News Updates
+ Keep up with the Office for Immigrant Affairs for regular social media updates
 Happy 2025! There is important news to keep up with and events to track. The newsletter comes out twice a month, but for the most immediate updates, follow us on our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
We hope you engage with us!
+ Don't settle for the cold if you are a tenant
 If you are a tenant, you have the right to a habitable living environment, which includes adequate heating.
The Property Maintenance Code requires all rental properties to be heated from October 1 to May 1 each year. If your heater is broken and your landlord is unresponsive, contact us immediately.
Contact number: 502-574-2508
+ News You Can Use
+ Deadline to apply for YTL Summit is this weekend
 The second United States-Republic of Korea-Japan Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit is open for applications (age 18-35) through Sunday, January 19.
Hosted by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with Temple University, Japan Campus, the Summit is looking for 50 participants from the United States, Republic of Korea, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region to attend a youth leadership conference in early July 2025.
Travel expenses (airfare, hotel, food, travel to and within Japan) will be provided.
+ Apply to be the next Assistant Director of the Center for Health Equity
 The Department of Public Healt and Wellness is announcing a vacancy for the Assistant Director of their Center for Health Equity. They are very excited to fill this role and hope to have diverse candidates from our community.
Apply NOW!
+ Opportunities for High School Students
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The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is accepting submissions for their annual National High School Essay Contest.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, this year’s essay prompt is on the role of the U.S. Foreign Service in shaping that era and how those strategies continue to influence U.S. diplomacy today.
Applications are due by Saturday, March 1. Click here to apply.
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Kentucky State University will be holding its STEM Summer Camp where students will have the opportunity to take up to two college classes. The camp is fully funded, covering tuition, food, and accommodations.
They are actively seeking to recruit Latinx, immigrant, and refugee students. To support this effort, they are preparing EL classes and developing a curriculum tailored to help EL students thrive in STEM fields. Learn more by clicking this link.
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Upcoming Events and Things to Know
+ Language Cafe sessions are underway
Our Language Cafes aim to foster cross-cultural connections and language learning within Louisville’s diverse communities. These cafes will serve as vibrant hubs where people of various backgrounds can come together, share snacks, coffee, and conversations, and learn new languages.
The sessions will be in collaboration with Actors Theater and embed themes around the upcoming performances from culture and identity to celebrations and sports!
Language Cafe is free to attend, and we invite the community to come and experience or return to one or all of the sessions which will be held every Thursday from now until April 17, 2025. Languages included beginner Spanish, Beginner French, Vietnamese, and Swahili.
Please register using the QR code or contact monica.lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov.
+ Make your voice heard as Louisville reimagines the Belvedere
 Mayor Greenberg is thrilled to launch plans to revitalize the Belvedere, a special space for community gathering, including Worldfest!
Do you have ideas for this much-needed upgrade? Share them at upcoming community engagement sessions. The first one was held on Thursday, January 16, but there are two more coming.
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Tuesday, January 21: Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, January 28: St. Matthews Eline Library, 3940 Grandview Ave from 12-1 p.m.
+ Attend JFCS' understanding rights of Refugees and Immigrants panel discussion
 Tuesday, January 21 at 6pm
Join Jewish Family and Career Services along with practitioners for a special panel discussion regarding the rights of Refugees and Immigrants during uncertain times.
+ India Fest: A Celebration of Culture and Community
 Experience an unforgettable journey into India's rich heritage at India Fest 2025! Witness captivating classical and Bollywood dance performances, a dazzling fashion show, and delectable Indian cuisine.
This event is more than a celebration—it's a chance for the community to come together and honor the beauty of diversity.
When: Saturday, January 25 at 1 p.m.
Where: Kentucky Expo Center West Hall A & B, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville
Get Your Tickets: Buy Now
Stay Updated: Heritage of India Foundation | Facebook
+ Join the World Affairs Council for a panel discussion on immigration impact
 Tuesday, January 28, at 6-7:30pm
Join the World Affairs Council, Catholic Charities, International Rescue Committee, and Kentucky Refugee Ministries as they explore the legal complexities, humanitarian concerns, and economic consequences of the proposed immigration policies in the new presidential administration. The panel discussion will be moderated by Amos Izerimana, director of the Office for Immigrant Affairs.
+ Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Snake!🐍
 Welcome the Lunar New Year at the Americana Community Center! Enjoy live music, lantern-making stations, and a delicious array of cuisine from local Asian vendors.
When: Saturday, February 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Drive, Louisville
Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of culture and community!
+ Journey of Success for January 2025
 This month’s spotlight is on the president of the World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana (WAC), Xiao Yin Zhao. She moved to the United States from China at the age of 8, but her Journey of Success goes decades back before she was even more. Learn more about her Journey, and the past stories, by visiting our website.
Image of the Week: 15 Years Later
 On January 12, 2010, a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, claiming the lives of over 300,000 people and leaving more than a million homeless and displaced. While this tragedy marked an immense loss, it also showcased the unwavering resilience of the Haitian community.
To honor this day of remembrance, the Office of Immigrant Affairs joined members of the local Haitian community, KRM, Louisville Metro Council, and special musical guests Christella and Frantz Philippe. Together, they paid tribute to those lost, celebrated the community’s strength, and inspired hope for a brighter future.
As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, KRM is reaffirming their dedication to supporting the Haitian community, welcoming those seeking refuge, and celebrating their resilience and enduring spirit.
Policy Updates
+ DHS Announces Extension of TPS for El Salvador, Sudan, Venezuela, and Ukraine
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador, Sudan, Venezuela, and Ukraine. The extensions follow previous extensions and redesignations of TPS for other at-risk countries. TPS now covers about 1 million people from 17 countries who face an uncertain future under the incoming administration, which may choose to let existing TPS designations lapse or take steps affirmatively revoke TPS for individuals who currently have protections. Here are the durations of these re-designations.
- El Salvador: 18 months, from March 10, 2025, to September 9, 2026
- Sudan:18 months, from April 20, 2025, through Oct. 19, 2026
- Venezuela:18 months, from April 3, 2025, through Oct. 2, 2026
- Ukraine: 18 months, from April 20, 2025, through Oct. 19, 2026
Learn more about TPS designations here: Temporary Protected Status | USCIS
+ Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your language
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
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