Krish O'Mara Vignarajah
@krishvignarajah.bsky.social
Proud mom | President & CEO @globalrefuge.bsky.social | Policy Director in Obama White House | #RefugeesWelcome #ImmigrationReform
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.
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.
Grateful to join WYPR to talk about the forthcoming annual refugee admissions cap — reported to be just 7,500, the lowest figure in the refugee program’s 45-year history.
www.wypr.org/show/midday/...
www.wypr.org/show/midday/...
October 15, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Grateful to join WYPR to talk about the forthcoming annual refugee admissions cap — reported to be just 7,500, the lowest figure in the refugee program’s 45-year history.
www.wypr.org/show/midday/...
www.wypr.org/show/midday/...
🇦🇫 Thousands of Afghan allies who stood beside U.S. forces are still waiting for the safety they were promised.
🤝 The Enduring Welcome Act (HR 4995) would protect and continue this vital resettlement work.
🤝 The Enduring Welcome Act (HR 4995) would protect and continue this vital resettlement work.
October 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
🇦🇫 Thousands of Afghan allies who stood beside U.S. forces are still waiting for the safety they were promised.
🤝 The Enduring Welcome Act (HR 4995) would protect and continue this vital resettlement work.
🤝 The Enduring Welcome Act (HR 4995) would protect and continue this vital resettlement work.
On this day, I invite you to join me in speaking out 🗣️, welcoming a neighbor 🏠, and helping to build a future rooted in justice ⚖️, compassion ❤️, and hope 🌱. #refugeeswelcome #worlddayofmigrantsandrefugees #faith
September 28, 2025 at 2:03 PM
On this day, I invite you to join me in speaking out 🗣️, welcoming a neighbor 🏠, and helping to build a future rooted in justice ⚖️, compassion ❤️, and hope 🌱. #refugeeswelcome #worlddayofmigrantsandrefugees #faith
In honor of National Voter Registration Day, I'm sharing the facts -
MYTH: Refugees and immigrants are voting illegally in the United States. ❌
Disinformation and hateful rhetoric about immigrants and refugees are everywhere. Don’t believe what you read in the comments. Get the facts. ✔️
MYTH: Refugees and immigrants are voting illegally in the United States. ❌
Disinformation and hateful rhetoric about immigrants and refugees are everywhere. Don’t believe what you read in the comments. Get the facts. ✔️
September 16, 2025 at 7:39 PM
In honor of National Voter Registration Day, I'm sharing the facts -
MYTH: Refugees and immigrants are voting illegally in the United States. ❌
Disinformation and hateful rhetoric about immigrants and refugees are everywhere. Don’t believe what you read in the comments. Get the facts. ✔️
MYTH: Refugees and immigrants are voting illegally in the United States. ❌
Disinformation and hateful rhetoric about immigrants and refugees are everywhere. Don’t believe what you read in the comments. Get the facts. ✔️
A record high 231 Fortune 500 companies in 2025 were founded by immigrants or children of immigrants. These companies generated $8.6 trillion in revenue and employ over 15.4 million people.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/fortu...
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/fortu...
September 9, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A record high 231 Fortune 500 companies in 2025 were founded by immigrants or children of immigrants. These companies generated $8.6 trillion in revenue and employ over 15.4 million people.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/fortu...
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/fortu...
Behind every rollback of refugee resettlement, TPS, or humanitarian parole is a child, a parent, a family losing hope — despite having complied with every rule.
I joined NPR/WAMU’s 1A to share why these protections matter, and why dismantling them harms us all.
the1a.org/segments/the...
I joined NPR/WAMU’s 1A to share why these protections matter, and why dismantling them harms us all.
the1a.org/segments/the...
September 5, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Behind every rollback of refugee resettlement, TPS, or humanitarian parole is a child, a parent, a family losing hope — despite having complied with every rule.
I joined NPR/WAMU’s 1A to share why these protections matter, and why dismantling them harms us all.
the1a.org/segments/the...
I joined NPR/WAMU’s 1A to share why these protections matter, and why dismantling them harms us all.
the1a.org/segments/the...
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.
July 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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.
NEW: I joined @theweekendprime.bsky.social to discuss the impact of this week’s SCOTUS ruling on birthright citizenship and beyond.
Very grateful to @crampell.bsky.social, @ayman.msnbc.com, @elisejordan.bsky.social, and @ahylton26.bsky.social for such thoughtful questions on these important issues.
Very grateful to @crampell.bsky.social, @ayman.msnbc.com, @elisejordan.bsky.social, and @ahylton26.bsky.social for such thoughtful questions on these important issues.
June 29, 2025 at 3:17 PM
NEW: I joined @theweekendprime.bsky.social to discuss the impact of this week’s SCOTUS ruling on birthright citizenship and beyond.
Very grateful to @crampell.bsky.social, @ayman.msnbc.com, @elisejordan.bsky.social, and @ahylton26.bsky.social for such thoughtful questions on these important issues.
Very grateful to @crampell.bsky.social, @ayman.msnbc.com, @elisejordan.bsky.social, and @ahylton26.bsky.social for such thoughtful questions on these important issues.
Ahead of World Refugee Day on Friday, @globalrefuge.bsky.social hosted a webinar to discuss the state of refugee advocacy and policy.
Thanks so much to @repyassansari.bsky.social for your continued dedication to the plight of refugees and for giving opening remarks today!
Thanks so much to @repyassansari.bsky.social for your continued dedication to the plight of refugees and for giving opening remarks today!
June 17, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Ahead of World Refugee Day on Friday, @globalrefuge.bsky.social hosted a webinar to discuss the state of refugee advocacy and policy.
Thanks so much to @repyassansari.bsky.social for your continued dedication to the plight of refugees and for giving opening remarks today!
Thanks so much to @repyassansari.bsky.social for your continued dedication to the plight of refugees and for giving opening remarks today!
As I told NPR’s Morning Edition, the new Travel Ban is part of a much broader effort — one that has seen this administration move swiftly and systematically to close LEGAL pathways and protections across the immigration system.
Link to full segment by @francoordonez.bsky.social below 👇
Link to full segment by @francoordonez.bsky.social below 👇
June 10, 2025 at 1:17 PM
As I told NPR’s Morning Edition, the new Travel Ban is part of a much broader effort — one that has seen this administration move swiftly and systematically to close LEGAL pathways and protections across the immigration system.
Link to full segment by @francoordonez.bsky.social below 👇
Link to full segment by @francoordonez.bsky.social below 👇
Thank you @anacabrera.bsky.social for having me on @msnbc.com to talk about the Trump administration’s sweeping new Travel Ban — and why it’s deeply problematic in terms of our humanitarian leadership, family reunification, and our economy.
June 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Thank you @anacabrera.bsky.social for having me on @msnbc.com to talk about the Trump administration’s sweeping new Travel Ban — and why it’s deeply problematic in terms of our humanitarian leadership, family reunification, and our economy.
My take on this ruling on MSNBC:
These families played by the rules. They had U.S.-based sponsors, passed security screenings, paid for their own travel, and began rebuilding their lives.
Rescinding protections is a moral injury to the Americans who stepped up to welcome them.
These families played by the rules. They had U.S.-based sponsors, passed security screenings, paid for their own travel, and began rebuilding their lives.
Rescinding protections is a moral injury to the Americans who stepped up to welcome them.
June 2, 2025 at 3:13 PM
My take on this ruling on MSNBC:
These families played by the rules. They had U.S.-based sponsors, passed security screenings, paid for their own travel, and began rebuilding their lives.
Rescinding protections is a moral injury to the Americans who stepped up to welcome them.
These families played by the rules. They had U.S.-based sponsors, passed security screenings, paid for their own travel, and began rebuilding their lives.
Rescinding protections is a moral injury to the Americans who stepped up to welcome them.
When I spoke at Goucher on Friday, I didn’t know how quickly these words would become so relevant.
Yesterday, the new administration paused visa interviews for international students in a policy shift that treats them as threats — instead of the assets they truly are.
Yesterday, the new administration paused visa interviews for international students in a policy shift that treats them as threats — instead of the assets they truly are.
May 28, 2025 at 9:36 PM
When I spoke at Goucher on Friday, I didn’t know how quickly these words would become so relevant.
Yesterday, the new administration paused visa interviews for international students in a policy shift that treats them as threats — instead of the assets they truly are.
Yesterday, the new administration paused visa interviews for international students in a policy shift that treats them as threats — instead of the assets they truly are.
I’m on Instagram! Follow along for my thoughts, news, and updates on @globalrefuge.bsky.social’s work! Find me at @krishvignarajah.
I kicked things off by sharing my story and thought I’d share it here too for those of you who are new to me and Global Refuge!
I kicked things off by sharing my story and thought I’d share it here too for those of you who are new to me and Global Refuge!
May 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I’m on Instagram! Follow along for my thoughts, news, and updates on @globalrefuge.bsky.social’s work! Find me at @krishvignarajah.
I kicked things off by sharing my story and thought I’d share it here too for those of you who are new to me and Global Refuge!
I kicked things off by sharing my story and thought I’d share it here too for those of you who are new to me and Global Refuge!
What an inspiring conversation with Cynthia Cifuentes at the @thebaltimorebanner.com's InnovateHer event! We explored everything from the power of mentorship to embracing the full journey of motherhood. A truly uplifting celebration of dynamic, trailblazing women!
May 8, 2025 at 7:47 PM
What an inspiring conversation with Cynthia Cifuentes at the @thebaltimorebanner.com's InnovateHer event! We explored everything from the power of mentorship to embracing the full journey of motherhood. A truly uplifting celebration of dynamic, trailblazing women!
Sticks up, smiles out! Caught a great game and even better company at the Navy vs. Loyola Patriot League Championship lacrosse match. Proud to support powerhouse women on and off the field! 🥍
May 3, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Sticks up, smiles out! Caught a great game and even better company at the Navy vs. Loyola Patriot League Championship lacrosse match. Proud to support powerhouse women on and off the field! 🥍
The first 100 days of the new administration brought sweeping change to US immigration policy, so I broke down the basics for you.
Remember although policies may change, our shared values of compassion, justice, and welcome endure.
Remember although policies may change, our shared values of compassion, justice, and welcome endure.
May 2, 2025 at 4:43 PM
The first 100 days of the new administration brought sweeping change to US immigration policy, so I broke down the basics for you.
Remember although policies may change, our shared values of compassion, justice, and welcome endure.
Remember although policies may change, our shared values of compassion, justice, and welcome endure.
Grateful to join @cbsnewsbaltimore.bsky.social for an important conversation about the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — as well as its troubling implications for the checks and balances that safeguard our constitutional rights.
April 17, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Grateful to join @cbsnewsbaltimore.bsky.social for an important conversation about the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — as well as its troubling implications for the checks and balances that safeguard our constitutional rights.