In the opening scenes of the trailer for “Utica: The Last Refuge,” we witness the Azein family, recently arrived from Sudan, adjusting to their new life in Utica, while President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies play in the background. This powerful documentary provides a real-time account of the current migrant situation in the Capital Region, which will be screened twice on June 20, World Refugee Day, as a fundraiser for the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus.
The event details for the World Refugee Day celebration and “Utica: The Last Refuge” screening are as follows: it will take place on Tuesday, June 20, with film screenings at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and a reception from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Opalka Gallery in Albany. General admission tickets are priced at $15 and can be purchased online through the RISSE website.
“Utica: The Last Refuge” beautifully captures the journey of the Azein family over a span of two and a half years as they forge a new life in Utica. The documentary also sheds light on the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees and their efforts to navigate the challenges posed by the Trump Administration’s immigration policies.
Daniel Butterworth, the executive director of RISSE, was deeply moved by the film when he first saw it at the Landmark Spectrum in Albany. He was struck by how it portrayed newcomers integrating into a community, countering the narrative that refugees and immigrants are a burden. The decision to host two screenings on World Refugee Day was driven by the desire to reinforce this message.
“This film tells the story of how refugees and immigrants have contributed to the economic resurgence of Utica and the strong bonds they have formed within the community,” Butterworth explained. “Especially in these turbulent times, where rhetoric is divisive even within our own region, it’s important to showcase the positive impact of newcomers.”
In recent times, the Capital Region has experienced an influx of migrants bused from New York City as a result of the expiration of Title 42. This surge in numbers has placed strains on organizations already struggling to support the increased capacity of federal refugee camps, which has risen from 12,500 under the Trump Administration to 125,000 under President Joseph Biden.
“The infrastructure at various levels, from federal to local, had significantly deteriorated during the Trump years, making it challenging to ramp up operations quickly,” Butterworth remarked. “With the ending of Title 42 and the ability to claim asylum at the southern border post-COVID, it further adds to the struggle faced by an overtaxed, understaffed, and under-resourced system.”
In response to these challenges, regional organizations such as the Refugee Welcome Center, USCRI Albany, Capital District Latinos, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, Russell Sage Intercultural Cafe, Every Campus a Refuge, Upstitch, Columbia County Sanctuary, Albany Law Immigration Law Clinic, Capital District Border Watch, and the New York Immigration Coalition have collaborated to provide assistance in the form of donations, English language courses, and resource connections.
However, Butterworth acknowledges that there are still obstacles to overcome. Communication gaps across the state are common, and there is a shortage of immigration lawyers to help with the complex asylum application process. Additionally, many migrants do not meet the legal criteria for refugee status as defined by the United Nations, even though they are fleeing violence and persecution. As a result, they lack the necessary resources to apply for refugee resettlement.
“At the end of the day, the legal distinction is irrelevant,” Butterworth emphasized. “We are here to serve individuals who, like all of us, have basic human needs such as food, shelter, clothing, safety, comfort, and community.”
While the event serves as a fundraiser for RISSE, it also embraces a collaborative model by involving partner organizations. Russell Sage College, which has played a vital role in supporting these organizations and newcomers through its International Cafe, Every Campus a Refuge program, and Service Learning program, will host the event at its Opalka Gallery in Albany.
“We aim to move away from the conventional notion of a college campus being an isolated entity,” said Ali Schaeffing, director of the Service Learning program. “Instead, we strive for community engagement and partnership, where we all learn and grow together as part of a larger community.”
In addition to the screening of “Utica: The Last Refuge,” the event will feature artwork and poetry created by newcomers participating in various programs offered by the partner organizations, including after-school activities for children and teenagers.
“While it may be difficult to call this a celebration of World Refugee Day, as it highlights the plight of refugees in our world, it presents an opportunity for us to celebrate those who have become an integral part of our community,” Butterworth concluded.
In conclusion, the World Refugee Day celebration and screening of “Utica: The Last Refuge” provide a platform to showcase the resilience and contributions of refugees and immigrants, shedding light on their positive impact on communities like Utica. This collaborative event demonstrates the power of collective efforts to support newcomers and highlights the need for increased resources and communication to address the challenges faced by both migrants and refugee organizations.
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