Policy Statements

The Refugee Act of 1980 established the framework for refugee resettlement and the protection of asylum seekers that remains the core of U.S. refugee and asylum law today. The law requires the president to set a refugee admissions target, or “Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions” (PD) by the end of each fiscal year on September 30 and establishes a process …

September is a critical month for advocacy in support of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and for all those who have been left stranded by the ongoing refugee ban. The federal fiscal year is ending. Before Fiscal Year 2026 begins on October 1, the administration is required to consult with Congress and establish a new target for refugee admissions for …

Every couple of months, Members of Congress go on “recess,” returning to their home states and districts. Both members of the House of Representatives and the Senate use these periods to engage with constituents, hold town halls and public events, conduct in-district legislative meetings, and make themselves available to their constituents. Each August, members head out on the longest recess …

For nearly 80 years, Church World Service (CWS) has worked toward our vision of a world in which all people have food, voice, and a safe place to call home. As a global humanitarian organization, CWS represents nine million people of faith across 14 faith-based organizations and denominations. Through refugee resettlement offices and affiliates, home study and post release services …

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a multibillion dollar reconciliation package that dramatically expands funding for immigration detention and deportation and slashes funding for key benefits and services that strengthen families, communities, and local economies. If signed into law, the bill would restrict access to health care benefits and food assistance for many otherwise-eligible humanitarian arrivals. …