States Lay the Foundation Summit 2022 - A New Blueprint for Refugee & Immigrant Integration

This States Lay the Foundation Summit, co-hosted by the IRC and the Refugee Advocacy Lab, features bipartisan panel conversations between state legislators from across the United States. This virtual event emphasizes the role that state policies play in supporting refugee integration and ensuring newcomers are welcomed to their new communities.

Opening Remarks

Madlin Sadler, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, International Rescue Committee

Keynote Speaker

Viet Thanh Nguyen, Author, IRC Board Member and Ambassador

Panel 1: Advancing Long-Term Outcomes in Education

Moderator: Darlene Lynch, Center for Victims of Torture & Georgia State Lead, Refugee Advocacy Lab

Panelists:

• Senator Ghazala Hashmi, Virginia

• Representative Dan Johnson, Utah

Legislative Conversation: International Medical Graduates

Senator Fabian Doñate, Nevada

Representative Naquetta Ricks, Colorado 1

Panel 2: Integration & Welcoming Policy

Moderator: Victoria Francis, International Rescue Committee & Colorado State Lead, Refugee Advocacy Lab

Panelists:

• Senator Andrew Gounardes, New York

• Representative Iman Jodeh, Colorado

• Representative Steve Kaiser, Arizona

• Representative My-Linh Thai, Washington

How States and Local Elected Officials Can Support Resettlement

Kate Brick, Director of the Refugee Advocacy Lab

Closing Remarks

Genevieve Kessler, Director of State Policy, International Rescue Committee & State Strategy Lead, Refugee Advocacy Lab