Press Releases

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today expressed its deep concern over the Trump administration’s detaining of resettled refugees as part of a wider effort to review and potentially revoke their legal status. On January 9, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the launch of Operation “Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening” or “PARRIS,” targeting resettled refugees who have fled violence and …

Washington, D.C.—This International Migrants Day, Church World Service celebrates the reintroduction of the Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement (GRACE) Act, landmark legislation that would establish a minimum annual refugee admissions floor of 125,000. The legislation—introduced by Sen. Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Lofgren (D-CA-18)—would prevent future administrations from slashing refugee admissions and would affirm the U.S. historic role as a beacon of hope for those most in need of protection …

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service strongly opposes the Trump administration’s latest travel ban, which more than doubles the number of countries whose citizens are partially or fully blocked from the United States. This dramatic expansion of its previous travel ban now impacts nationals from 39 countries, barring individuals from 19 countries (plus those holding Palestinian Authority-issued documents) and partially excluding individuals from 20 additional countries. As …

Washington, D.C.—Following this week’s violent attack on two members of the National Guard—leading to one death and the critical wounding of another—in our nation’s capitol, Church World Service condemns this reprehensible attack and all violence unequivocally. The perpetrator has since been identified as an Afghan national who served alongside the U.S. presence in Afghanistan, had been evacuated after the fall …

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service is deeply alarmed by reports yesterday on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) plans to “review and re-interview” all refugees welcomed between January 20, 2021 and February 20, 2025. The order also requires the halt of all USCIS processing of green cards for refugees, even though the law states that refugees “shall” be considered for permanent …