Milagro Sique |
Interim executive director, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island
1. How has federal funding affected Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island? The federal funding cuts that went into effect in January led to one of our most challenging years in our more than 100-year history. Our staffing was reduced by 25% and some of our critical programming has been paused or eliminated.
This impact has forced us to adjust our efforts to focus on our adult education, workforce training, interpretation services, immigration legal services and case management services, which reach thousands of members of immigrant and low-income communities throughout the state.
2. DIIRI reported recently that the organization saw a 56% increase in all giving in fiscal 2025 and a 40% surge in volunteer registrations. What explains those increases? We saw major increases in giving and volunteerism … because our community’s commitment to our mission continues to grow. Our annual campaign has expanded steadily over the past five years, and loyal and new donors stepped up further as they learned about federal funding cuts and the rising needs of those we serve. We also benefitted from a broader network of partners, local corporations, faith-based groups, schools and colleges, donating time, holding drives and mobilizing volunteers.
3. Aside from funding issues, what local fallout has DIIRI experienced and witnessed from actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security since last January? We have seen tremendous fear from clients; some of them – mainly those with temporary protective status – have lost their status and there has been an overall increase in individuals and families seeking immigration support. We know that some of our staff have been stopped by ICE in their communities, which also has an impact on how we deliver our services.
4. Have there been any consequences on immigrant policy since an Afghan national who had been granted asylum was charged with shooting two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26? Yes, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has implemented policy guidance on vetting entry of foreign nationals from 19 different countries, including Afghanistan. The policy guidance took effect immediately and applies to pending requests, as well as those filed on or after Nov. 27. Locally, this means that existing applications for family reunifications and additional applications from individuals remain pending.
5. What does the future look like for DIIRI? Our mission is to welcome newcomers to Rhode Island and provide wraparound services that put them on a path toward self-sufficiency. We will continue that work, even if it’s on a smaller scale, until this difficult time passes. It’s a time to think outside the box and be creative with our programming and our community partners.
