# PANA
> PANA lifts up #RefugeeVoices and builds leadership in communities to increase #CivicEngagement and create an inclusive #CivilSociety.
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Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About](https://www.panasd.org/about.md) - Vision We envision a world where refugees and displaced people are connected leaders building a global movement that ends forced migration and secures meaningful freedom for all. Mission We advocate for the full economic, social, and civic inclusion of refugees and displaced populations in the San…
- [Contact Us](https://www.panasd.org/contact-us.md) - PO Box 50189 San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: (619) 363-6939 General email: info@panasd.org Note: to send a secure email to PANA use a free Proton email account and send to patricia@securemail.panasd.org OR Call or text us first — we will help you setup a secure email configuration with us.
- [10 Years of Creating True Belonging](https://www.panasd.org/donate-to-pana.md) - For the past decade, PANA has made a home for refugee power. We began with a commitment to welcome, protect, and meet the needs of families who arrive here seeking safety. 10 years of living out that commitment has made us a powerful force driving economic, social, and civic inclusion. These are ju…
- [Giving Tuesday](https://www.panasd.org/donate.md) - Dear Friends, The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans - PANA is a refugee-led movement with a simple vision: ensure refugee families have a fair shot at rebuilding a sense of home, belonging, and an equal opportunity to lead full and meaningful lives. If you haven’t already, I’m asking…
- [Ending Surveillance](https://www.panasd.org/ending-surveillance.md) - PANA’s Integrated Approach to Democracy and Justice TRUST SD Coalition The Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology San Diego (TRUST SD) Coalition was originally formed to address the widespread and secretive use, installation, and acquisition of the Smart Streetlights technology…
- [Ending the Muslim Ban](https://www.panasd.org/ending-the-muslim-ban.md) - PANA Statement on Inauguration and Day One Executive Actions Today marks the end of a challenging four years that directly harmed our communities, left immigrants and refugees in a state of daily fear, separated families, and criminalized us and our loved ones. We look with hope to the future. We w…
- [Get Involved](https://www.panasd.org/get-involved.md) - Youth CongressPANA Youth Congress convenes and empowers immigrant and refugee youth so that they may dictate the direction of PANA’s policy work. It also provides a critical space to educate, develop, and transform young people in our community into powerful leaders that shape and mobilize for chan…
- [Mapping Our Future: Engaging in Redistricting](https://www.panasd.org/mapping-our-future.md) - The following report documents the work of PANA and its partners during the 2021 redistricting cycle, the lessons and best practices learned, and the impact of the redistricting experience not just on the maps, but on the community and partners as a whole. The report concludes with key recommendati…
- [Mobile App](https://www.panasd.org/mobile-app.md) - Download and install our new mobile app. Stay up to date on our partnership, Know Your Rights, and share your photos and videos with PANA. Apple and Android Share the App When you install the App you can choose: * whether to allow notifications, or not * if you want to share your location while you…
- [Mutual Aid Fund for Asylum Seekers](https://www.panasd.org/mutual-aid-fund-for-asylum-seekers.md) - Urgent: Help San Diego County Refugees and Asylum seekers in Crisis! Dear PANA Friends and Supporters, PANA needs your help to support asylum seekers left on the streets of San Diego without basic resources. We are responding to provide immediate assistance such as temporary shelter, transportation…
- [Opportunities](https://www.panasd.org/opportunities.md) - Now Hiring * Political Director About PANA The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans - PANA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization fighting to advance the full economic, social, and civic inclusion of refugees in San Diego, throughout California, and across the country. PANA works at…
- [Our Work](https://www.panasd.org/our-work.md) - Civic EngagementWe 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…
- [Political Director Position](https://www.panasd.org/political-director-position.md) - About San Diego San Diego, with a population of nearly 1.5 million people, is the second largest city in California, and the eighth largest city in the country. Known for its beautiful year-round climate, miles of gorgeous beaches, and its small city vibe, San Diego is also in the midst of a dramat…
- [Privacy](https://www.panasd.org/privacy.md) - Your privacy is very important to us. At PANA, we follow these principles: * We are thoughtful about the personal information we ask you to provide and the personal information we collect about you through the operation of our partnership. * We store personal information for only as long as we have…
- [Refugee Census Hub](https://www.panasd.org/refugee-census-hub.md) - The 2020 Census presented significant challenges unique to these unprecedented times, including an administration intent on intimidating and excluding non-citizens and a raging pandemic that halted the in-person follow-up needed to ensure a complete count. Despite the challenges, PANA organized and…
- [Refugee Community Experiences Report](https://www.panasd.org/refugee-experiences-report.md) - Every two years, PANA conducts a survey of refugees in San Diego County to better understand the experiences, challenges, and needs of our communities. This year’s report is particularly timely as it identified inequities around education, health, employment, housing, belonging, and surveillance. T…
- [Know Your Rights — English](https://www.panasd.org/speak-your-rights-english.md) - I choose to exercise my legal rights I choose to exercise my legal rights0:00/4.8626871× I will remain silent and I refuse to answer your questions I will remain silent and I refuse to answer your questions0:00/5.396751× I do not consent to a search of myself my belongings or my property I do not c…
- [Steering Committee](https://www.panasd.org/steering-committee.md) - Oversight The Steering Committee provides support, guidance and oversight of PANA’s campaigns and priorities. In order to advance our collective community work, the PANA steering committee will make decisions together at the monthly meetings. Guidance The PANA staff are responsible for ensuring ste…
- [Tenant Protections](https://www.panasd.org/tenant-protections.md) - In June 2016, PANA released its first report, “San Diego Refugee Experiences” the conclusion of 50 house meetings led by San Diego refugee residents to study how the community is faring in areas such as health, education, jobs and housing. What we found was that across all of our communities, for o…
- [Youth Congress](https://www.panasd.org/youth-congress.md) - PANA Youth Congress convenes and empowers immigrant and refugee youth so that they may dictate the direction of PANA’s policy work. It also provides a critical space to educate, develop, and transform young people in our community into powerful leaders that shape and mobilize for change. We do this…

## Posts
- [Safety in Unity: Flock Out of Everywhere](https://www.panasd.org/safety-in-unity-flock-out-of-everywhere.md) - Across the country, people resoundingly are saying no to Flock and other government surveillance! But elected officials in many places, including San Diego, continue stonewall the people who they were elected to represent? What can we learn by taking stock of the wins and losses to build big pictur…
- [Join us for our upcoming Immigration Clinic!](https://www.panasd.org/immigration-clinic.md) - PANA and Pag-asa Law Clinic are partnering to provide a FREE Immigration Clinic! 🎯Join us on Saturday, July 25th from 9 AM to 12 PM to get free immigration consultation services at the Global Village Event Hall! 📧If you have questions, please email pagasalawclinic@gmail.com. Please share with the…
- [Coalition Statement on Federal Court Preserving Ruling Vacating Unlawful Policies Targeting Immigrants Based on Country of Origin](https://www.panasd.org/coalition-statement-on-federal-court-preserving-ruling-vacating-unlawful-policies-targeting-immigrants-based-on-country-of-origin.md) - By Democracy Forward, July 15, 2026 [Press Release] Providence, R.I. – In a victory for immigrants and the rule of law, a federal court considering a case challenging the Trump-Vance administration’s cruel country of origin policy today denied the government’s request to stay its June 5 ruling pend…
- [You're Invited! Power Shift: Arts and Advocacy from City Heights at the Museum of Contemporary Arts San Diego (MCASD), La Jolla](https://www.panasd.org/youre-invited-power-shift-arts-and-advocacy-from-city-heights-at-the-museum-of-contemporary-arts-san-diego-mcasd-la-jolla.md) - Hello! We invite you to a special event to connect, celebrate, and be inspired at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), La Jolla! Join The AjA Project, Mid-City CAN, and the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) for: Power Shift: Arts and Advocacy from City Heights Dat…
- [Federal Court Vacates Trump-Vance Administration Policies Targeting Immigrants Based on Country of Origin](https://www.panasd.org/federal-court-vacates-trump-vance-administration-policies-targeting-immigrants-based-on-country-of-origin.md) - Providence, R.I. – In a victory for immigrant communities and the rule of law, a federal court today vacated and declared unlawful a series of Trump-Vance administration immigration policies that have…
- [San Diego Muslim community leaders say mayor ignored them prior to attack](https://www.panasd.org/san-diego-muslim-community-leaders-say-mayor-ignored-them-prior-to-attack.md) - Many in the Muslim community criticized the mayor and police chief's comments in the aftermath of the attack on the Islamic Center. Written by Kate Morrissey, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp As San Diegans mourn the three men who died protecting the Islamic Center of San Diego from two attackers
- [“Not In Our Name”](https://www.panasd.org/not-in-our-name.md) - Sean Elo-Rivera began his comments by reading this letter from Muslim communities in San Diego who couldn't attend the budget meeting in person as it conflicted with celebrating Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026. 0:00 /4:14 1× Statement on behalf of Muslim-led organizations: This week, San Diego faced a…
- [San Diego Muslim community leaders reflect on Islamic Center shooting](https://www.panasd.org/san-diego-muslim-community-leaders-reflect-on-islamic-center-shooting.md) - We hear from the leaders of two local community organizations about how San Diego's Muslim community is processing last week's events — and where healing begins.
- [San Diego’s Muslim Community Questions Why A Security Guard — Not Local Police — Had To Protect Them](https://www.panasd.org/san-diegos-muslim-community-questions-why-a-security-guard-not-local-police-had-to-protect-them.md) - Community members said they're grateful to the three men who jumped into action to help save the nearly 140 schoolchildren at the mosque.
- [‘He was my protector’: Daughter of security guard at San Diego mosque remembers her dad as her hero](https://www.panasd.org/he-was-my-protector-daughter-of-security-guard-at-san-diego-mosque-remembers-her-dad-as-her-hero.md) - Families of the other two victims, Nadir Awad and Mansour Kaziha, did not speak, but others at the press conference called them brave heroes whose losses are unfathomable.
- [What we know about the victims of the San Diego mosque shooting](https://www.panasd.org/what-we-know-about-the-victims-of-the-san-diego-mosque-shooting.md) - San Diego community mourns the loss of Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, who are being remembered as heroes.
- [Join Us Today, May 19th at 6:30pm - Interfaith Community Vigil](https://www.panasd.org/join-us-today-may-19th-at-6-30pm-interfaith-community-vigil.md) - Dear friends, neighbors, and community members, We invite you to a candlelight vigil to honor and stand in solidarity with our community and the families of our shuhuda. Date: May 19th, 2026 (today) Time: 6:30pm Location: 4141 Ashford St., San Diego, CA 92111 at Lindbergh Neighborhood Park What to…
- [A Massacre Moved Him to Guard a Mosque. He Died in Its Defense.](https://www.panasd.org/a-massacre-moved-him-to-guard-a-mosque-he-died-in-its-defense.md) - Amin Abdullah and the two other men killed in the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego were instrumental in delaying its attackers, the city’s police chief said.
- [Statement from Partnership for New Americans (PANA) in Response to the Attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego](https://www.panasd.org/statement-from-partnership-for-new-americans-pana-in-response-to-the-attack-on-the-islamic-center-of-san-diego.md) - We are heartbroken and terrified for our community following the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego today which left three community members dead and hundreds traumatized. Our hearts are with everyone who is injured, the families of victims, and the extended community. According to news re…
- [San Diego’s AI Battlefield Heats Up](https://www.panasd.org/san-diegos-ai-battlefield-heats-up.md) - The city is at the forefront of the fight against using big tech to surveill residents. But AI poses new threats.
- [Standing Up for Immigrants, Standing Up for Democracy | Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund](https://www.panasd.org/standing-up-for-immigrants-standing-up-for-democracy-evelyn-and-walter-haas-jr-fund.md) - What This Moment Is Calling on Us to Do — Community organizations are showing us what it means to build community, stand up for each other, link arms across issues, and stand up for democracy
- [Mayor Gloria Honors Immigration Attorney Maria Chavez, Other Local Women as ‘Women of Distinction’](https://www.panasd.org/mayor-gloria-honors-immigration-attorney-maria-chavez-other-local-women-as-women-of-distinction.md) - In celebration of Women’s History Month, Mayor Todd Gloria named Maria C. Chavez, immigration legal director at Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), as this year’s citywide “Woman of Distinction.” Chavez and nine other women, nominated by their City Councilmembers, were honore...
- [PANA Membership](https://www.panasd.org/pana-membership.md) - PANA welcomes new members who are refugees or immigrants in San Diego ages 14 or over. Members will have the opportunity to learn about important community issues, increase understanding on policies and build relationships with other members. Membership Application
- [New Trump administration policy puts refugees living in San Diego at risk of detention](https://www.panasd.org/new-trump-administration-policy-puts-refugees-living-in-san-diego-at-risk-of-detention.md) - A policy memo issued by the Department of Homeland Security last week says refugees who haven’t applied for a green card within one year of arriving in the U.S. can be detained.
- [‘Supposed to be a safe place’: Parents, state leaders weigh in as home visits from activists rattle child-care providers](https://www.panasd.org/supposed-to-be-a-safe-place-parents-state-leaders-weigh-in-as-home-visits-from-activists-rattle-child-care-providers.md) - State officials have publicized guidance for child care providers on how to respond to and report unwanted visits.
- [Sudden rule change shortens the time immigrants have to appeal their cases to 10 days](https://www.panasd.org/sudden-rule-change-shortens-the-time-immigrants-have-to-appeal-their-cases-to-10-days-2.md) - The Executive Office for Immigration Review published a rule on Friday that would also allow the Board of Immigration Appeals to quickly dismiss most cases. Written by Kate Morrissey, Edited by Maya Srikrishnan and Lauren J. Mapp The Executive Office of Immigration Review, the agency responsible ...
- [YouTuber behind viral Minneapolis day care video turns lens on San Diego](https://www.panasd.org/youtuber-behind-viral-minneapolis-day-care-video-turns-lens-on-san-diego.md) - San Diego's Somali community — already plagued by harassment following Nick Shirley's Minneapolis video — braces for more.
- [Newsletter: ‘Global Village’ aims to build power for immigrants and refugees amid displacement](https://www.panasd.org/newsletter-global-village-aims-to-build-power-for-immigrants-and-refugees-amid-displacement.md) - The 2.2-acre property on University Avenue will become housing, health clinics, child care, a hub for small businesses and more. Hello everyone! Refugees in San Diego have long struggled with displacement due to the region’s high housing costs. In neighborhoods like City Heights — once the primar...
- [Anxiety rises in San Diego’s Somali community over TPS revocation](https://www.panasd.org/anxiety-rises-in-san-diegos-somali-community-over-tps-revocation.md) - The Trump administration’s move to end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis sparks fear and frustration in City Heights.
- [‘You do your work with fear’: San Diego child care providers on edge amid harassment, funding threat](https://www.panasd.org/you-do-your-work-with-fear-san-diego-child-care-providers-on-edge-amid-harassment-funding-threat.md) - The Trump administration froze $5 billion for social services to California, citing fraud concerns without providing evidence; a federal judge has temporarily halted the freeze.
- [These Refugees Are Developing a First-of-Its-Kind Community Land Trust in San Diego](https://www.panasd.org/these-refugees-are-developing-a-first-of-its-kind-community-land-trust-in-san-diego.md) - In San Diego's City Heights community, refugees and immigrants are leading an effort to build a community-owned affordable housing and cultural space.
- [10 Years Of Belonging](https://www.panasd.org/10-years-of-belonging.md) - Experience PANA's 10 years of belonging in community in this video.
- [Invitation: Conversation with Hardy Merriman on Countering Democratic Backsliding and Fighting Authoritarianism](https://www.panasd.org/invitation-conversation-with-hardy-merriman-on-countering-democratic-backsliding-and-fighting-authoritarianism.md) - Dear friend, Despite the challenges we face, it is people like you and members of our communities who work every day to protect democratic values and ensure that our voices are heard. We invite you to join us for a conversation in partnership with the ACLU San Diego & Imperial Counties to engage in…
- [Vote 16 Launch Party](https://www.panasd.org/vote-16-launch-party.md) - Dear PANA Friends and Family, Our youth are leading a movement that’s reshaping what democracy looks like and they want YOU to be part of it! Join us as we celebrate the Vote 16 Launch Party on Saturday November 8th. A youth-powered movement to expand democracy, uplift youth leadership, and make su…
- [Emergency Legal Fund Appeal](https://www.panasd.org/emergency-legal-fund-appeal.md) - PANA normally has a revolving emergency fund of $30,000. We have depleted these resources and need your urgent support to replenish our emergency funds. This morning, our Immigration Legal Director, Maria Chavez shared the story of a confused father who missed his court date and in his absence, was…
- [How Philanthropy’s Helping Build a Cultural Campus for Refugees in San Diego](https://www.panasd.org/how-philanthropys-helping-build-a-cultural-campus-for-refugees-in-san-diego.md) - Backed by The California Endowment and others, the planned campus will feature affordable housing, a market, a hub for nonprofits and community spaces.
- [Trump administration bans travel from 19 countries as San Diego prepares for peak tourism season](https://www.panasd.org/trump-administration-bans-travel-from-19-countries-as-san-diego-prepares-for-peak-tourism-season.md) - FOX5 San Diego by: Dominique LaVigne Posted: Jun 5, 2025 / 10:20 PM PDT Trump administration bans travel from 19 countries as San Diego prepares for peak tourism seasonThe Trump administration announced a travel ban against a dozen countries on Wednesday and restrictions on seven others, citing nat…
- [Leaders Call on City Council to Pull Funding from Automated License Plate Readers to Invest in Communities and Restore Trust Through the Budget Process](https://www.panasd.org/leaders-call-on-city-council-to-pull-funding-from-automated-license-plate-readers-to-invest-in-communities-and-restore-trust-through-the-budget-process.md) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA –June 5, 2025– San Diego Community Leaders do not want Trump's draconian location surveillance technology. We do not trust ICE with this data. We call on our elected officials to protect all of our communities from federal overreach. Labor, immigrant, Black and L…
- [Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban Means More Families Torn Apart: Statement from Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans](https://www.panasd.org/trumps-expanded-travel-ban-means-more-families-torn-apart-statement-from-partnership-for-the-advancement-of-new-americans.md) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego, CA – June 5, 2025– The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) strongly condemns the Trump Administration’s new iteration of the discriminatory travel ban that targets Muslims and other Black and Brown communities. While the Trump Administration had…
- [San Diego’s Afghan community fearful after Trump revokes protections](https://www.panasd.org/san-diegos-afghan-community-fearful-after-trump-revokes-protections.md) - Increasingly violent immigration enforcement has been a major topic in 2025 -- and some already vulnerable groups locally are feeling increasingly targeted.
- [International students in San Diego caught up in ‘mass revocation of student visas'](https://www.panasd.org/international-students-in-san-diego-caught-up-in-mass-revocation-of-student-visas.md) - Some foreign students at local universities are afraid to post on social media and considering whether to leave the country.
- [Plans unveiled for refugee, immigrant cultural housing hub near City Heights](https://www.panasd.org/plans-unveiled-for-refugee-immigrant-cultural-housing-hub-near-city-heights.md) - Plans were unveiled, Saturday afternoon, for a future housing development and cultural hub specifically serving immigrants and refugees.
- [Homes, health care and a village market: Designs and goals for community-driven refugee hub are unveiled](https://www.panasd.org/homes-health-care-and-a-village-market-designs-and-goals-for-community-driven-refugee-hub-are-unveiled.md) - To one excited teen, the center ‘exemplifies the USA being a melting pot and just a bunch of different cultures coming together to excel.’
- [In Defense of Our Communities](https://www.panasd.org/defenseofourcommunities.md) - Dear Friends, We have witnessed firsthand the cruelty of past policies targeting our communities, and we refuse to let such injustices resurface unchallenged. As we have done before, we will double down on our efforts to respond swiftly to any attempts to codify xenophobia, criminalize those seekin…
- [Speak Your Rights](https://www.panasd.org/speak-your-rights.md) - * I choose to exercise my legal rights. * I will remain silent, and I refuse to answer your questions. * I do not consent to a search of myself, my belongings, or my property. * I wish to speak to an attorney. * I refuse to sign anything without advice from an attorney. * I wish to see an immigrati…
- [Know Your Rights — English](https://www.panasd.org/know-your-rights-english.md) - Speak Your Rights 📣 * I choose to exercise my legal rights. * I will remain silent, and I refuse to answer your questions. * I do not consent to a search of myself, my belongings, or my property. * I wish to speak to an attorney. * I refuse to sign anything without advice from an attorney. * I wis…
- [Mobile App](https://www.panasd.org/mobile-app-2.md) - Download and install our new mobile app. Stay up to date on our partnership, Speak Your Rights, and share your photos and videos with PANA. Apple and Android Share the App When you install the App you can choose: * whether to allow notifications, or not * if you want to share your location while yo…
- [Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) Condemns President Biden's Asylum Ban](https://www.panasd.org/pana-condemns-president-bidens-asylum-ban.md) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) Condemns President Biden's Asylum Ban San Diego, CA – June 4, 2024 – The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) strongly condemns President Biden's recent Asylum Ban. This dangerous policy jeopardizes the…
- [Voting rights: California lawmakers may translate more ballots, help more non-English-speakers to vote](https://www.panasd.org/voting-ballotsinownlanguage.md) - A bill would increase requirements for California elections officials to accommodate voters who rely on languages other than English.
- [Opinion: How automatic licensee plate readers make us less safe - The San Diego Union-Tribune](https://www.panasd.org/opinion-heres-how-automatic-license-plate-readers-make-us-less-safe-and-expose-our-personal-data.md) - These technologies create an immense oversight burden for our public officials.
- [City's Public Safety Committee votes to support San Diego Police Department's smart streetlight proposal - The San Diego Union-Tribune](https://www.panasd.org/citys-public-safety-committee-votes-to-support-san-diego-police-departments-smart-streetlight-proposal.md) - The approval comes a few weeks after the Privacy Advisory Board voted to reject the technology; the City Council will decide which route to take in the coming weeks
- [Residentes en Estados Unidos ya pueden apadrinar refugiados. Esto es lo que tienes que saber para participar. - San Diego Union-Tribune en Español](https://www.panasd.org/residentes-en-estados-unidos-ya-pueden-apadrinar-refugiados-esto-es-lo-que-tienes-que-saber-para-participar.md) - La administración Biden puso en marcha Welcome Corps para transferir parte del trabajo de recibir a los recién llegados de las agencias de reasentamiento de refugiados a grupos de particulares
- [U.S. residents can now sponsor refugees. Here's how. - The San Diego Union-Tribune](https://www.panasd.org/us-residents-can-now-sponsor-refugees-heres-what-you-need-to-know-to-participate.md) - The Biden administration launched Welcome Corps to shift some work of receiving newcomers to groups of private individuals from refugee resettlement agencies
- [Opinion: San Diego renters once again have very limited eviction protections. Leaders must step up. - The San Diego Union-Tribune](https://www.panasd.org/opinion-san-diego-renters-once-again-have-very-limited-eviction-protections-leaders-must-step-up.md) - With the expiration of the no-fault eviction moratorium, renters in the city of San Diego are once again at risk of eviction.
- [Afghans face insurmountable challenges in fleeing to U.S., a stark contrast to arriving Ukrainians](https://www.panasd.org/afghans-face-insurmountable-challenges-in-fleeing-to-us-a-stark-contrast-to-arriving-ukrainians.md) - After the last evacuation flights left Afghanistan, Homayra Yusufi’s family was one of many that scrambled to file applications to help their loved ones reach safety in the United States.Well…
- [Sign-On Letter: Preventing Famine and Rescinding Executive Order on Afghanistan’s frozen funds](https://www.panasd.org/preventing-famine-and-rescinding-executive-order.md)
- [Civil Rights Groups to White House: Discriminatory ‘National Security’ Policies Must End](https://www.panasd.org/civil-rights-groups-to-white-house-discriminatory-national-security-policies-must-end.md) - New Memorandum from Leading Civil Rights Advocates Documents the Most Egregious Federal Programs that Surveil, Profile, and Criminalize Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian Communities Twenty Years after President Bush Announced the “War on Terror,” Civil Rights Organizatio…
- [Here’s why Muslim refugees don’t feel safe in the United States](https://www.panasd.org/opinion-heres-why-muslim-refugees-dont-feel-safe-in-the-united-states.md) - Al-Agha is a community organizer with Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans and lives in Escondido. Erikat is a Palestinian-American who grew up in San Diego. She is the policy associate…
- [Newsom Pledges $37 Million For Afghanistan Refugee Crisis](https://www.panasd.org/newsom-pledges-37-million-for-afghanistan-refugee-crisis.md) - https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/newsom-pledges-37-million-for-afghanistan-refugee-crisis
- [Despite eviction moratoriums and rent relief, families are still being evicted](https://www.panasd.org/opinion-despite-eviction-moratoriums-and-rent-relief-families-are-still-being-evicted.md) - Sahid is the founder and executive director of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans. She lives in City Heights.Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 14.5 percent of San D…
- [Afghan Americans in San Diego pressure Biden and Congress to act as Taliban takes over](https://www.panasd.org/afghan-americans-in-san-diego-pressure-biden-and-congress-to-act-as-taliban-takes-over.md) - Nargis Habib knows what it means to live as a girl under Taliban rule.The San Marcos entrepreneur grew up in Afghanistan and was educated underground, her classrooms hidden away in basements becaus…
- [Afghanistan needs humanitarian aid for civilians and homes for refugees](https://www.panasd.org/opinion-afghanistan-needs-humanitarian-aid-for-civilians-and-homes-for-refugees.md) - Yusufi is an Afghan American who grew up in San Diego. She is the deputy director for the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) and lives in San Marcos. To prevent a humanitarian …
- [Years after escaping Afghanistan, refugee advocate calls for immediate humanitarian response](https://www.panasd.org/years-after-escaping-afghanistan-refugee-advocate-calls-for-immediate-humanitarian-response.md) - The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is growing more dire, with thousands displaced from their homes, banks shut down, and aid workers forced to flee.
- [Afghan-American Coalition Releases Call to Action for U.S. Government Assistance to Afghanistan](https://www.panasd.org/afghan-american-coalition-releases-call-to-action-for-us-government-assistance-to-afghanistan.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2021 Media Contact: Homayra Yusufi, homayra@panasd.org, (619) 363-6948 afghanamericancoalition@gmail.com August 17, 2021 -- Decades of conflict and the execution of the U.S. military withdrawal in Afghanistan have all contributed to this worsening hu…
- [Decision on ShotSpotter contract delayed in San Diego](https://www.panasd.org/decision-on-shotspotter-contract-delayed-in-san-diego.md) - Community activists are calling for more oversight of the gunfire detection system but the mayor's office says it could be expanded in other neighborhoods
- [Advocates Urge San Diego City Council To Delay Vote On Surveillance Technology Contract](https://www.panasd.org/advocates-urge-san-diego-city-council-to-delay-vote-on-surveillance-technology-contract.md) - Councilmembers are set to vote on whether to keep using ShotSpotter, a system that is supposed to detect when gunshots are fired. Advocates say the technology is flawed and creates community distrust.
- [Digital Equity Gap In Refugee Community Makes Recovering From Pandemic Challenging](https://www.panasd.org/digital-equity-gap-in-refugee-community-makes-recovering-from-pandemic-challenging.md) - Our partners at inewsource report that for San Diego’s refugees, digital barriers could imperil their economic recovery even as the pandemic wanes.
- [Door knocking campaign for vaccine outreach underway in San Diego County](https://www.panasd.org/door-knocking-campaign-for-vaccine-outreach-underway-in-san-diego-county.md) - Door knocking campaign for COVID vaccine outreach launched in San Diego County
- [Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer Proposes Immigrant Legal Defense Program](https://www.panasd.org/supervisor-terra-lawson-remer-proposes-immigrant-legal-defense-program-2.md)
- [Supervisor proposes legal help for people in immigration custody in San Diego County](https://www.panasd.org/supervisor-lawson-remer-immigration-custody.md) - San Diego County may join a growing list of local governments providing attorneys to people held in federal immigration custody.Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer has proposed a one-year pilot program w…
- [Outrage over Biden administration's apparent about-face on refugee caps](https://www.panasd.org/outrage-over-biden-administrations-apparent-about-face-on-refugee-caps.md) - 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
- [Biden Turns His Back on Refugees Fleeing Danger](https://www.panasd.org/biden-turns-his-back-on-refugees-fleeing-danger-2.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2021 Media Contact: Homayra Yusufi, homayra@panasd.org, 858-869-3974 The Biden Administration announced today that it will not fulfill its commitment to restore the refugee resettlement program and repeal Trump’s harmful, xenophobic, and immorally low…
- [Pandemic complicates life for refugees in San Diego - Los Angeles Times](https://www.panasd.org/pandemic-challenges-san-diego-refugees.md) - 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.
- [Refugees Disproportionately Suffering From Unemployment, Hate Crimes, Mental Health Challenges, and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.panasd.org/refugees-experiences-report-2.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2021 Media Contact: Homayra Yusufi, homayra@panasd.org, 858-869-3974 Jeanine Erikat, jeanine@panasd.org, 858-652-2911 San Diego, CA -- The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) today released preliminary findings from its biennial Sa…
- [Middle Eastern Communities Say Census Whitewashes Their Numbers, Needs](https://www.panasd.org/middle-eastern-communities-say-census-whitewashes-their-numbers-needs.md) - 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.
- [As smart city technology advances, community groups warn of privacy concerns](https://www.panasd.org/as-smart-city-technology-advances-community-groups-warn-of-privacy-concerns.md) - 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.
- [Mayor Gloria forms advisory group to help tackle challenges facing Black communities](https://www.panasd.org/mayor-gloria-forms-advisory-group-to-help-tackle-challenges-facing-black-communities.md) - The advisory group will meet quarterly and hold its first meeting on Feb. 19.
- [African Communities Warn Language Issues Could Shut Them Out of Redistricting](https://www.panasd.org/african-communities-warn-language-issues-could-shut-them-out-of-redistricting.md) - 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.
- [Kaiser Permanente Pledges $100,000 for San Diego-Based Refugee Nonprofit](https://www.panasd.org/kaiser-permanente-pledges-100000-for-san-diego-based-refugee-nonprofit-january-18-2021.md)
- [Streetlight Spy Cameras Have Led to a Massive Privacy Backlash in San Diego](https://www.panasd.org/streetlight-spy-cameras-have-led-to-a-massive-privacy-backlash-in-san-diego.md)
- [Cops Tap Smart Streetlights Sparking Controversy and Legislation](https://www.panasd.org/cops-tap-smart-streetlights-sparking-controversy-and-legislation.md)
- [Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans Challenges Trump’s Order Excluding Undocumented Immigrants from Census Apportionment Calculations](https://www.panasd.org/census-apportionment-calculations.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2020 MEDIA CONTACT: Contact: Ramla Sahid, 619-265-6611, ramla@panasd.org On Thursday, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) proudly joined Common Cause, the cities of Atlanta, Georgia, and Paterson, New Jersey, and individual voters i…
- [PANA Condemns Expansion of Trump’s Muslim Ban](https://www.panasd.org/nomuslimbanever.md) - 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 b…
- [New Call Center Encourages Apprehensive Immigrants To Complete The Census](https://www.panasd.org/new-call-center-encourages-apprehensive-immigrants-to-complete-the-census.md)
- [The Census Sets Out To Hire Thousands Of People](https://www.panasd.org/ensus-sets-out-hire-thousands-people.md)
- [Man Pleads Guilty in Attack on Syrian Refugee Who Was Speaking Arabic](https://www.panasd.org/syrian-refugee-attacked-san-diego.md)
- [San Diego Police Investigating Attack on Teen Syrian Refugee as Hate Crime](https://www.panasd.org/san-diego-police-investigating-attack-on-teen-syrian-refugee-as-hate-crime.md)
- [Black Immigrant Organizations on Death of Cameroonian Asylum Seeker at Otay Mesa Detention Facility](https://www.panasd.org/death-of-cameroonian-npbba.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 2019 Contact: Ramla Sahid 619.363.6945 Ramla@panasd.org Ola Osaze 510.499.3262 Ola@transgenderlawcenter.org Guerline Jozef 917.496.2248 guerline.jozef@gmail.com Rebecca Alemayehu 805.276.3991 rebeccalalemayehu@gmail.com SAN DIEGO – We are devastated…
- [Syrian refugee, 17, attacked on San Diego trolley by man shouting slurs, police say](https://www.panasd.org/syria-refugee-san-diego-attack-report-hate-crimes.md)
- [PANA Responds to Islamophobic attack of minor on MTS Trolley](https://www.panasd.org/attack-of-minor-2.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2019 Contact: Homayra Yusufi Sahid (619) 363-7535 homayra@panasd.org SAN DIEGO - A 17-year old high school student beaten in an unprovoked, anti-Arab hate crime while riding MTS trolley Tuesday afternoon. A San Diego minor and Syrian Refugee was ret…
- [PANA and AOL on Death of Cameroonian Asylum Seeker at Otay Mesa Detention Facility](https://www.panasd.org/death-of-cameroonian.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 2019 Contact: * Ramla Sahid 619.363.6945 Ramla@panasd.org * Melissa Flores Melissa@alotrolado.org SAN DIEGO – We are deeply troubled that on the very first day of ICE's fiscal year, Nebane Abienwi’s death began the death count of immigrants being hel…
- [San Diego's smart streetlights misunderstood, officials say](https://www.panasd.org/san-diegos-smart-streetlights-misunderstood-officials-say-2.md)
- [San Diego’s Climate Crisis: The Impacts Of A Warming World On Refugee Communities](https://www.panasd.org/san-diegos-climate-crisis-2.md)
- [Protesters call for San Diego to suspend ‘smart streetlight’ technology, citing privacy concerns](https://www.panasd.org/protesters-call-for-san-diego-to-suspend-smart-streetlight-technology-citing-privacy-concerns-2.md)
- [Policy and Campaigns](https://www.panasd.org/policy-and-campaigns.md) - 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 camp…
- [Geneviéve Jones-Wright named First Legal Director at PANA](https://www.panasd.org/newlegaldirector-2.md) - Groundbreaking new position will help defend rights of refugees and immigrant communities SAN DIEGO -- The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) announced today that Geneviéve Jones-Wright will join the organization as its first legal director. “We are thrilled to bring Geneviéve’…
- [World Refugee Day 2019](https://www.panasd.org/worldrefugeeda2019-2.md) - June 20th 2019 Why do we celebrate World Refugee Day? Since the adoption by the United Nations in 2000, the commemoration of June 20th as International World Refugee Day has been observed by civil society organizations around the globe. In a world where ever increasing violence and persecution has…
- [PANA Statement on Mosque Shootings in Christchurch, NZ](https://www.panasd.org/hellobrother.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2019 Contact: Ramla Sahid 619.265.6611 ramla@panasd.org We stand with the families of the victims and the Christchurch Muslim Community SAN DIEGO – At the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans - PANA, we’re heartbroken to hear the news of l…
- [Proactive Narratives](https://www.panasd.org/proactive-narratives.md) - 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 dee…
- [Human Rights Day of Action Highlights](https://www.panasd.org/human-rights-day-of-action-wcdks.md) - 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…
- [PANA Statement on President’s Third Attempt at a Muslim Ban: Original Intent to Discriminate Remains and Is Now Indefinite](https://www.panasd.org/scotus-2.md) - PRESS STATEMENT: SAN DIEGO – Today’s Supreme Court decision and its endorsement of Trump’s white nationalist agenda is an incredibly dark day in our history. This ruling follows the history of past immoral Supreme Court decisions upholding slavery and interming Americans based on their Japanese anc…
- [Civic Engagement](https://www.panasd.org/civic-engagement.md) - 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 E…
- [KPBS: International Museum Looks Local For Latest Multicultural Offering](https://www.panasd.org/kpbs-international-museum-looks-local-for-latest-multicultural-offering-2.md)
- [Workers World: San Diego solidarity with Palestine](https://www.panasd.org/workers-world-san-diego-solidarity-with-palestine-2.md)
- [SD Union-Tribune: Supervisors vote to support the Trump lawsuit against California sanctuary laws](https://www.panasd.org/sd-union-tribune-supervisors-vote-to-support-the-trump-lawsuit-against-california-sanctuary-laws-2.md)
- [PANA Strongly Opposes Board of Supervisors' Move to Join Trump Administration's Challenge to California's Sanctuary Laws](https://www.panasd.org/pana-strongly-opposes-board-of-supervisors-move-to-join-trump-administrations-challenge-to-californias-sanctuary-laws.md) - The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, PANA, is horrified that the San Diego County Board of Supervisors is considering joining the Trump administration's lawsuit against California's sanctuary laws. The chair of the Board of Supervisors, Kristin Gaspar, announced yesterday that the…
- [PANA Statement on California’s Sustainable and Affordable (CASA) Housing Act](https://www.panasd.org/casa.md) - Optimism for a Statewide Initiative to Address Insufficient Housing for Low Income People: The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) issues the following statement, attributable to PANA’s executive director, Ramla Sahid, in response to today’s announcement by Assemblymember Todd G…
- [Voice of SD: Revisiting the Biggest Conversations of the Year](https://www.panasd.org/voice-of-sd-revisiting-the-biggest-conversations-of-the-year.md)
- [Voice of SD: Joint Labor-Business Group Prepping a 2018 Convention Center Ballot Measure](https://www.panasd.org/voice-of-sd-joint-labor-business-group-prepping-a-2018-convention-center-ballot-measure.md)
- [Voice of SD: Voice of the Year: Ramla Sahid](https://www.panasd.org/voice-of-sd-voice-of-the-year-ramla-sahid.md)
- [Sacramento Bee: Refugees need more help with housing](https://www.panasd.org/sacramento-bee-refugees-need-more-help-with-housing.md)
- [KPBS: How San Diego's Foreign Language Speakers Stay Informed About Wildfires](https://www.panasd.org/kpbs-how-san-diegos-foreign-language-speakers-stay-informed-about-wildfires-2.md)
- [Sign-on: Human Rights Day of Action 2017](https://www.panasd.org/sign-on-human-rights-day-of-action-2017.md) - Organization Sign-On Statement San Diego County is a multinational, multicultural region with vibrant immigrant and refugee populations. With the erosion of public trust in government and increasingly uncivil public discourse, we call on our local lawmakers to stand up for all San Diegans and to en…
- [CityBeat: Refugee Renaissance](https://www.panasd.org/citybeat-refugee-renaissance.md)
- [Meet the 6 former-refugee winners of last week's elections](https://www.panasd.org/meet-the-6-former-refugee-winners-of-last-weeks-elections-2.md) - [caption id align="alignnone" width="1600"] Top row: Abdi Warsame, Kathy Tran, AK Hassan. Bottom row: Zak Idan, Wilmot Collins, Fartun Ahmed. [https://www.panasd.org/caption] 4 Somali-American candidates swept elections across the state of Minnesota: * Abdi Warsame won a seat on City Council in Min…
- [El Cajon’s New Majority-Minority Districts](https://www.panasd.org/el-cajons-new-majority-minority-districts.md) - 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…
- [PANA Launches Build Better San Diego Coalition](https://www.panasd.org/pana-launches-build-better-san-diego-coalition.md) - In June 2016, PANA released it's first report, "San Diego Refugee Experiences," the conclusion of 50 house meetings led by San Diego refugee residents to study how the community is faring in areas such as health, education, jobs and housing. What we found was that across all of our communities, for…
- [Meet the 6 former-refugee winners of last week's elections](https://www.panasd.org/meet-the-6-former-refugee-winners-of-last-weeks-elections.md) - [caption id align="alignnone" width="1600"] Top row: Abdi Warsame, Kathy Tran, AK Hassan. Bottom row: Zak Idan, Wilmot Collins, Fartun Ahmed. [https://www.panasd.org/caption] 4 Somali-American candidates swept elections across the state of Minnesota: * Abdi Warsame won a seat on City Council in Min…
- [San Diegans say: No Muslim Ban Ever](https://www.panasd.org/san-diegans-say-no-muslim-ban-ever.md) - [caption id align="alignnone" width="2400"] Retweet this photo - Re-share on Facebook - Share your photos on Facebook [/caption] Thank you to all who joined at Fight Back #PowerHour us to stand in solidarity with our Muslim and Refugee communities to declare #NoMuslimBanEver last night. Thanks to y…
- [CityBeat: Neighborhood Watch: City Heights](https://www.panasd.org/citybeat-neighborhood-watch-city-heights.md)
- [SD Union-Tribune: Women of SD: It is time to flip the script on the status quo](https://www.panasd.org/sd-union-tribune-women-of-sd-it-is-time-to-flip-the-script-on-the-status-quo.md)
- [Times of SD: City Heights Gifted $20K to Boost Refugee, Immigrant Civic Participation](https://www.panasd.org/times-of-sd-city-heights-gifted-20k-to-boost-civic-participation.md)
- [Fight Back](https://www.panasd.org/fight-back.md) - On a Tuesday night, 10 grassroots groups and 150 San Diegans gathered for tacos and an evening of cross-community solidarity, standing against the targeting and criminalization of Muslim, newcomer, and immigrant community members.On October 10, the Supreme Court of the United States will be hearing…
- [SD Free Press: Convention Center Expansion Gets Thumbs Down From PANA](https://www.panasd.org/sd-free-press-convention-center-expansion-gets-thumbs-down-from-pana.md)
- [PANA Statement on Convention Center, Homelessness and Affordable Housing](https://www.panasd.org/pana-statement-on-convention-center-homelessness-affordable-housing.md) - Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) has received multiple inquiries about an article in VoiceofSanDiego.org on September 22, 2017, concerning negotiations with the tourism industry and representatives of Mayor Kevin Faulconer. PANA’s response is as follows: 1. PANA will not be a…
- [PANA Statement on President’s Third Attempt at a Muslim Ban](https://www.panasd.org/presidents-third-attempt-at-a-muslim-ban.md) - PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2017 Contact: Ramla Sahid 619.265.6611 ramla@panasd.org PANA Statement on President’s Third Attempt at a Muslim Ban Original Intent to Discriminate Remains and Is Now Indefinite SAN DIEGO – President Donald Trump buried on a Sunday afternoon annou…

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