Hello friends and partners,
I’m so proud to be writing to you as the new Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA). Over the past few weeks, I’ve been meeting with staff, community leaders, national organizations, and agency partners. One thing is already clear: there is incredible heart, commitment and resilience in this work.
OIRA was created to serve and partner with immigrant and refugee communities across Oregon. We are a small team with a big mission: to help ensure that immigrant and refugee Oregonians, no matter where they were born, have the opportunity to thrive. That means advocating for inclusive policies, working alongside state agencies to reduce barriers, and building trusted relationship rooted in dignity and respect.
I come to this role not with just policy experience, but personal experience. I crossed the border with my mother as a child and grew up undocumented in Oregon. I understand how public systems can either open doors or keep them closed. That’s why OIRA is committed to both policy development and community engagement because we know that one cannot exist meaningfully without the other.
Over the next few months, we’ll begin co-creating a strategic plan for the office. A plan that reflects the vision of the legislation that created us and the lived experiences of those we serve. We will do this in partnership with our staff, agencies, the Governor’s office and you. We’ll be listening closely and showing up where it counts. And we’ll continue to lead on immigrant and refugee policy with care and intention.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the current national rhetoric and federal actions creating fear and uncertainty across our communities. We see it, we hear it, and we are with you. Our office is actively engaging with state agencies and community partners to ensure that immigrant and refugees in Oregon feel supported, safe and informed. As we show up for our communities, I’m reminded that our power is rooted in what we can control—how we lead with purpose, how we build partnerships, and how we stay grounded in the needs of those we share. There’s no shortage of uncertainty at the national level, but here in Oregon, we get to decide how we respond.
We will continue to monitor the impact of HR 1 (2025), the federal budget bill, and recent federal directives that threaten to harm the very people who help make Oregon strong. This moment requires all of us to lead with courage and clarity. And, I am proud to walk alongside you in that effort.
In community, Jessica Ventura
OIRA Director
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Federal Changes Updates
On July 4, President Trump signed into law the federal budget bill or H.R. 1. Among other things, the bill creates new fees and increases existing fees for most applications submitted through the immigration courts or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The list of new and increased fees includes asylum applications, employment authorization document (EAD), temporary protected status (TPS), and many more. HR 1 also changes to which immigration status is eligible for federal public benefits programs, like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, known in Oregon as the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
IMPORTANT:
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The bulk of the changes have not taken effect. No large-scale cuts to services and no budget reductions are happening now at ODHS because of the new federal budget.
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Developing implementation guidance. We are awaiting information from federal agencies on implementation guidance for changes. The bill is complex. We want to fully and clearly communicate the future impact.
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People will be notified as we make changes. We will plan carefully and communicate clearly before anything changes with the benefits and services people receive from ODHS.
On July 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a policy shift reclassifying all HHS-administered programs as “federal public benefits” under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). This change restricts access to these programs to U.S. citizens and qualified immigrants. ODHS is analyzing this policy change to identify how it may impact the people and communities we serve while awaiting additional guidance from the federal government. We remain committed to supporting all people in Oregon to the best of our abilities. We will share more information as it becomes available. It’s important to assure people receiving services and benefits from ODHS that nothing is changing immediately because of this new policy. They should continue to use their services and benefits.
The Trump administration is ending temporary protected status (TPS) for immigrants from Honduras and Nicaragua. The TPS designation for Honduras and Nicaragua will end on September 8, 2025.
On July 15, a judge temporarily blocked the revocation of temporary protected status (TPS) for individuals from Afghanistan. TPS for Afghanistan was scheduled to end on July 14. The decision from the judge means that these individuals can continue working and are protected from deportation.
Tracking changes for ODHS
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is actively assessing federal changes and actions for any impact that they have on Oregon.
Oregon Department of Human Services is here to support all people in Oregon who qualify for the benefits and services we provide. We have many options for applying for or managing medical, food, cash and child care benefits online and by phone. Go to benefits.oregon.gov to see options. If you or someone you work with have concerns about how participating in ODHS programs may affect their immigration status, please contact an immigration attorney for advice.
Here are some immigration legal services that funded by the state:
Visit the webpage to stay updated
Webinars on federal changes
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) warmly invite you to attend two, hour-long webinars that will provide an opportunity to connect with us and receive updates about federal changes impacting Oregon.
Details:
- Tues., July 22 and September 23, 2025
- Virtual via Zoom
- 10 to 11 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Registration link for both July and September sessions:
What to expect:
- All participant microphones will be muted.
- There will be an option to submit written questions.
- This webinar will not be recorded.
- Materials shared during the webinar will be e-mailed to all registrants. You can also find information on the ODHS web page and the OHA web page. Questions? Email feedback@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
- Spanish language and ASL Interpretation along with Real-time captioning (CART) will be available.
This meeting will be virtual-only. This meeting will screen share and use PowerPoint slides.
Please contact Fabiola Herrera at mayra.f.herrera-hernandez@oha.oregon.gov or 503-979-6984 (voice or text), at least 48 hours before the start of the webinar to request an accommodation. We will make every effort to provide services requested after the 48-hour deadline. We accept all relay calls. If you need an accommodation, please contact us right away, even if you are only considering attending. The earlier you make a request the more likely we can meet the need.
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The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session concluded on June 27. These new laws impacting immigrant and refugee Oregonians are now in effect.
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Asylum seekers are now eligible for in-state tuition at Oregon’s public universities (House Bill 2586). Since 2013, Oregon has granted in-state tuition to certain immigrant students who attend school in Oregon. Oregon expanded the list of eligible students in 2021 to include refugees and those with humanitarian visas, such as those with Special Immigrant Visa or people with Temporary Protected Status. This year, Oregon expanded this list to include those in the legal process of seeking asylum in the United States.
- Current laws require employers to provide reasonable rest periods for workers to express milk as frequently as needed for the first 18 months of a child’s life. The law, however, exempts some agricultural workers. This new law clarifies that agricultural workers have the right to express breastmilk at the workplace (House Bill 2541). It is important to note that the law does not require that these rest periods be paid and provides exemptions for some employers.
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New law prohibits landlords from discriminating an individual based on their immigration or citizenship status (Senate Bill 599). The law prevents landlords from asking about the citizenship status of an applicant, tenant, or household member; prohibits a landlord from rejecting a housing application based on a person’s inability to provide a social security number or proof of lawful presence in the United States; and prohibits a landlord from disclosing a person’s immigration status with the intent to intimidate or retaliate. It also provides a list of documents landlords may use to verify a person’s identity.
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A new law clarifies that actions like informing someone of their constitutional or civil rights does not constitute obstruction of justice (Senate Bill 1191). In other words, individuals may each one another on their constitutional or civil rights as long as they do not physically interfere with law enforcement actions.
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The Oregon Medical Board will establish a pathway to help doctors trained outside the US obtain a license to practice in the state. A new law (Senate Bill 476) now allows foreign-trained doctors who meet certain qualifications to get a provisional license and train under the supervision of another doctor. These qualifications include graduating with a degree substantially similar to an MD or DO degree and completing a training program comparable to an approved domestic training program.
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Funding opportunity for community organizations
Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division has released a new funding opportunity for community-based organizations (CBOs). The Public Health Equity Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) opened today and will close Aug. 22, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Through this RFGA, OHA seeks to improve access to health care services for all in Oregon. OHA invites grant applications from local CBOs that aim to improve the health of Oregon communities by using the strengths, knowledge, skills, and leadership of the people they serve. The goal of this RFGA is to build strong partnerships that put community-led ideas first.
Areas of funding
Grants from this funding—total statewide funding amount will be determined in late fall 2025—will be flexible to allow CBOs to develop work that best addresses the needs of the community within specified program areas. OHA’s Equity Office will work with CBOs and programs within the Public Health Division to engage communities on long-term public health efforts in the following program areas, rooted in health equity:
- Communicable Disease: Prevention of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Tuberculosis
- Communicable Disease: Immunizations
- Commercial Tobacco Prevention
- Overdose Prevention
- Adolescent and School Health
- Environmental Public Health
- Preventing Environmental Exposures for Children’s Health (PEECH)
- Lower Umatilla Basin Ground Water Management Area (LUBGWMA)/Domestic Wells
- Community Resilience: Community Connection & Empowerment
- Community Resilience: Emergency Preparedness and Response
Request For Grant Applications informational webinars
OHA’s Equity Office and Public Health Division program staff will offer RFGA informational webinars and application technical assistance sessions in English and Spanish from July 2 through Aug. 5, 2025, with specific dates subject to change. All webinars will feature the same content and will be recorded. Those interested can choose the date and time that works best for their schedule.
Click the links below to view list of informational webinars and application technical assistance (TA) registration sessions:
Visit the Request for Grant Application landing page to view program activities eligible for funding and to apply:
To receive regular communications about this funding opportunity:
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Resource & eMpowerment Technical Assistance Center (RMTAC) offers learning opportunity
Insights from Lived Experience: Enhancing Excellence in Provider Care (Session 1)
July 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Pacific
Esteemed speakers, with lived experience as refugees and migrants, will share powerful personal testimonies and offer perspectives on improving provider care. Register for the event.
Salvation Army Back to School Fair
Lutheran Community Services Northwest is offering only one class that will run from August 6 to September 24 (8 weeks). Registration is required.
Class Details:
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Format: Online via Zoom
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Schedule: Every Wednesday 6- 8:30 p.m.
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Start Date: August 6
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End Date: September 24
How to Sign Up:
- Complete the "New Student Form" for registration.
- After submission, you will receive a follow-up email from me.
For any questions or additional information, please feel free to reach out to me at oyeager@lcsnw.org or call 503-731-9583.
Eligibility: Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship 90 days before their 5-year anniversary, or their 3-year anniversary if they are married to a U.S. citizen.
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Join APANO, Portland Community College, and our other community partners to celebrate the rich diverse cultures of the Jade District!
Time: 3 - 10 p.m.
Place: PCC SE Campus, 2305 SE 82nd
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Save the Date: Tonga Day 2025 August 16
Bring your family, friends and neighbors to this fun summer festival featuring delicious food, handcrafted goods, and stunning performances representing the cultures of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Chuuk, Hawaii and Tahiti.
What is Tonga Day? Tonga Day is an annual event highlighting Tongan National Day and celebrating the three regions of the Pacific: Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian.
No RSVP necessary. We hope to see you there!
Saturday, August 16, Noon - 5 p.m Gateway Discovery Park, 10520 NE Halsey, Portland
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