Policy Statements

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 …

Read the full letter CWS joined with 8 other organizations to send a letter to the Biden administration setting an agenda for how the administration should approach its report on policy options to address climate change and forced migration, as called for in a February EO from President Biden. The report is due to the president on August 3.

Dear Honorable Members of The 116th Congress: Over the past two years, the administration has made drastic changes to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), resulting in human tragedy and long-term damage to the United States’ ability to respond to displacement crises. We urge Members of Congress to utilize their oversight authority to protect and rebuild the USRAP so that …

CWS Public Comment Opposing “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds” (DHS Docket No. USCIS-2010-0012) to Expand Definition of “Public Charge”   As a 72-year old humanitarian organization representing 37 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox communions, Church World Service (CWS) stands firmly opposed to this rule. Current law established by Congress already bars immigrants from accessing most benefits and who may become a …