ST. LOUIS – The International Institute has announced a temporary staff furlough that they say is affecting more than 60% of their staff across the state. The Festival of Nations will be impacted. They say the review of artist applications and release of the vendor application are delayed as well as other preparations.

According to the International Institute, the difficult decision came in direct response to recent actions by the federal administration that have halted key immigration programs, including refugee reception and placement.

They are now uncertain about the release of funding for their programs and without assurances that the federal government will release the money to the organization, immediate and drastic action had to be made.

“This is an incredibly hard decision that was made in the interest of keeping our promise of continuing service to our refugee and immigrant neighbors. The International Institute remains open and will continue to serve clients in accordance with our obligations—moral and contractual. How we deliver that service will be changing in the coming days, however,” said Krissy Durant, the Director of Communications of the International Institute.

There is no effective end date to the furlough, but they hope to be able to bring back staff and get their operations back to normal quickly, upon the release of federal funds and private donations from the community.

To donate, visit give.classy.org/promise.