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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.

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Know the Value of Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
Immigrants and refugees add to the vibrancy of our nation. As a nation of immigrants and refugees, America has been the historical destination of “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” and those who are persecuted for their race, religion, political opinion, gender, or social group. In these politically divisive times, it's easy to get distracted and swept up in the…
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People taking the oath of naturalization.

Dispelling Myths About Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
Myth: “Those countries are emptying their prisons and sending them here.” Truth: American immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than US-born people. Source: Cato Institute (February 2024) and Immigrants less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born: NPR- reporting on a study by The Marshall Project(March 2018) Why Are Immigrants’ Incarceration Rates So Low? Evidence On Selective Immigration, Deterrence, and…
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IIB's annual winter coat drive provides winter attire to our newly arrived refugee clients.

Donate Winter Coats to Help a Refugee Family!

By Donations
Buffalo winters can be brutal. Please help refugee families with your new or gently used winter coats. For many, this will be their first time experiencing cold weather! At this time, we're accepting donations of Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large coats. For more information and to schedule your drop off, email our donations coordinator:  donations@iibuff.org There…
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IIB Design

Support IIB with Custom Designed Gear!

By Donations, News
Show your support for the International Insititute of Buffalo by purchasing gear sporting a design that celebrates Buffalo's history of welcoming people from around the globe. The design is inspired by the US Stars and Stripes and features buffalos representing 195 flags of countries and ethnic communities of the world. Twenty percent of the proceeds from each purchase will go…
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Singer Jon Secada

Jon Secada: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

By Education
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight three-time Grammy award winner Juan Francisco Secada Ramírez—professionally known as Jon Secada. Born October 4, 1961, in Havana, Cuba, Jon Secada spent his earliest years living amidst…
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New Americans taking the oath of citizenship

IIB Welcomes 50 New Americans from 24 Countries!

By In the Community, News
We were honored to welcome 50 New Americans from 24 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony in downtown Buffalo this week. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Bangladesh, Burma, Burundi, Canada, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Lebanon, Liberia, Pakistan, Portugal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand,…
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Fernanda Lastra: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

By Education, History
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who've helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Conductor Fernanda Lastra of Argentina. Fernanda Lastra was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Her passion for music started at just…
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Good News

September 2024 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our September 2024 Newsletter. In this month's newsletter: Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi comments on people who lie about immigrants and refugees for political gain Information on our next fundraiser, The Refugees of Comedy! The date for Model UN 2025 has been set A spotlight on the people who…
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