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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.

Sign Reads "Update"

February 2026 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our February 2026 Newsletter. Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi discusses the importance of Community, Reflection, and Renewal during this time of year Chinese New Year at IIB Black History Month Acknowledging immigrant and refugee Olympians who helped Team USA Welcoming New Americans Winter Weather Preparedness information in 13 languages…
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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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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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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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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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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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Augustus Saint-Gaudens: 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 preeminent American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Augustus Saint-Gaudens was born in Dublin in 1848 to working-class parents – his father was a local shoemaker. When he was just six months…
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Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell: 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 the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, America’s first female physician. Elizabeth Blackwell was born in Bristol, England, in 1821. When she was 11, her family relocated to America for better economic…
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Liam Neeson: Irish History Month and Recognizing Women Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
Photo Credit: John Russo 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 award-winning actor Liam Neeson. Born William John Neeson in June 1952 in Northern Ireland, Liam Neeson was raised by modest parents. His father was an…
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Theresia Gouw: 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 the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight trailblazing entrepreneur Theresia Gouw. Theresia was born in 1968 in Indonesia to parents of Chinese descent. Due to rising political tensions In Indonesia at the time, her and…
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