HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING "WORLD REFUGEE DAY" AND RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF DORCAS INTERNATIONAL OF PROVIDENCE ON JUNE 20TH OF 2026, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island recognizes World Refugee Day and commends Dorcas International Institute for its long-standing service to refugees and immigrants, without changing laws.

06/04/2026 House read and passed

Summary of HR 8616 (2026) — Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

Commemorates World Refugee Day on June 20, 2026.

Recognizes and honors the work of Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island (referred to as Dorcas International Institute of RI, also noted as Dorcas House) for services to refugees and immigrants.

Reaffirms Rhode Island’s commitment to protecting and supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrant communities as part of the state’s foundational values.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition by the Rhode Island House of Representatives of World Refugee Day and of Dorcas International Institute’s long-standing efforts to aid refugees and immigrants.

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Kathy Cloutier, the CEO of Dorcas International Institute of RI.

Who or what is affected

Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island (organization acknowledged and thanked for its service).

Refugees and immigrant communities in Rhode Island, whose protections, services, and integration support are highlighted as central to the state’s values.

The Rhode Island Office of the Secretary of State (responsible for forwarding the resolution to the organization’s leadership).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in June 2026 (Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Slater, Alzate, Edwards, Knight, Batista, Biah).

Referred to as a House Resolution (not a bill proposing new law, but a formal expression of recognition and commemorative intent).

Passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on June 4, 2026.

No statutory or regulatory changes are proposed; the action is ceremonial and symbolic.

Contextual notes

The resolution also notes the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention’s framework for refugee status, underscoring a historical milestone relevant to the commemorative purpose.

Emphasizes the role of refugees in contributing to Rhode Island’s economy and cultural diversity through workforce participation, entrepreneurship, and community integration.

Bottom line

HR 8616 is a ceremonial measure praising World Refugee Day and highlighting Dorcas International Institute’s century-plus of service to refugees and immigrants in Rhode Island. It serves as a formal acknowledgment by the state legislature and a gesture of gratitude to the organization’s leadership, without imposing new legal duties or policy changes.