Press Releases

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today denounced the actions of Texas Governor Greg Abbott to sign two new state bills into law that will charge migrants seeking safety in the United States a state crime, encourage additional border wall construction, and attempt to empower the state to deport asylum seekers. The move, which is not only ineffective and unconstitutional but actively …

Washington, D.C.– Church World Service today expressed its grave concern and deep disappointment over the U.S. veto of a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The move marked a deeply troubling trend of not deescalating hostilities in the face of a humanitarian tragedy, one that would have also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and …

Washington, D.C.—75 years ago, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It established the international foundation for humane treatment of all people, and secured such rights as the Right to asylum, marriage, peaceable assembly, and freedom from persecution, among many others.  Church World Service recognizes that this declaration and its applications are of utmost importance as we …

Washington, D.C.—CWS today expressed its concern and alarm over a recent Reuters’ report detailing the Biden administration’s consideration of permanent asylum restrictions in exchange for aid to Ukraine and Israel. If accepted, these proposals would severely restrict access to asylum and gut vital pathways to protection for those fleeing violence and persecution, threatening the lives of the most vulnerable among …

Washington, D.C.– CWS today expressed concern and frustration over reports that congressional funding negotiations are continuing to place critical asylum protections on the chopping block. According to reports, some Members of Congress are attempting to trade humanitarian assistance and related funding for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel for anti-asylum policies that would severely restrict or eliminate access to asylum and gut …