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Stay connected with International Institute of Buffalo happenings, news, interviews and other resources for the New American community and its supporters.

Mar 31
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Sign Reads "Update"

March 2026 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our March 2026 Newsletter. Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi discusses how New York values our foreign-born neighbors Community World Trivia coming on Thursday, April 30 Results from Model United Nations Irish History Month Women's History Month Welcoming New Americans Having data to make informed decisions A spotlight on the…
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Jan 29
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The Constitution

Know Your Rights

By Education
Regardless of your citizenship status, you have protections under the U.S. Constitution. Please pass this information to anyone who is worried about their rights if stopped and questioned by immigration officers or other law enforcement. Here are info cards to help you assert your rights provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center: عربية  Arabic Legal Rights Information Card বাাংলা Bengali…
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Apr 01
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IIB Welcomes 20 New Americans from 9 Countries

By In the Community, News
We were honored to welcome 20 New Americans from 9 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony in downtown Buffalo. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Bangladesh, Canada, Congo, Dominican Republic, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Mexico, and Vietnam. Additionally, the President of Canisius University, Steve K. Stoute,…
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Mar 27
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Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Joins IIB for Community Art Project

By News
Recently, members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus visited to join New Americans and IIB team members for a fun and therapeutic afternoon of arts and crafts. The creations, while varied, all shared themes of synergy and peace. The themes coincided with the chorus’ recent concert, called Passion Projects – a collaboration between the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, Westminster Choir, and Buffalo…
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Mar 27
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Vincent O’Neill: Irish History Month and Recognizing Irish Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
In celebration of Irish American Heritage Month, we are recognizing the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight renowned actor, director, and co-founder of Buffalo’s Irish Classical Theatre Company, Vincent O’Neill. Vincent O’Neill was born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 21, 1950. The middle child among five…
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Mar 25
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Dr. Adiam Tsegai: Women’s History Month and Recognizing Women Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
In honor of Women’s History Month, we recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrant and refugee women who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight SUNY Erie Community College President, Dr. Adiam Tsegai. Dr. Adiam Tsegai was born in Eritrea, East Africa, and immigrated to the Bronx, New York, with her family in the 1980s.…
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Mar 24
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Donations Needed

By Donations
Although our refugee resettlement program has seen challenges over the last few years, we are still working to assist our newest neighbors integrate as valued members of our community. The International Institute of Buffalo has always relied on community support, and we still need your help! Basic household items from pillows and trashcans to deodorant and laundry detergent significantly help…
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Mar 20
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Maureen O’Hara: Irish History Month and Recognizing Irish Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
In celebration of Irish American Heritage Month, we are recognizing the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Hollywood Golden Age actress Maureen O’Hara. Maureen Fitzsimons, later known as Maureen O’Hara, was born in Ranelagh, Ireland, in 1920. The second-oldest of five siblings, she credited her close-knit…
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Mar 19
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Chien-Shiung Wu: Women’s History Month and Recognizing Women Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
In honor of Women’s History Month, we recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrant and refugee women who’ve helped shape America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight trailblazing physicist Chien-Shiung Wu. Wu was born in 1912 in Liuhe, China, the same year the Republic of China was founded. Her father, an intellectual and engineer, encouraged her to…
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Mar 19
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Student Participation Again Sets New Record at Model United Nations Competition

By Model UN, News
The International Institute of Buffalo hosted its most successful Model United Nations competition to date, its 21st year of sponsoring the event. This year’s gathering topped last year’s competition as the largest ever, registering 883 students from 47 area high schools. The delegates represented 76 countries. The students gathered at Knox and Norton Halls on SUNY Buffalo's North Campus. “There…
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