Karen Society of Nebraska

**Video in (Karen)** Video About the Latest Immigration Updates (02, 02, 2026).

Hello, my name is Paw Bway and I am helping provide information about recent immigration changes. I am providing information that has been carefully put together by attorneys at the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) in Omaha, Nebraska. CIRA is a nonprofit immigration legal service organization. CIRA and Restoring Dignity are partnering together to share information with our immigrant and refugee communities.
Please note:
This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice for individual cases. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney or representative accredited by the Department of Justice to understand your specific situation.


[Video recorder: please try to stay calm and hopeful throughout the video. But staying calm, it helps others watching to stay calm].
If you are a refugee, asylee, or parolee living in Nebraska, you may have heard about a lot of recent changes to immigration and benefit policies. We know this is confusing and even scary. Please do not panic. In today’s video, I will explain the latest federal policy changes about the re-opening of refugee files and asylum cases and what they mean for you. By the end, you’ll have clarity on what’s happening and practical steps you can take. Remember: you are not alone, and we will get through this together.


Re-Opening of Refugee & Asylum Cases
You might have heard that some people are being called back for new interviews about their refugee or asylum cases. This is true. The U.S. government is reviewing cases for many people who arrived between 2021 and early 2025. That’s about 233,000 refugees and asylees whose cases could be looked at again. They are currently reviewing cases in Minnesota, and will move to other states in the near future.
Please note that it is possible that a refugee or asylee case could be re-reviewed from any point in time, if the US Government thinks it is necessary. So if you arrive in the USA before 2021 and receive a notice to re-interview, please do not be alarmed.
Why is it happening? The current administration claims that in the past few years, especially during emergency intakes (like the Afghan evacuation and other crises), security vetting might not have been thorough. They worry that some people were rushed into America and might be a security risk. So now they want to double-check those cases, to make sure unsafe people were not admitted to the United States.
● If you came as a refugee or asylee during 2021–2025, you might receive a notice from USCIS to appear for a new fingerprint appointment or an interview. They may ask you the same questions you answered when you first came, or update your information. They could even ask to see your passport or documents again. We are not sure what will be asked. We do know that people may start receiving letters to be re-interviewed starting in March 2026.
● It may also be possible for the government to review your refugee materials at the green card interview, to ensure you were properly granted refugee status in the first place.
● Even if you arrived before 2021, USCIS has said that they might re-open cases and re-interview people if they think it is necessary.
● Right now, USCIS has paused all asylum decisions across the country so they can review their security rules. That means if your asylum case is delayed, this is likely the reason. The government has said they are stopping decisions until they believe every case has been fully reviewed for security. They are even talking about looking again at some asylum approvals from that time period to check for any security concerns.

What this means for you: If you get a letter about your case being reviewed or an interview scheduled, do not be alarmed or assume you did something wrong. These re-interviews are happening to many people and are not because you personally made a mistake. Stay calm and make sure to attend any scheduled appointment. It’s very important to comply! Missing a re-interview could put your status at risk. Please let any caseworker or social worker you are working with know about your letter. If possible, consult an attorney or accredited legal representative as soon as you get a re-interview notice. They can help you prepare. Bring any documents you have (IDs, proof of your address and job, etc.) to the interview. The goal is to confirm that you still meet the criteria for refugee/asylee status. In most cases, if you told the truth in your original case, you should have nothing to worry about. Answer honestly, just as you did before.
We understand that having to relive your refugee or asylum story or go through questioning again can be stressful, especially if you have trauma. Consider reaching out to a counselor or support person if you need emotional support before or after the interview. Remember: this policy is affecting hundreds of thousands of people, and community organizations are aware and ready to support you through it.

What You Should Do if You’re Affected
If you are affected by any of these changes, here are some practical steps and advice:
1. Stay Informed (but avoid rumors): Information is changing quickly, so stay in touch with reliable sources. Follow updates from local refugee organizations or official announcements. (For example, this video is part of that effort to keep you informed.) Avoid relying on gossip or Facebook rumors, which can sometimes cause unnecessary panic. If something sounds unbelievable (“everyone from ____ country will be deported tomorrow!”), it probably is. Check with an official source, connected community leaders, or legal advisor.

2. Consult an Immigration Attorney or Accredited Representative: If you receive any official notice, whether it’s about a re-interview, a case hold, or anything you don’t understand, reach out for legal help. Nonprofit legal groups can advise you. Do not ignore letters from USCIS. If you miss an interview or deadline, your case could be closed or your status could be at risk. An attorney can also advise if you might qualify for any exceptions or if anything can be done to expedite your green card or benefit application.

3. Respond to Re-Interview Notices and Bring Evidence: Be ready to explain your story and any changes in your life. It might help to bring proof of your positive contributions: like pay stubs to show you’re working, school records if you or your kids are studying, or letters from employers or community members. This can humanize your case. Always tell the truth; if you don’t remember something from years ago, it’s okay to say so honestly. Having an attorney with you at the interview is ideal, but if not, you can still go and respectfully answer questions. Remember, the standard for keeping your refugee/asylee status is the same as when it was granted: you still fear persecution in your home country, etc. That hasn’t changed just because time passed.

4. Don’t Panic or Act Out of Desperation: It’s natural to feel angry or betrayed by these policies. You might be thinking of drastic responses like leaving the U.S. or doing something risky to provide for your family. Please stay calm and seek guidance before making any major moves. Remember that these policies could change in the future (laws can be challenged or revised). Abandoning your asylum case or losing hope could put you in a worse position. Also, beware of scams. Unfortunately, whenever there are policy changes, scammers try to prey on immigrants by offering fake “solutions” (like “pay me $500 and I’ll get you a green card tomorrow”). If someone promises to fix everything for money and it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Always double-check with a licensed attorney or known nonprofit.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health: These stresses can take a toll on you and your family. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re feeling. Community centers and places of worship can be places to find comfort or counseling. It’s okay to ask for emotional support, as many others are feeling the same anxiety. Even your caseworkers or teachers at your kids’ school might have resources for stress relief or counseling. A healthy mind will help you make better decisions in this tough time. Don’t underestimate the power of community. Omaha and Nebraska have strong refugee communities. Reach out to your friends, neighbors, community elders and non-profit organizations.

● Legal Assistance: For any immigration legal questions, free or low-cost help is available. In Nebraska, you can call the free Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline (NILAH), which is part of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement which serves Nebraska and Iowa. The phone number to NILAH is: 855-307-6730 and they are open Monday - Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, with language interpretation available. Resettlement agencies like Lutheran Family Services (LFS), Catholic Social Services (CSS), and International Council for Refugees and Immigrants (ICRI) have immigration legal services. If you came through one of those agencies, reach out to their legal staff for help with things like work permits or green card applications. The main message is: you have the right to legal help, and there are folks out there to support you. If you’re not sure where to call, dial 211 and ask for immigration legal services referrals.

Conclusion
I know this is a lot of heavy information, so I want to end with this: you are not alone. These changes have caused real fear and stress, and those feelings are completely valid. But our community is strong, and people are stepping up… neighbors, volunteers, organizations, lawyers, and advocates are working every day to support families and fight for better policies. Stay hopeful. Policies can change. For now, focus on what you can do today: reaching out for help, attending your USCIS appointment, and focusing on hope. You have already overcome so much, and you can get through this too. Nebraska has welcomed refugees for many years, and we, your neighbors, still welcome you. Please share this video with others who may need to know about these changes, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your resettlement agency or a local nonprofit. We are in this together, we are standing with you, and we will continue to share updates as things develop.

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