On Juneteenth, a Day of Reflection and a Reminder of Unfinished Business


June 19, 2026

Washington, June 19, 2026—Church World Service today commemorates Juneteenth, the federal holiday honoring the sacrifices and legacy of Black American leaders that coincides with the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston, Texas signaling the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery.    CWS is committed to honoring the legacy of all those who strove for equality in our nation, including the sacrifices and resilience of Black American …

World Refugee Day: CWS Urges Renewed Global Commitments to Asylum and Protection as Millions Endure Long-term Displacement


WASHINGTON, June 20, 2026 —Since it was first established by the United Nations in 2001, World Refugee Day has generated lifesaving resources, awareness, and political will to support the needs of refugees stuck in protracted displacement. This year, as the world prepares to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention on July 28, the faith-based international humanitarian organization CWS calls on the international community to uphold its commitment to international refugee law and reaffirm the fundamental rights of refugees worldwide to asylum and protection.  Today, one in every 70 people worldwide is forcibly …

World Refugee Day 2026: Upholding Asylum and Protection


June 18, 2026

Today, CWS highlights the imperative to uphold global commitments to asylum and protection, while honoring the courage of the 41.6 million refugees around the world who have been forced to flee violence and persecution in search of safety.

Daily State of Play: Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Funding Halt


The Trump administration’s indefinite refugee ban, stop work orders and prolonged delays in reimbursement for resettlement agencies have had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of refugee families and communities across the country and around the world. Welcome to the latest edition of State of Play from Church World Service. This resource will provide regular updates from the CWS …

Extreme Heat, Climate Change and Displacement: Who is at Greatest Risk?


June 16, 2026

Each decade over the past 60 years has been hotter than the one before it, and the past 11 years have been the hottest on record. As heat season begins this year, extreme temperatures and drought are jeopardizing food production, health, and livelihoods, especially in low-income communities. Climate-related disasters displace more people every year than conflicts, and refugees and displaced people are the hardest hit, with an estimated three-quarters of the world’s refugees and displaced living in climate hotspots. CWS supports families affected by disaster and displacement with emergency response, recovery assistance and long-term resilience-building. 

10 Facts You Should Know About Refugees


June 9, 2026

Global displacement has reached historic levels, with millions of people forced from their homes each year. These ten key facts highlight essential information about refugees, the challenges they face and the valuable contributions they make—along with ways you can support them.  More than 117 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and the chance to rebuild their …

Take Action: This World Refugee Day, Urge Congress to Defend Refuge


June 5, 2026

World Refugee Day – held annually on June 20 – is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the resilience and courage of those fleeing violence and persecution globally. It serves as a call to action for governments and communities to strengthen their efforts to provide safe haven, resources, and opportunities for refugees and other displaced people to rebuild their lives. …

CWS Urges Congress to Vote Down Budget That Includes $70 Billion Additional for ICE and CBP  


June 4, 2026

Church World Service echoes the urgent need for guardrails and reform before increasing immigration enforcement spending  Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today called on Congress to oppose the latest budget reconciliation bill that provides Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with 70 billion dollars. The bill includes zero common sense guardrails to rein in the agencies’ reckless behavior that has resulted in prolonged detention of children and families; warrantless arrests; enforcement actions at schools, …

Faith-based Organizations Oppose H.R. 175, the “Deport Alien Gang Members Act,”


June 3, 2026

Dear Chairman Jordan and Ranking Member Raskin: The undersigned 25 faith-based organizations and congregations write to express our strong opposition to H.R. 175, the “Deport Alien Gang Members Act.” Across our traditions, our organizations share the commitment to welcome the sojourner, love our neighbor, and uphold the dignity of every person. H.R. 175 betrays that call by penalizing members of …