels about playing in the Olympics for the first time.
+ FAFSA Summer Hotline is Now Available!
 KHEAA is here to help you complete your 2024–2025 FAFSA before the college school year starts! From June 17 to August 15, they are offering a FAFSA Hotline from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Thursday.
Hotline Details:
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Phone Number: 888-452-7322
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Hours: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET, Monday – Thursday
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Dates: June 17 – August 15
Services Offered:
- Live, expert assistance on your FAFSA
- General financial aid questions
- One-on-one assistance from KHEAA Outreach Counselors
- Option to leave a voicemail and receive a return call
Key Benefits:
- Free service
- Available for college-bound students of all ages
- Get help with tricky 2024–25 FAFSA questions
+ Sign up for LENSAlert in Multiple Languages
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Palestinians
On February 14, 2024, President Biden announced and authorized Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Palestinians. This announcement means that for the next 18 months, eligible individuals will not be deported to Palestine. Around 6,000 Palestinians are eligible to benefit from DED designation nationally. The main eligibility criterion for DED for Palestine is continuous residency in the U.S. since February 14, 2024. Other eligibility criteria related to public safety and national security.
Individuals with questions about eligibility criteria should consult with an immigration attorney. DED announcements often coincide with suspension of certain requirements related to F-1 visas (student visas), designed to make it easier for students to comply with the requirements of their visa. Students who have questions about whether these changes might affect their F-1 visa should reach out to their campus contact or consult with an immigration attorney.
+ USCIS Begins New Process for Paying Application Fees at a Field Office
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will start requiring most applicants, attorneys, and accredited representatives to pay the fees for forms filed at a field office by mail or remotely, instead of in person at a field office.
USCIS receives most of its immigration benefit requests through a Lockbox or a service center. However, in limited instances, it may receive a USCIS form through a local USCIS office. To file a form or pay a fee at a local office, applicants, petitioners, and requestors must schedule an appointment in advance with the USCIS Contact Center and physically visit a field office to make certain application fee payments. USCIS is changing that process.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, there will be three methods for paying fees to USCIS for field office filings:
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By mail with credit or debit card. Applicants, petitioners, or requestors may mail a check or Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, to the field office and no longer need to make an appointment and appear in person.
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Emergency Form I-131 filings. Applicants submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with an emergency advance parole request must still apply in person, after making an appointment through the USCIS Contact Center, with their form packet (including any applicable payment and supporting documentation) and pay their application fee by credit card with Form G-1450 or check at the field office once approved.
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EOIR filings by representatives. Attorneys and accredited representatives can now process payments for the Executive Office of Immigration Review and Board of Immigration Appeals through a link provided in an auto-reply email from the USCIS Contact Center. Attorneys and accredited representatives must mail in their client’s EOIR-29, Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of a DHS Officer, their EOIR-27, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Pay.gov receipt to the field office once the payment is processed.
Events
+ National Partnership for New Americans
 Upcoming NPNA Events
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July 12: DEADLINE to register for 40-Hour virtual Overview of Immigration Law Course
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July 12: DEADLINE to sign up to participate in We Are All America's (WAAA) National Refugee Advocacy Days
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July 22: "New American Voters" Livestream
+ History of Iraq
 The region of Iraq, known as Mesopotamia in the ancient world, has an exceptionally long and rich cultural history. In this presentation Dr. Brad Bowman will survey the region’s medieval past, leading up to the modern era, and Dr. Nadia Rasheed will share a closer look at current events in the area.
- Date: Saturday July 13
- Time: 2:30 - 4 p.m.
- Location: Bon Air Library
2816 Del Rio Pl.
Register ahead of time by clicking on the button below.
+ Webinar: Get To Know Your Metro!
  Have you ever had questions about how Louisville Metro Government can help you?
The Office of Immigrant Affairs invites you to a Live Webinar where you can learn about specific Metro departments.
You must register beforehand. Email Dr. Monica Lakhwani if you would like to attend.
Email: monica.lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov
Date: July 16
Time: 4 - 5 p.m.
Presenter: Claudia Peralta-Mudd, Senior Director, Language Access & Cross-Cultural Inclusion
Simultaneous interpretation will be available in Spanish.
+ Uplifting Youth Voices
 The 8th annual West Louisville Youth Empowerment Summit is set to take place July 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Louisville Central Community Centers.
The summit aims to empower, inspire, and support youth community leaders encouraging them to raise their voices and foster positive change within Jefferson County Public Schools.
+ La Casita Food and School Supply Drive
 You can support La Casita Center on Saturday July 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kroger Shopping Center on Dixie Highway for a special Back-to-School Food and Supply Drive!
There will be free face painting for children, a chance to win prizes, and a visit from the Doots Yummery Food Truck.
+ Join the World Affairs Council (WAC) at any of their upcoming Summer Series events
 Through August 22, 2024
Join the World Affairs Council (WAC) at any of their upcoming Summer Series events! WAC's programming is crafted to cultivate global-mindedness and connectivity in Kentucky and surrounding regions. They focus on creating inclusive and accessible experiences that cultivate transformed leadership among youth, business and community leaders, and educators. Participate in WAC's events and become part of a community dedicated to fostering global understanding and belonging for all.
Next Events:
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July 11: Culinary Journeys - Authentic Afghan Cuisine
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July 25: Cultural Soiree - A Night in Latin America
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Aug 8: Career Panel
+ Join the Louisville Language Café!
 Looking to meet new people and learn a language in a relaxed setting? You’ve found the right place! Starting July 23, join us to learn Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese on Tuesdays, and Arabic, Somali, French, and Korean on Thursdays.
Event Details:
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Dates: Starting July 23
- Languages Offered:
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Tuesdays: Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese
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Thursdays: Arabic, Somali, French, Korean
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Format: Each language group will have a facilitator to teach you the basics of the language and culture.
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Locations: Hosted by a different immigrant-owned café each week, featuring delicious snacks and refreshments.
Highlights:
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No experience needed: Come to one session or all eight weeks.
- Free and open to the community
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Presented by: The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund, in partnership with the Office of Immigrant Affairs and Kentucky Refugee Ministries.
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Support provided by: Moka & Co (formerly Haraz), Safai @ Logan Street Market, Ziba’s Bistro, Kiwa, and Abol Cafe.
To reserve your spot, email monica.lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov.
We look forward to seeing you there!
+ A Night in Latin America
 Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms, flavors and traditions of Latin America at our Latin Cultural Night. This evening celebrates the rich tapestry of Latin culture through music, dance, cuisine, and more. Join us for a night filled with warmth, passion, and the joyous spirit of Latin America!
Date: July 25
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: World Affairs Council
223 South 5th Street
+ Networking Nights
 You are invited to join the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods for the upcoming Networking Night!
Networking Nights are an opportunity to get to know some of the change-agents doing great work in Louisville. This event, there will be guests from Interfaith Paths to Peace, Boys of Color Rise, and OSHN’s Anti-Violence Coalition Neighborhood Updates.
This is a great opportunity to get plugged into violence prevention work, learn about resources, and meet others working towards a better Louisville. Food and refreshments will be served!
Date: July 31
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: 1720 W Broadway
+ 2024 Cultural Pass is open for fun
 
The Cultural Pass is designed to inspire, explore, and discover new experiences in our Greater Louisville community!
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