Policy Statements

Florida has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and others fleeing violence and persecution, and is home to a growing number of newcomers – including many fleeing Cuba and Haiti – who are eligible to receive certain federally-funded services for newcomers that promote economic self-sufficiency and community flourishing. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR): The Office of Refugee Resettlement directly …

Church World Service is a 78-year old humanitarian organization representing 37 Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox communions, as well as refugee resettlement, home study and post release services, and asylum seeker case management offices and affiliates across the United States. As we prepare for a presidential administration that promises to deport immigrants en masse and restrict access to safety and legal …

Church World Service Comment on the Final Rule by Departments of Justice and Homeland Security on Securing the Border; USCIS Docket No: USCIS-2024-0006; A.G. Order No. 6053-2024 Church World Service (CWS) submits this comment in opposition to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s final rule on Securing the Border (“STB Rule”), published on October …

Church World Service urges Congress to affirm the dignity of refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and all who have been uprooted from their homes. The U.S.’s historic position as a leader providing humanitarian relief to displaced people overseas and welcoming those who arrive to our shores fleeing persecution strengthens our communities, advances U.S. diplomatic and national security interests, and promotes human …

Each August, members of Congress return to their home districts and states for a prolonged recess, often holding town halls and making themselves available to meet with constituents. With fewer than three months until the November 5th elections, Members of Congress are particularly keen on hearing from their constituents, as many will be appearing on the ballot.  This August also …