At the National Advocacy Days Refugee Council Conference, the IRC in NY’s very own Luis Mejia’s served as the New York’s Refugee Congress Delegate (RCD). Luis is the IRC in NY’s Workforce Development Specialist/Acting Interim Economic Empowerment Manager. He was thrilled to be voted for the RCD position. 

The National Advocacy Days conference is held every year since 2019. This year, it occurred from May 1st to May 3rd. The purpose of this conference is to discuss the challenges faced by USCIS arrivals. It was also a platform to discuss funding gaps in resettlement programming.  

Refugee Council USA
Refugee Council USA
Photo: Refugee Council USA

The role of the RCD is to provide advocacy for refugees, asylum seekers, paroles, and migrants. In this role, advocates discuss key issues concerning the livelihood and living conditions of migrants arriving in New York City.  

The IRC in NY caught up with Luis about the conference:  

How was the conference?

“Prior to the conference, we had meetings amongst all RCD across the nation. We prepared for our upcoming meetings with congress representatives and senators. That was followed by training where we gained knowledge about the importance of the conference as well as our role.” 

On May 1, there was the Refugee Leader Training Workshop where delegates learned about the structural and legislative power as well as the current projects of Congress, including its senators and representatives.  

On May 2 and 3, delegates dove into discussion topics: 

“My favorite topic was Ways to Welcome Refugees. This topic hits home for me because I was also a refugee. During my time of need, it was important to feel accepted and not judged for my situation. People usually think that providing money is what is best to offer to make someone feel welcome... 

“However, the best way to welcome is to provide friendship and guidance on how things work over here from public transportation, work, or even the laundry mat. Everything is different. The best way to welcome is to support someone with navigating spaces through the small details such as which apps to use, or which coins to get for the laundry mat. These resources as well as the warmth of friendship helped me out in my journey, especially throughout my first three years of arrival. I felt more independent as I continued to use these resources.” 

Refugee Council Conference
Refugee Council Conference
Photo: Luis Mejia and peers at the Refugee Council Conference.

What can you share about those conversations? 

I had the opportunity to outline some of the challenges refugees and asylees face upon arrival. It was helpful to hear the perspectives of advocates who also work for resettlement agencies and who understand the systemic barriers shaping resettlement today. One of these challenges is applying for permanent residency. At the conference, I spoke to Office representatives of Sen. Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Rep Velazquez, and Rep Lawler.  

What do you hope congress representatives and advocates take away from what you shared that day? 

"This conference made me feel proud. Proud to represent all refugees and of course my country and Latinos. I wanted to echo the importance of investing in welcoming and supporting refugees and asylees and asylum seekers. Newcomers need lots of time to integrate and fully resettle. Support should look like extending assistance to alleviate prolonged challenges. This comes with the sharing of resources and opportunities to make migrants feel seen and heard. 

...I understand the wide scope of needs and problems migrants of different statuses encounter post-arrival. My current role with the Economic Empowerment Department gives me insight into the needs of the migrant community. It prepares me for this external role as Refugee Congress Delegate."

To learn more about the conference, click here!