Lutheran Services of Iowa (LSI) operates one of the state’s largest refugee and immigrant resettlement programs, supporting thousands of newcomers across its three refugee service locations. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, dramatic federal policy shifts have reshaped nearly every aspect of LSI’s work.

Trump’s immigration crackdowns and the Sept. 30 Presidential Determination, which set refugee admissions at a historic low, have forced LSI to navigate new and evolving constraints.

“These are unprecedented times. We’re all just trying to figure out how to navigate things,” said Laura Thako, Assistant Director of Immigrant and Refugee Community Services at LSI.

Before the transition in federal policy, LSI finalized resettlement for 191 newcomers who arrived prior to Trump’s inauguration. Afterward, new arrivals stalled, and funding sources shifted rapidly. LSI lost its early-employment grant program, and the federal stop-work order, combined with a funding freeze, forced the organization to pivot to state support and community fundraising.

“That was a silver lining in all of this—the response we had from the community and folks wanting to step up and support the work we do,” Thako said.

By 2026, LSI anticipates assisting roughly thirty individuals across its three sites, many Afrikaners—a sharp decline from the 719 newcomers LSI resettled in Federal Fiscal Year 2024. To adapt, the organization is restructuring its programs to fill critical gaps left by limited federal support.

A key focus of this restructure is the launch of immigration legal services. LSI is applying for Department of Justice (DOJ) recognition to accredit in-house representatives who can help newcomers file adjustment-of-status applications and maintain eligibility for essential public benefits.

“Everyone is really concerned about the shortage of immigration legal services,” Thako said, “Folks are turning to applying for status through community members or other individuals who may not be qualified.”

Uncertainty intensified on July 4, 2025, when Trump signed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The law’s vague language regarding refugees and humanitarian immigrants has created additional confusion—especially for those who arrived before January 20th and now require status adjustments to continue receiving food assistance, Medicaid, or Medicare. Iowa has offered no exceptions for minors, further complicating matters for families.

Thako emphasized that these challenges affect a wide range of newcomers, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and asylees, many of whom are still awaiting green cards or citizenship.

Despite these hurdles, LSI remains committed to its mission. By strengthening advocacy, expanding legal capacity, and mobilizing community support, the organization is positioning itself to continue serving newcomers through an era of deep uncertainty.