Experts discuss Bloomington refugee programs

Noon Edition

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In January, the Trump administration signed executive orders suspending U.S. refugee admissions programs. Bloomington’s refugee support organizations have felt the impact and expressed concerns about the stance on deportations by Gov. Mike Braun and Trump.

Read More: Legal immigrants still worried about deportation under Trump

Organizations like Exodus and The Bloomington Refugee Support Network have helped refugees integrate in Bloomington.

Exodus, which has offices in Indianapolis and Bloomington, works to bring refugees to the state, including 800 last year.

Indiana University has partnered with Exodus to provide support and opportunities for students to volunteer and teach English. The Exodus Bloomington office has helped more than 60 of its clients find jobs and opportunities in IU.

But Exodus announced that it will be locking its doors and conducting programs and classes virtually as a response to Braun’s executive order for police to cooperate with federal agents on immigration.

The Bloomington Refugee Support Network helps newly arriving families readjust in Bloomington.

Pete Lenzen, director of The Bloomington Refugee Support Network, has expressed concern for the safety of refugees coming to Indiana and seeking asylum.

This week on Noon Edition, we’ll talk with experts from Exodus the Bloomington Support Network and IU to get their insights on Bloomington's refugee programs.

Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to [email protected].

You can also record your questions and send them in through email.

Guest:

Pete Lenzen, Director of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network

Elizabeth Dunn, IU director of refugee studies and author

Cassandra Sanborn, Exodus Director of Development