Policy Statements

Among the most significant challenges facing arriving asylum seekers – and the communities that welcome them – is the ability to access employment authorization. Asylum seekers and other new arrivals in the U.S. need employment authorization documents (EADs) so they can become self-sufficient, lawfully support themselves and their families, and contribute economically to their new communities. In the midst of …

On May 11th, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Illinois) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) introduced the bipartisan REAL ID Eligibility (RIDE) For Ukraine Act (H.R. 3259), which would grant REAL ID-eligibility to Ukrainians in the U.S. who meet certain requirements. The bill would provide many Ukrainians who have fled the Russian invasion with crucial access to driver’s licenses and State IDs, documents …

Persecution and conflict have forced a record number of people to flee their homes around the world. Here in the United States, communities have opened their doors to those who have been displaced, including refugees who have arrived after long and often dangerous waits in resettlement camps and life-threatening situations; Afghans who were at risk due to their work in …

Recommendations to Strengthen Refugee Resettlement in the United States Click here to read the recommendations: The need for long-term protections for refugees has never been greater. The world is facing record displacement figures of more than 84 million people forced from their homes with enormous refugee overseas assistance needs. Of those, there are more than 31 million refugees, 1.5 million …

To download this statement, please click here. Wednesday, May 12, 2021 As a 75-year old humanitarian organization representing 37 Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox communions and 24 refugee resettlement offices across 17 states, Church World Service (CWS) urges the Subcommittee to affirm the value and dignity of immigrants and refugees as essential workers and affirm the need for a compassionate and …