In the News
Outrage over Biden administration's apparent about-face on refugee caps
Some critics say that political pressure may be playing a part in this sudden departure from earlier promises to raise the historically low refugee cap
In the News
Pandemic complicates life for refugees in San Diego - Los Angeles Times
Lack of affordable housing and struggles with language barriers made disruptions to education and work more pronounced for San Diego refugee communities during the pandemic, according to a new report.
In the News
Middle Eastern Communities Say Census Whitewashes Their Numbers, Needs
San Diego is home to large numbers of refugees from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia – communities the census mostly classifies as White. Without detailed data, it’s nearly impossible to gauge just how large those populations actually are and how to direct support their way.
In the News
As smart city technology advances, community groups warn of privacy concerns
Streetlights are becoming as smart as our cell phones, monitoring everything from available parking to weather conditions. But capable of collecting massive amounts of data, some worry the technology could harm the people it’s supposed to help.
In the News
Mayor Gloria forms advisory group to help tackle challenges facing Black communities
The advisory group will meet quarterly and hold its first meeting on Feb. 19.
In the News
African Communities Warn Language Issues Could Shut Them Out of Redistricting
Redistricting is a complex undertaking that can confuse even most political observers. But some African residents in San Diego are worried they will be further shut out of the process this year because of language access barriers.
PANA Condemns Expansion of Trump’s Muslim Ban
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2020 Contact: Geneviéve Jones-Wright 619.363.7382 Genevieve@panasd.org SAN DIEGO – Three years after Trump’s first iteration of his xenophobic and Islamophobic Muslim Travel Ban, the Trump Administration announced today that they have expanded the ban to include six additional countries
Our Work
Policy and Campaigns
PANA equips refugee and immigrant leaders with the tools and knowledge to engage directly with policymakers. PANA transforms civic participation into a form of collective power. Our organizing builds collective power to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality, bringing urgent attention to campaign priorities to address mass surveillance, protecting immigrants, equitable
Our Work
Proactive Narratives
This work powerfully weaves together storytelling, activism, and visual art to center the lived experiences of refugee and immigrant youth as they confront surveillance and broader systemic injustices in their communities. Through personal testimony, PANA transforms abstract policy debates into deeply felt narratives rooted in emotion, memory, and cultural identity
Human Rights Day of Action Highlights
2017 San Diego’s interfaith community, civil and human rights groups, labor and social service organizations, and compassionate individuals joined together to affirm our commitment to make San Diego a safe haven for refugees and immigrants from around the world, especially those fleeing a crisis of violence, natural disaster, and
Our Work
Civic Engagement
We believe that multiracial power-building is not just necessary — it is the only path forward to ensure that those most impacted by injustice are leading the fight for a truly inclusive and equitable multiracial society. In 2020, we had direct conversations with over 47,000 African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim,
El Cajon’s New Majority-Minority Districts
A Tale of Two Neighborhoods PANA’s office is based in City Heights, San Diego, the most diverse neighborhood in all of San Diego County and home to historic refugee community landmarks like Little Saigon and Little Mogadishu. The neighborhood was traditionally more affordable, but in recent decades has begun