Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Oasis Collector's Edition is HERE! - Get yours before they go.
GET MINE
Social Justice

Refugees visit Trump's childhood home

Oxfam arranges hire of the house in Queens to make a point about immigration policy and looming travel ban

While President Trump was preparing to vent fury at the UN General Assembly in New York City, his childhood home across town played host to a unlikely group of guests.

Oxfam invited four refugees from Syria, Somalia and Vietnam to spend the day at the old house in Queens – a property available to rent daily after its current owner put it up on Airbnb for $725 a night.

Shannon Scribner, Oxfam America’s acting director for humanitarian programs and policy, said the stunt was designed to show “all people…have the right to a safe place to call home.”

“What makes America great is our diversity of experiences, ideas, talents, and the opportunity for anyone to succeed,” she explained.

“What better place to represent that than the former home of the President of the United States in Queens, NY – one of the most diverse communities in the world.”

One of those visited the home, Uyen Nguyen, said she feared “new immigrants aren’t given the same warm welcome” she received when arriving in the US.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Nguyen fled Vietnam when she was 10 years old. “I have never talked much about my journey, but I now feel it’s my responsibility to spread understanding of what it’s like for refugees – and hopefully open the doors for those who need our support the most.”

The US has abandoned its leadership role, leaving a vacuum in its place

Next month the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding Trump’s now infamous travel ban, part of which is designed to keep put vulnerable refugees.

Congress will consider how much funding to provide to critical programs that support refugees.

“Lives are hanging in the balance while we wait to see if President Trump and other world leaders will fulfil their duty to uphold the rights of refugees and other displaced people,” said Scribner.

“The US has abandoned its leadership role, leaving a vacuum in its place.”

Watch the Pride special collection.

Our LGBTQ+ film playlist offers a new and interesting angle on LGBTQ+ love and struggle – giving an international overview by taking us inside some of the most and least sexually liberated countries in the world.  

Sign Up Now
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

SIGN THE PETITION

Will you sign Big Issue's petition to ask Keir Starmer to pass a Poverty Zero law? It's time to hold government to account on poverty once and for all.

Recommended for you

View all
PIP cuts are paused after 'shambolic' series of U-turns – but is it enough to rebuild trust in Labour?
Keir Starmer
Disability benefits

PIP cuts are paused after 'shambolic' series of U-turns – but is it enough to rebuild trust in Labour?

Here's why 49 Labour MPs still voted against Starmer's benefits bill: 'It's not the Labour way'
Liz Kendall
Disability benefits

Here's why 49 Labour MPs still voted against Starmer's benefits bill: 'It's not the Labour way'

Thousands of children find hope in tent schools in Gaza: 'We try to make the students smile'
Students at Gaza Great Minds
Gaza

Thousands of children find hope in tent schools in Gaza: 'We try to make the students smile'

Police could stop opioid deaths with this drug. So why do some UK forces stop officers carrying it?
A police officer administers nasal naloxone.
Drug deaths

Police could stop opioid deaths with this drug. So why do some UK forces stop officers carrying it?

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.