International Institute St. Louis

Important Community Update Regarding Recent USCIS Guidance

The International Institute is aware of recent USCIS guidance related to adjustment of status applications and many members of our community have questions and/or concerns.

At this time, the new guidance does not change any existing laws or statutes related to adjusting status in the United States. It is a proposed policy that instructs USCIS officers to consider certain factors prior to approving an adjustment application. It is important not to panic, assume that adjustment applications are no longer permitted, or that you need to leave the United States to apply for your permanent residence.

This new guidance may affect how USCIS evaluates certain adjustment of status applications. However, any impact will depend on the specific facts, eligibility, and circumstances of each individual case. Every immigration case is unique. If you or someone you know may be eligible for adjustment of status in the United States, we recommend speaking with an experienced immigration attorney before filing a new application. Individuals with pending adjustment applications should also consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand whether this new guidance may affect their application.

Please rest assured that all of us at IISTL are closely monitoring the impact of this new guidance and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please be cautious when relying on information from social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and similar sources. The information shared on these platforms is often incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading. We encourage you to seek trusted legal advice before making any immigration-related decisions.

Thank You

Congratulations to Blake Hamilton, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, on receiving the Michael and Barbara Newmark Institute for Human Relations Pluralism Award at this year’s Tzedek Awards.

We are grateful to Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis (JCRC) for this meaningful recognition and for its continued commitment to building a more welcoming, connected, and inclusive St. Louis region.

This award reflects Blake’s leadership, as well as the work of our entire team, partners, volunteers, and supporters who help advance the Institute’s mission every day: providing opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive in order to create a welcoming, prosperous, and healthy region for all.

Thank you, JCRC, for this honor, and congratulations to all of this year’s Tzedek Award recipients.

Every day, the International Institute of St. Louis works to create opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive and strengthen our region for all.

From critical services and workforce programs to community celebrations like Festival of Nations, none of this work would be possible without the support of donors.

This Give STL Day, please consider making a gift to help us continue building a more welcoming, prosperous, and healthy St. Louis for everyone.

Support International Institute of St. Louis on Give STL Day Providing opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive. The International Institute offers essential services like housing, English classes, and job training, helping immigrants integrate and thrive.

Time is running out. Performer applications for the 2026 Festival of Nations close this Friday, May 1 at midnight. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the region’s largest multicultural festival.

Artists + Entertainers Application | Festival of Nations Apply to be one of Festival of Nations' dozens of artists and performers. Application deadline is January 20, 2025. Applications open to Singers, Musicians, Bands, Dancers, Dance Groups, Comedians, Visual Artists and more.

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! 💖 ✨

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful volunteers for the hard work that they do. From tutoring kids in the After School Program to handing out food in our food pantry, our volunteers make many of our programs possible and extend their reach across the community. We couldn't do it without them!

The Festival of Nations is back—and applications are officially OPEN! 🌎✨

We’re looking for:
🍴 Food Vendors
🛍️ Retail Vendors
🎪 Exhibitors

Plus, performer applications are still open!

Join us in celebrating cultures from around the world and be part of one of St. Louis’ biggest community events!

https://festofnations.com/

🏃‍♀️ Registration is NOW OPEN for Race For Refugees! 🏃‍♂️

We're excited to announce that you can now officially sign up to be part of the 8th Race for Refugees! Join us for the 5k or 1M fun run and be part of an incredible community committed to advocating and raising critical funds that supports refugees and immigrants in St. Louis.

There are so many ways to get involved! You can register as an individual runner, form a team with friends and family, or participate virtually if you can't join us in person. Not a runner? No problem! We need enthusiastic volunteers to help make race day a success. You can also support the Race for Refugees by becoming a sponsor or making a donation. Head to our website now to sign up and join us in making the 8th Race For Refugees the best one yet!



link to race roster: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114379/race-for-refugees

For generations, families have arrived with courage, hope, and the determination to build something in St. Louis. As 2025 winds down, we reflect on their journeys and on the community that makes those journeys possible. Thank you for helping dreams take root.

Throughout the year, we are honored to support individuals and families as they build new lives in our community. We’ve had the privilege of walking alongside Smith and his family as they’ve made St. Louis home.

Learn more about their journey via this video.

Through the link below, you can also help make a meaningful difference in the lives of those joining our community in 2026! https://bit.ly/4ov9nWK

https://youtu.be/Mdx5e3JR4gU?si=IYVl0ds1lfq-_4CH

International Institute: Smith's story Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.