Cedar Valley Global Pathways

08/03/2026

🌍 Calling All Immigrant Leaders in the Cedar Valley!

Are you passionate about serving your community?
Do you believe that when immigrant leaders work together, we can create stronger, more connected communities?

You're invited to join us for the next Cedar Valley Immigrant Community Alliance (CVICA) meeting!

CVICA is an immigrant-led alliance that brings together leaders from diverse cultures to:
🤝 Build meaningful partnerships and collaboration.
🗣️ Advocate for the needs and voices of immigrant communities.
📚 Share knowledge, resources, and best practices.
🌱 Empower one another through mentorship and education.
🌎 Create lasting impact for future generations.

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: 154 Barryington Drive, Waterloo, IA 50701

📲 Please RSVP via WhatsApp: Rajane Grant 📞 423-645-0283

Together, we can build a stronger, more unified voice for immigrants throughout the Cedar Valley.

One Community. Many Cultures. One Purpose.

08/03/2026

📢 Haitian Community Forum – Know Your Rights. Know Your Options.

The recent changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians have left many individuals and families with questions and concerns. This is an opportunity to hear directly from immigration attorneys about what these changes may mean and what options may be available.

This community forum is a collaboration between the Cedar Valley Advocates for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (CVAIRR) and Cedar Valley Haitian Leaders, working together to ensure our community has access to accurate information, trusted resources, and meaningful support.

Whether you are personally affected, have family members who are, or simply want to support our Haitian community, your presence matters.

💙 Why attend?
✅ Get accurate, up-to-date immigration information.
✅ Ask your questions directly to legal and immigration professionals.
✅ Learn what resources may be available.
✅ Stand in solidarity with members of our community during a time of uncertainty.

🗓 Date: Saturday, August 9
🕞 Time: 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Bethesda Haitian Church of God
1604 Hammond Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50702

Please share this post with friends, family, churches, and community organizations. Someone you know may need this information.

Together, we can ensure our community is informed, prepared, and supported.

07/22/2026

💰 Ready to take control of your financial future?
Join us, in partnership with Community Bank & Trust, for our Immigrant Financial Empowerment Initiative. A free workshop series designed to help immigrants and refugees better understand the U.S. banking and financial system while building on the financial knowledge and experiences they already have.

📍 Location:
Waterloo Public Library – Conference Room
415 Commercial St., Waterloo, IA 50701
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📱 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

06/30/2026

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed that birthright citizenship is protected under the 14th Amendment, striking down the executive order that sought to end automatic citizenship for many children born in the United States. The decision preserves longstanding constitutional precedent and represents a significant ruling on immigration and constitutional law.
Read the full article for more details:

(Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)Updated on June 30 at 1:55 p.m.The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship – the guarantee of citizenship to virtually everyone born in the United States. In a decision by Chief Justice Jo...

06/25/2026

Press released reports that the U.S. Supreme Court issued two major immigration rulings in favor of the Trump administration. In separate 6-3 decisions, the Court ruled that the administration may end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many Haitian and Syrian immigrants, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people, and also cleared the way for the government to reinstate a policy allowing officials to limit or turn back asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border before they enter the country. Supporters of the rulings argue they reinforce executive authority over immigration and border security, while critics say they could significantly impact humanitarian protections and access to asylum.

The Supreme Court voted 6-3 on Thursday to allow the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation. The Department of Homeland Security can now end temporary pro...

06/24/2026

Immigration Update: A recent federal court ruling has blocked the practice of ICE making broad civil immigration arrests at immigration courts nationwide. The decision found that the policy lacked sufficient legal justification and raised concerns about access to the immigration court system. Supporters of the ruling argue that individuals should be able to attend required court hearings without fear of arrest, while the government is expected to challenge the decision.

As always, community members should stay informed about changes in immigration policies and consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative regarding their individual circumstances.

The ruling in a class-action lawsuit filed in California applies to immigration courts nationwide.

06/23/2026

A proposed DHS rule could significantly increase the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship, raising the naturalization fee from $760 to $1,330 and potentially eliminating fee waivers for eligible applicants. If approved, these changes could create additional barriers for lawful permanent residents working toward becoming U.S. citizens. Now is a good time to stay informed, seek legal assistance from an attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative and review your eligibility if you have been considering applying for naturalization. Read more in the article below. 🇺🇸

Naturalization fees would sharply rise as DHS ends reduced fees and waivers for most applicants.

06/07/2026

A heartfelt appreciation to our 18 incredible volunteers and interpreters who generously dedicated their time and talents to support our Citizenship Event. Your commitment to serving our community made this event possible.

We are grateful to Hawkeye Community College for providing the space and support needed to host this event. Special recognition goes to Bleu, DOJ Accredited Representative with the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, for her immigration legal guidance and mentorship, and to Attorney Anmol for volunteering her time and expertise throughout this process.

Our sincere appreciation also goes to immigrant community leaders Julie The RIVER ARC (Congolese Community) and Delkuntee (Liberian Community) for helping spread the word and encouraging community members to participate.

Most importantly, we extend our gratitude to the participants who placed their trust in us as they take an important steps toward U.S. citizenship. It was a privilege to assist you on your journey.

Events like these demonstrate what can be achieved when organizations, volunteers, legal professionals, and community leaders work together. By expanding access to trusted culturally relevant, affordable immigration services and accurate information, we help remove barriers and create pathways for more individuals and families to fully participate in and contribute to our communities.

06/02/2026

Interested in Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
Join us for a Citizenship Assistance Event where eligible lawful permanent residents can receive free assistance with completing their naturalization application.

📅 Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Hawkeye Community College – Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center

If you have questions, please contact Rajane Grant at 423-645-0283 or [email protected].

Please share this opportunity with eligible family members, friends, and community members who may be interested in becoming U.S. citizens.