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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.

Apr 17
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In Case You Missed It! Rizzo-Choi Explains Federal Policy Impacts on WNY with BTPM NPR

By In the Community, Media Mentions, News
In case you missed it, Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi recently stopped by the Buffalo Toronto Public Media NPR to chat with "What's Next?" anchor Jay Moran on how recent federal policy, including the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), impacts Western New York and IIB operations. Rizzo-Choi also touched on the positive community response, broke down the differences…
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Apr 14
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Dr. Mona Hanna: Arab American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, News
  In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we highlight Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, an Iraqi American professor, pediatrician, and public health advocate whose groundbreaking research helped expose the Flint water crisis. Mona Hanna-Attisha was born in Sheffield,…
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Apr 11
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Help Refugees Without Spending Any Money…

By News
We need your help. In 2024 alone, upstate agencies assisted 6,785 people as they rebuilt their lives. Since 2017, NYSESRP funding from Albany has sustained and supported refugee resettlement agencies as they do the vital work of empowering refugees to become economically and socially self-sufficient as they put down roots in our communities. Nationwide, 50% of resettlement agencies closed during…
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Apr 09
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IIB Welcomes 55 New Americans from 25 Countries

By In the Community, News
Jennifer Rizzo-Choi was invited to present while welcoming 55 New Americans from 25 countries as they took their citizenship oaths at a special U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony at Iroquois High School. These New Americans are from: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Burma, Canada, China, Congo, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Hungary, India, Italy, Jamaica, South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia,…
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Apr 07
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Kahlil Gibran: Arab American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, News
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we highlight Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer, poet, and philosopher whose works have left a lasting impact on literature and human thought worldwide. Gibran's ability to blend Eastern and Western…
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Apr 02
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Farouk El-Baz: Arab American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By News
  In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who've helped shape America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we highlight Farouk El-Baz, an Egyptian American scientist whose work was instrumental in planning NASA's Apollo Program. He was part of the team responsible for selecting the lunar sites…
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Mar 31
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Jennifer Rizzo-Choi and Mayor Scanlon

Rizzo-Choi Honored by the City of Buffalo for Women’s History Month

By Education, News
Majority Leader for the Buffalo Common Council Leah Halton-Pope, Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, and Mayor Scanlon Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi was one of eight women honored during a ceremony held at Buffalo City Hall today to celebrate Women's History Month. Along with the accomplishments of the honorees, Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon recognized the contributions and achievements women have made throughout the City…
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Mar 28
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Sign Reads "Update"

March 2025 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our March 2025 Newsletter. In this month's newsletter: Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi on the suspension of The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and how IIB is adjusting Community World Trivia coming Thursday, April 17 IIB is now on Bluesky IIB in the News A Spotlight on the…
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Mar 28
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Lea Salonga: Women’s History Month and Recognizing Women Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
Photo Credit: The Tony Awards - First Impressions  In honor of Women's History Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrant and refugee women who have helped shape America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we celebrate Lea Salonga, the Tony Award-winning actress and renowned singer whose voice has left a lasting mark on musical theater. Maria Lea…
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