Krish O'Mara Vignarajah
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social
Proud mom | President & CEO @globalrefuge.bsky.social | Policy Director in Obama White House | #RefugeesWelcome #ImmigrationReform
Pinned
As I shared on @theweekendprime.bsky.social, we’re witnessing the largest “de-documentation” effort in modern US history.
That runs contrary to the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly support a balanced approach between border security and functional legal immigration pathways.
That runs contrary to the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly support a balanced approach between border security and functional legal immigration pathways.
2025 was a year marked by both tremendous challenges and unexpected triumphs. In these unprecedented times, two facts remain unchanged: we are stronger together, and our work of welcome WILL continue!
Check out our Top 10 photos of 2025. ⬇️
Check out our Top 10 photos of 2025. ⬇️
New year, same commitment to welcoming refugees and other immigrants!
As we kick off another year in the work of welcome, join us in taking a look back at our top 10 photos of 2025. ✨➡️ https://bit.ly/4j7Qnwm
#refugeeswelcome #workofwelcome
As we kick off another year in the work of welcome, join us in taking a look back at our top 10 photos of 2025. ✨➡️ https://bit.ly/4j7Qnwm
#refugeeswelcome #workofwelcome
![Top 10 Photos of 2025
[Global Refuge logo]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uzjeirinyuc473vqvla2ym3t/bafkreifxjbs2ardeq47joyabw4ej6mbd6j5xup6g2d643pwgb6blxl3bxy@jpeg)
January 1, 2026 at 4:21 PM
2025 was a year marked by both tremendous challenges and unexpected triumphs. In these unprecedented times, two facts remain unchanged: we are stronger together, and our work of welcome WILL continue!
Check out our Top 10 photos of 2025. ⬇️
Check out our Top 10 photos of 2025. ⬇️
From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, another holiday, or simply taking time to rest and reconnect, I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and a fresh start for the year ahead.
📸: JAX Photography
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, another holiday, or simply taking time to rest and reconnect, I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and a fresh start for the year ahead.
📸: JAX Photography
December 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM
From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, another holiday, or simply taking time to rest and reconnect, I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and a fresh start for the year ahead.
📸: JAX Photography
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, another holiday, or simply taking time to rest and reconnect, I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and a fresh start for the year ahead.
📸: JAX Photography
There’s nothing like the energy of Hope for the Holidays at Global Refuge HQ!
From holiday cards to packing Neighbor Kits, it was a joy to come together with colleagues, supporters, & neighbors in service of the refugee families we serve. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
📸 Marlayna Photography
From holiday cards to packing Neighbor Kits, it was a joy to come together with colleagues, supporters, & neighbors in service of the refugee families we serve. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
📸 Marlayna Photography
December 19, 2025 at 7:11 PM
There’s nothing like the energy of Hope for the Holidays at Global Refuge HQ!
From holiday cards to packing Neighbor Kits, it was a joy to come together with colleagues, supporters, & neighbors in service of the refugee families we serve. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
📸 Marlayna Photography
From holiday cards to packing Neighbor Kits, it was a joy to come together with colleagues, supporters, & neighbors in service of the refugee families we serve. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
📸 Marlayna Photography
ICYMI: Enough is enough.
For nearly a year, refugees & other immigrants have been relentlessly targeted—their lives used to justify a cruel agenda of de-documentation & deportation.
We refuse to accept this escalating harm. We stand firmly in solidarity with our newest neighbors. Full statement. ⬇️
For nearly a year, refugees & other immigrants have been relentlessly targeted—their lives used to justify a cruel agenda of de-documentation & deportation.
We refuse to accept this escalating harm. We stand firmly in solidarity with our newest neighbors. Full statement. ⬇️
On #HumanRightsDay, let us reaffirm that at Global Refuge, we recognize the inherent dignity of all people.
We cannot ignore or abide this pattern of escalating violence, and we stand in solidarity with our refugee and other immigrant neighbors.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4oIvcCb
#RefugeesWelcome
We cannot ignore or abide this pattern of escalating violence, and we stand in solidarity with our refugee and other immigrant neighbors.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4oIvcCb
#RefugeesWelcome
![Refugees and other immigrants are still welcome... and always will be.
[Global Refuge logo]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uzjeirinyuc473vqvla2ym3t/bafkreibmfckknuekkesn5cm6euvlkqxqdljomznnni3o3pps3jesl7lhse@jpeg)
December 18, 2025 at 7:14 PM
ICYMI: Enough is enough.
For nearly a year, refugees & other immigrants have been relentlessly targeted—their lives used to justify a cruel agenda of de-documentation & deportation.
We refuse to accept this escalating harm. We stand firmly in solidarity with our newest neighbors. Full statement. ⬇️
For nearly a year, refugees & other immigrants have been relentlessly targeted—their lives used to justify a cruel agenda of de-documentation & deportation.
We refuse to accept this escalating harm. We stand firmly in solidarity with our newest neighbors. Full statement. ⬇️
The administration is once again using the language of security to justify blanket exclusions that punish entire populations, rather than utilizing individualized, evidence-based screening.
Full statement from Global Refuge: bit.ly/3L7k9op
Full statement from Global Refuge: bit.ly/3L7k9op
BREAKING: Global Refuge strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to dramatically expand its travel ban.
“Closing legal pathways does not eliminate need or risk; it simply pushes people further into harm’s way.” @krishvignarajah.bsky.social
📰 Read our full statement: bit.ly/3L7k9op
“Closing legal pathways does not eliminate need or risk; it simply pushes people further into harm’s way.” @krishvignarajah.bsky.social
📰 Read our full statement: bit.ly/3L7k9op
![BREAKING: Global Refuge strongly condemns expansion of sweeping travel ban
globalrefuge.org/press
[Global Refuge logo]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uzjeirinyuc473vqvla2ym3t/bafkreifqoleyrdwmxadgj464hk7gkhw5y3upuzq2jajodjxnbspqgfbmnu@jpeg)
December 17, 2025 at 12:27 AM
The administration is once again using the language of security to justify blanket exclusions that punish entire populations, rather than utilizing individualized, evidence-based screening.
Full statement from Global Refuge: bit.ly/3L7k9op
Full statement from Global Refuge: bit.ly/3L7k9op
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to every single person, community group, and congregation that showed up and supported @globalrefuge.bsky.social on Giving Tuesday! I am continuously inspired by this generous community—our work of welcome is made possible by each and every one of you!
#GivingTuesday may be over, but the needs of the refugee families we serve are ongoing and urgent. That’s why a generous donor has extended our matching gift up to $50,000! 🚨
➡️ Make a gift: https://bit.ly/48cdJ0d
➡️ Global Refuge Gift Guide: https://bit.ly/4pSVDGz
#RefugeesWelcome
➡️ Make a gift: https://bit.ly/48cdJ0d
➡️ Global Refuge Gift Guide: https://bit.ly/4pSVDGz
#RefugeesWelcome
![Thank you!
[Global Refuge logo]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uzjeirinyuc473vqvla2ym3t/bafkreigkwl4lffyrf7253fxaaqjugmyf73bwywnj62rtjsyks2toodai3i@jpeg)
December 8, 2025 at 3:06 PM
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to every single person, community group, and congregation that showed up and supported @globalrefuge.bsky.social on Giving Tuesday! I am continuously inspired by this generous community—our work of welcome is made possible by each and every one of you!
Reposted by Krish O'Mara Vignarajah
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social joins The Weekend: Primetime and describes the latest immigration moves by the Trump Administration as trying to "manufacture deportability at scale."
December 1, 2025 at 12:42 AM
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social joins The Weekend: Primetime and describes the latest immigration moves by the Trump Administration as trying to "manufacture deportability at scale."
Joined @cfcolemanjr.bsky.social to discuss immigration restrictions, many of which were underway before the tragic shooting in DC. What’s new and deeply troubling is the attempt to retroactively tie them to one heinous crime and cast suspicion on entire nationalities – including Afghan allies.
November 30, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Joined @cfcolemanjr.bsky.social to discuss immigration restrictions, many of which were underway before the tragic shooting in DC. What’s new and deeply troubling is the attempt to retroactively tie them to one heinous crime and cast suspicion on entire nationalities – including Afghan allies.
Reposted by Krish O'Mara Vignarajah
Please join my friend @cfcolemanjr.bsky.social on ‘Velshi’ 10a-12p w/
@bradmossesq.bsky.social
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social
Julie Carlson
@kierstenwhite.bsky.social
#Velshi
2/2
@bradmossesq.bsky.social
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social
Julie Carlson
@kierstenwhite.bsky.social
#Velshi
2/2
November 29, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Please join my friend @cfcolemanjr.bsky.social on ‘Velshi’ 10a-12p w/
@bradmossesq.bsky.social
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social
Julie Carlson
@kierstenwhite.bsky.social
#Velshi
2/2
@bradmossesq.bsky.social
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social
Julie Carlson
@kierstenwhite.bsky.social
#Velshi
2/2
Skip the mad dash of Black Friday and give the gift of welcome! We just launched our Global Refuge Gift Guide, a resource that allows you to fill the specific, tangible needs of the refugee and other immigrant families we serve. 👇🏽
Give groceries. Fund a child's education. Cover utilities for a month.
With the Global Refuge Gift Guide, you choose the needs you'd like to fill to give refugee and other immigrant families the support and welcome they deserve.
🎁➡️ Give today: https://bit.ly/4pSVDGz
#RefugeesWelcome
With the Global Refuge Gift Guide, you choose the needs you'd like to fill to give refugee and other immigrant families the support and welcome they deserve.
🎁➡️ Give today: https://bit.ly/4pSVDGz
#RefugeesWelcome
![Introducing the Global Refuge Gift Guide
Choose a gift.
Fill a need.
Welcome our neighbors.
globalrefuge.org/giftguide2025
[Global Refuge logo]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uzjeirinyuc473vqvla2ym3t/bafkreigrmdta32yflnyapoykp4guln2f3sxp7novtgcswkzemq3hp2p33a@jpeg)
November 28, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Skip the mad dash of Black Friday and give the gift of welcome! We just launched our Global Refuge Gift Guide, a resource that allows you to fill the specific, tangible needs of the refugee and other immigrant families we serve. 👇🏽
Grateful beyond words for family, for community, and for the everyday acts of kindness that hold us together. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.
November 27, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Grateful beyond words for family, for community, and for the everyday acts of kindness that hold us together. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.
As someone that has navigated my fair share of food fights (aka dinner table immigration conversations), I know that these difficult discussions can pave the way for thoughtful dialogue.
Check out our new Global Refuge conversation guide to help prepare you for productive conversations. 👇🏽
Check out our new Global Refuge conversation guide to help prepare you for productive conversations. 👇🏽
The holidays are upon us, bringing good food, great cheer… and the occasional awkward immigration conversation around the dinner table.
Talking about refugee and other immigrant rights has the potential to be lifesaving. Check out our new conversation guide: https://bit.ly/4ojLlOj
#RefugeesWelcome
Talking about refugee and other immigrant rights has the potential to be lifesaving. Check out our new conversation guide: https://bit.ly/4ojLlOj
#RefugeesWelcome
![[Global Refuge logo]
5 Tips for Having Difficult Conversations about Immigration this Holiday Season
globalrefuge.org/blog](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uzjeirinyuc473vqvla2ym3t/bafkreibhbmpakysepg6cvd4yhlar6sjvp73anp42ucfrfofsshrhoeevi4@jpeg)
November 26, 2025 at 6:26 PM
As someone that has navigated my fair share of food fights (aka dinner table immigration conversations), I know that these difficult discussions can pave the way for thoughtful dialogue.
Check out our new Global Refuge conversation guide to help prepare you for productive conversations. 👇🏽
Check out our new Global Refuge conversation guide to help prepare you for productive conversations. 👇🏽
As we face this moment of uncertainty, our commitment remains the same: to stand with those seeking safety, to uphold the principles of due process, and to ensure that our nation’s promise of protection endures.
Read our full @globalrefuge.bsky.social statement. ⬇️
Read our full @globalrefuge.bsky.social statement. ⬇️
BREAKING: This week, a memo surfaced from USCIS that the department plans to review and potentially re-interview the cases of 200,000+ refugees who were lawfully admitted to the U.S. between 2021 and early 2025.
📰 Read our full statement: bit.ly/3KaeFsE
#RefugeesWelcome
📰 Read our full statement: bit.ly/3KaeFsE
#RefugeesWelcome
November 25, 2025 at 9:05 PM
As we face this moment of uncertainty, our commitment remains the same: to stand with those seeking safety, to uphold the principles of due process, and to ensure that our nation’s promise of protection endures.
Read our full @globalrefuge.bsky.social statement. ⬇️
Read our full @globalrefuge.bsky.social statement. ⬇️
The delectable spread at our Global Refuge potluck did not disappoint! 👏🏽
I love this season of gatherings & the conversations over pumpkin muffins were as sweet as can be. I’m deeply grateful to work alongside so many creative, passionate colleagues (and chefs)! 🍽️❤️
I love this season of gatherings & the conversations over pumpkin muffins were as sweet as can be. I’m deeply grateful to work alongside so many creative, passionate colleagues (and chefs)! 🍽️❤️
November 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
The delectable spread at our Global Refuge potluck did not disappoint! 👏🏽
I love this season of gatherings & the conversations over pumpkin muffins were as sweet as can be. I’m deeply grateful to work alongside so many creative, passionate colleagues (and chefs)! 🍽️❤️
I love this season of gatherings & the conversations over pumpkin muffins were as sweet as can be. I’m deeply grateful to work alongside so many creative, passionate colleagues (and chefs)! 🍽️❤️
It's that time of year! ✨ One of my favorite @globalrefuge.bsky.social initiatives is Hope for the Holidays, an annual card-writing campaign that shares messages of warm welcome with refugees and other immigrants that may be feeling uncertain this holiday season. 💓
Learn more: globalrefuge.org/hope
Learn more: globalrefuge.org/hope
November 18, 2025 at 6:17 PM
It's that time of year! ✨ One of my favorite @globalrefuge.bsky.social initiatives is Hope for the Holidays, an annual card-writing campaign that shares messages of warm welcome with refugees and other immigrants that may be feeling uncertain this holiday season. 💓
Learn more: globalrefuge.org/hope
Learn more: globalrefuge.org/hope
Reposted by Krish O'Mara Vignarajah
This #VeteransDay, we commemorate those that have served our country, including the many refugee and other immigrant servicepeople that risk their lives for the ideals that built the United States: freedom, opportunity, and democracy.
November 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
This #VeteransDay, we commemorate those that have served our country, including the many refugee and other immigrant servicepeople that risk their lives for the ideals that built the United States: freedom, opportunity, and democracy.
What message are we sending when Afghan allies, Venezuelan dissidents and Rohingya genocide survivors are pushed aside while others leap the line?
My new @msnbc.com op-ed on the WH’s record-low refugee cap — an attempt to redefine who’s worthy of protection.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/rc...
My new @msnbc.com op-ed on the WH’s record-low refugee cap — an attempt to redefine who’s worthy of protection.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/rc...
I work with refugees. I've seen the human cost of Trump's policy changes.
The U.S. refugee program was never just about who we let in; it mirrors our character as a country. We can welcome more than 7,500 people. So why won't we?
www.msnbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:09 PM
What message are we sending when Afghan allies, Venezuelan dissidents and Rohingya genocide survivors are pushed aside while others leap the line?
My new @msnbc.com op-ed on the WH’s record-low refugee cap — an attempt to redefine who’s worthy of protection.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/rc...
My new @msnbc.com op-ed on the WH’s record-low refugee cap — an attempt to redefine who’s worthy of protection.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/rc...
This government shutdown is now officially the longest in U.S. history. Despite claims to the contrary, it’s not about “free healthcare for undocumented immigrants.”
That’s just not how the law works — and it’s time to get the facts straight.
That’s just not how the law works — and it’s time to get the facts straight.
November 6, 2025 at 5:13 PM
This government shutdown is now officially the longest in U.S. history. Despite claims to the contrary, it’s not about “free healthcare for undocumented immigrants.”
That’s just not how the law works — and it’s time to get the facts straight.
That’s just not how the law works — and it’s time to get the facts straight.
Afghan women’s rights activists.
Venezuelan dissidents.
Congolese families.
Persecuted religious minorities.
These are just a few of the vulnerable populations who will be left in harm’s way by the record-low refugee cap. My thanks to CNN for this important conversation. 👇
Venezuelan dissidents.
Congolese families.
Persecuted religious minorities.
These are just a few of the vulnerable populations who will be left in harm’s way by the record-low refugee cap. My thanks to CNN for this important conversation. 👇
November 3, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Afghan women’s rights activists.
Venezuelan dissidents.
Congolese families.
Persecuted religious minorities.
These are just a few of the vulnerable populations who will be left in harm’s way by the record-low refugee cap. My thanks to CNN for this important conversation. 👇
Venezuelan dissidents.
Congolese families.
Persecuted religious minorities.
These are just a few of the vulnerable populations who will be left in harm’s way by the record-low refugee cap. My thanks to CNN for this important conversation. 👇
From thoughtful discussions on faith partnerships to packing Neighbor Kits for new neighbors, our Board gathered in Baltimore with hearts for service. Grateful for leaders who make compassion our compass.
October 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
From thoughtful discussions on faith partnerships to packing Neighbor Kits for new neighbors, our Board gathered in Baltimore with hearts for service. Grateful for leaders who make compassion our compass.
I can’t believe it has been a full year since I delivered my first TEDx talk!
While a lot may have changed in the past year, this message continues to ring true: Immigration is America’s superpower.
➡️ Watch: https://bit.ly/3Yx0L6W
#immigrantstrong #refugeeswelcome #tedx
While a lot may have changed in the past year, this message continues to ring true: Immigration is America’s superpower.
➡️ Watch: https://bit.ly/3Yx0L6W
#immigrantstrong #refugeeswelcome #tedx
What is America’s Superpower | Krish Vignarajah | TEDxApexWomen
In this inspiring TEDx talk, we explore the question, "What is America’s Superpower?" Diving beyond military or economic might, this talk redefines what makes America truly powerful. Our speaker brings a unique perspective to the stage, examining the so...
bit.ly
October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I can’t believe it has been a full year since I delivered my first TEDx talk!
While a lot may have changed in the past year, this message continues to ring true: Immigration is America’s superpower.
➡️ Watch: https://bit.ly/3Yx0L6W
#immigrantstrong #refugeeswelcome #tedx
While a lot may have changed in the past year, this message continues to ring true: Immigration is America’s superpower.
➡️ Watch: https://bit.ly/3Yx0L6W
#immigrantstrong #refugeeswelcome #tedx
The Maryland Women’s Small Business Celebration was full of reminders that leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about impact, and every woman in that room is driving change in her own way.
Here’s to more women leading, mentoring, and building together!
Here’s to more women leading, mentoring, and building together!
October 29, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The Maryland Women’s Small Business Celebration was full of reminders that leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about impact, and every woman in that room is driving change in her own way.
Here’s to more women leading, mentoring, and building together!
Here’s to more women leading, mentoring, and building together!
While I thought I understood “soft power” from my time at the State Department, it was inside the East Wing that I witnessed its transformational impact here at home, a place where First Ladies worked to lift up our nation's ideals in their own unique ways.
October 28, 2025 at 3:21 PM
While I thought I understood “soft power” from my time at the State Department, it was inside the East Wing that I witnessed its transformational impact here at home, a place where First Ladies worked to lift up our nation's ideals in their own unique ways.
I worked in the East Wing under First Lady Michelle Obama. When I saw excavators tearing down those hallowed halls, it felt like a physical blow. Like so many Americans, it pains me to think that we’re replacing a workshop for public service with a gilded gold luxury ballroom.
October 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
I worked in the East Wing under First Lady Michelle Obama. When I saw excavators tearing down those hallowed halls, it felt like a physical blow. Like so many Americans, it pains me to think that we’re replacing a workshop for public service with a gilded gold luxury ballroom.
This October, I’m reflecting on an issue deeply personal to me Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 🎗️
This month is about more than pink ribbons, it’s about strength, solidarity, and hope. As someone who has faced breast cancer, I know the power of awareness, early detection, and community support.
This month is about more than pink ribbons, it’s about strength, solidarity, and hope. As someone who has faced breast cancer, I know the power of awareness, early detection, and community support.
October 22, 2025 at 5:24 PM
This October, I’m reflecting on an issue deeply personal to me Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 🎗️
This month is about more than pink ribbons, it’s about strength, solidarity, and hope. As someone who has faced breast cancer, I know the power of awareness, early detection, and community support.
This month is about more than pink ribbons, it’s about strength, solidarity, and hope. As someone who has faced breast cancer, I know the power of awareness, early detection, and community support.