Message from the Executive Director
Raghad Bushnaq
Executive Director, Mozaic
The Mozaic Digest
Update on U.S. Travel Restrictions Affecting Multiple Countries
The U.S. government has expanded the travel ban to 39 countries, including Syria, creating significant barriers for refugees, asylum-seekers, and families seeking entry to the United States. The accompanying map from No Muslim Ban Ever visually shows which countries are fully and partially restricted, making the impact clear at a glance. Recent reports from Seattle’s ACRS and Milwaukee’s Community Center for Immigrants indicate that some oath ceremonies have been canceled for individuals from affected countries. The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition has also highlighted cases where individuals were pulled from scheduled oath ceremonies, demonstrating the real consequences these policies have on families and community members seeking naturalization.
U.S. Government Signals Increased Denaturalization Activity Affecting Naturalized Citizens
Recent reporting indicates that the U.S. government is planning to significantly expand denaturalization efforts — potentially pursuing hundreds of cases per month in 2026 — a sharp rise from historical averages of about a dozen cases per year. The initiative reflects broader changes in enforcement priorities and could affect naturalized citizens if authorities allege fraud or misrepresentation in past naturalization applications.
U.S. Travel Ban Expansion
The U.S. government’s expanded travel ban now fully restricts citizens from Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, and other countries, while partial restrictions apply to additional nations. Advocacy organizations such as No Muslim Ban Ever and Refugee Council USA have condemned the policy, citing its discriminatory impact and harmful effect on displaced populations. The expansion disrupts opportunities for family reunification, education, and lawful immigration, emphasizing the urgent need for continued advocacy and support.
🔗 Sources: No Muslim Ban Ever & Travel Ban Tracking
DHS Terminates Family Reunification Parole (FRP) Programs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ended all categorical FRP programs for citizens of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, returning parole to a case-by-case process. Parole granted under these programs will expire on January 14, 2026, unless a Form I-485 application is pending as of December 15, 2025. Employment authorization granted under FRP will also be revoked when parole ends. Individuals without lawful status must depart the U.S. by the termination date, though DHS provides support through the CBP Home app for travel assistance and civil fine forgiveness. This policy change has a direct impact on families seeking reunification and underscores the importance of monitoring federal policy developments.
🔗 Source: WLRN Public Media
Resources and Ongoing Support
🔗 Key official resources:
- USCIS Citizenship Resource Center — guidance and study resources for naturalization-eligible individuals (uscis.gov)
- USCIS Immigration and Citizenship Data — statistics and reports on naturalization trends (uscis.gov)
- House Oversight Committee Immigration Enforcement Dashboard — tracks federal immigration enforcement (oversightdemocrats.house.gov)
Mozaic Highlights
Echoes of Freedom: Celebrating Syria’s Heritage and Resilience
Youth Talk: Exploring Identity, Belonging, and Self-Worth
Parenting Workshop: Raising Children with Faith & Wisdom
Women’s Mindful Stretching Session
Winter Program: Pajamas & Sweet Dreams
In the Spotlight
Volunteer of the Month
Spotlight on Izza Husami: Helping Bring 'Echoes of Freedom' to Life
Story of the Month
Preserving Syria Through the Lens: The Legacy of Saad Fansa
Support and follow Saad Fansa’s work:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/saad_fansa/
Mozaic Library – Book of the Month
Partnerships
Empowering Youth: Navigating Identity and Self-Worth with Hadia Zarzour
Mindful Parenting: A Workshop with FAITH & Glass Lamp Institute
Celebrating Syrian-Owned Businesses: Echoes of Freedom
Sponsorships
Grateful for Our Sponsors: Echoes of Freedom
🥈 Silver Sponsor
Lumiere Dental
A Syrian-owned dental practice in Fairfax, VA offering comprehensive oral health care — from preventative and restorative treatments to cosmetic services — with a strong focus on personalized, compassionate care for patients of all ages. Lumiere Dental’s support reflects a commitment not only to community health, but also to uplifting and celebrating Syrian culture.
👉 Support them here: https://ldfairfax.com/
🥉 Bronze Sponsors
The Zanbrakji Family
Dr. Lamise Rajjoub
🍽️ In-Kind Food Sponsor
Falafel Inc
A mission-driven Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant serving the DMV area, Falafel Inc is known for its authentic falafel sandwiches, hummus bowls, and vibrant flavors. With their powerful “Eat for Good” model, every meal helps feed refugees in need through global humanitarian partnerships. Their contribution brought both nourishment and purpose to Echoes of Freedom.
👉 Support them here: https://www.falafelinc.org/
🤝 Community Friends
NOVA Friends of Refugees
An interfaith nonprofit network connecting volunteers, faith communities, refugee leaders, and service providers across Northern Virginia. NOVA Friends of Refugees supports refugee resettlement, integration, and advocacy through collaboration and community-based initiatives.
👉 Connect with them here: https://www.facebook.com/novafriendsofrefugees/
Wellness Through Counseling
A culturally responsive, faith-informed counseling practice serving the DMV area. Their team offers support for individuals, couples, teens, and families navigating trauma, identity, life transitions, and emotional well-being in a space that honors both mental health and cultural context.
👉 Support them here: https://www.wellnessthroughcounseling.com/
Kandeely
A community-focused partner dedicated to promoting Syrian culture, creativity, and connection. Their support helped strengthen the communal spirit of Echoes of Freedom.
👉 Connect with them here: https://kandeely.com/
Upcoming Events
Women’s Wellness Programming
Library Launch Event: A Home for Stories
📅 Date: Sunday, January 4th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: Community Library
Town Hall with Congressman Suhas Subramanyam
- Share your concerns and experiences
- Ask questions directly
- Help shape policies that impact our families, businesses, and future generations
Your voice matters—representation starts with participation.
📅 Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: Mozaic Center, Sterling
👥 Ages: 18 & Up
Register here: https://bit.ly/townhallcongress
Taste of Home: Artist Dinner with Abdulrahman Naanseh
Save the Date: Mozaic Kitchen Ramadan Bazaar
Mozaic Kitchen’s Pre-Ramadan Food Bazaar is coming!
✨ Taste food by refugee chefs
✨ Support refugee vendors
✨ Shop, eat, and uplift our community
📅 Sunday, Feb 8 | 12–4 PM
📍 Mozaic Center, 46090 Lake Center Plaza, Suite 304, Sterling, VA 20165
Save the Date: Ramadan Iftar 2026
📅 Date: Sunday, February 22nd
⏰ Time: To Be Determined
📍Location: The Westin Washington Dulles Airport Hotel
Ramadan Preparation
Ramadan Food Packages
Brighten a family’s Ramadan by sponsoring a food package thoughtfully filled with culturally-appropriate items for a family of six. Your generosity helps ensure every meal during this blessed month is nourishing and meaningful.
👉 Donate here: Sponsor a Food Package
Iftar Meals on Wheels
Giving Options
- $15 provides one hot, wholesome meal
- $18 provides a complete iftar: hot meal + dates + drink
Fidya Eligible
Give generously. Feed a fasting family. Multiply your reward this Ramadan.
Opportunities to Get Involved
New Volunteer Opportunity: Mozaic Library Volunteers
New Volunteer Opportunity: Ramadan Food Box Distribution
New Volunteer Opportunity: Pre-Ramadan Food Bazaar
Resources for Immigrant Families in Northern Virginia
👉 Interested in joining? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/7VQSEvum98Uekr7A8
🩺 Healthcare & Mental Health Support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Northern Virginia
Free support groups, mental health education programs, and multilingual resources for individuals, families, and caregivers navigating mental health challenges.
HealthWorks for Northern Virginia
Low-cost medical, dental, and behavioral health services for uninsured, underinsured, and immigrant families, regardless of immigration status.
🏠 Housing & Financial Support
Catholic Charities – Emergency Assistance (Arlington Diocese)
Provides rent and utility assistance, food support, and case management for families experiencing financial hardship. Services are available regardless of faith or immigration status.
United Way 211 Virginia
A free, confidential 24/7 hotline and online database connecting families to housing assistance, food resources, bill support, counseling, and other essential services.
📞 Dial 2-1-1 | 🔗 https://211virginia.org/
🎓 Education & Youth Resources
Parent Resource Center – Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
Offers workshops, one-on-one support, special education guidance, and multilingual resources to help parents advocate for their children’s education.
Loudoun Literacy Council – Family Literacy Programs
Provides English classes, reading support for children, and family literacy programming to strengthen learning at home and school.
💼 Employment & Skills Training
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Workforce
Offers short-term training programs, career certificates, and workforce upskilling opportunities—often at reduced or subsidized cost.
⚖️ Immigration & Legal Assistance
Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON)
Provides low-cost and pro bono legal services for immigration matters including TPS, asylum, family petitions, and work authorization.
🔗https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.486633-Justice_For_Our_Neighbors
ImmigrationHelp.org
A free, nonprofit online platform offering step-by-step tools to help individuals complete immigration forms such as work permits, green card renewals, and DACA applications.
Together, We Continue to Connect & Celebrate
With appreciation,
The Mozaic Team
💛 Building stronger communities, one story at a time.
📩 Mozaic Support
For direct support, program questions, or to get involved, contact us:
Email: info@mozaicdmv.org
Phone: 202-989-9000
✨ Donate today to sustain programs that nurture creativity, confidence, and community: mozaicdmv.org/donate
🙌 Volunteer with us and make a hands-on impact: mozaicdmv.org/volunteer
📅 Stay connected for future events and programs: mozaicdmv.org/events

















