Washington, D.C.—On March 31, Church World Service, alongside 24 other members of the Evacuate Our Allies coalition, delivered a letter to senior cabinet officials expressing grave concern over recent policy changes targeting Afghan nationals. The letter calls out the ongoing blanket halt in immigration benefits processing; the indiscriminate re-review and targeting of resettled Afghans; and the shuttering of humanitarian pathways …
Daily State of Play: Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Funding Halt
March 31, 2026
The Trump administration’s indefinite refugee ban, stop work orders and prolonged delays in reimbursement for resettlement agencies have had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of refugee families and communities across the country and around the world. Welcome to the latest edition of State of Play from Church World Service. This resource will provide regular updates from the CWS …
Partnering for Welcome: How Landlords and Communities Are Helping Newcomer Families Build Home
March 30, 2026
Refugee Housing Solutions partners with landlords and communities to expand safe, affordable housing for refugees and newcomers, strengthening stability and belonging for families rebuilding their lives in the United States. Finding a safe place to call home is one of the very first steps for any family restarting their lives in a new country. For refugees and other newcomers arriving …
The Strength of Perseverance: How Orfelina is Helping Communities Thrive
March 27, 2026
Through faith, humility and hands‑on support, agricultural technician Orfelina Portillo is helping families in rural Honduras transform their livelihoods—building sustainable farms, healthier homes and a stronger, more connected community. Supporting Rural Families Through Sustainable Farming in Honduras Orfelina Portillo once defined herself as part of the “arm that feeds the world.” Now, after three years of dedication to the Produce Verde project, she has become …
TAKE ACTION: With All Eyes on Iran, Palestinians Continue to Suffer Daily Attacks and Constant Hunger
April marks two and a half years since the start of the current conflict in Palestine and Israel, a period marred by historic levels of violence, deprivation, and starvation for Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank. In recent weeks, the world’s attention has shifted to the widening circle of violence in the region as US and Israeli attacks against Iran and Israeli …
TELL CONGRESS: Stop Lawless Immigration Enforcement; We Must Pass Guardrails on ICE and CBP Abuses
March 25, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been shut down for more than a month. Congress and the White House continue to debate whether to provide additional funding for DHS. Lawmakers need to hear their communities demand that ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) abuses end and real guardrails are immediately put in place. These guardrails must include: Not …
From Ukraine to Myanmar: How Your Support Reached Communities in Crisis
March 23, 2026
In 2025, your compassion reached more than 123,000 people worldwide affected by conflict, climate‑driven disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Your support brought lifesaving essentials, long‑term recovery resources and renewed hope to communities across the globe. Around the world, families continue to face crises that uproot homes, disrupt livelihoods and threaten their safety. Whether caused by conflict, extreme weather or sudden disasters, these emergencies can leave entire communities …
CWS Virginia Applauds Passage of Key Legislation Ensuring Safeguards for All Virginians, Including Refugees and Immigrants
Harrisonburg, VA—Church World Service Virginia applauds the passage of key legislation in the Virginia General Assembly that will safeguard the well-being and future of all who call the Commonwealth home, including resettled refugees, asylees, and other immigrant populations. The Virginia House and Senate recently passed a number of bills that will end unlawful federal operations by ICE in the Commonwealth, …
Stronger Together: How You Helped Families Across the United States Rebuild After Crisis
Your generosity helped communities across the United States recover from hurricanes, wildfires and winter storms in 2025. From emergency supplies to long‑term support, you ensured families had the help they needed to regain safety, stability and hope. Across the United States, disasters continue to strike with little warning—destroying homes, disrupting daily life and leaving families unsure of how they’ll recover. But when crisis hits, your compassion ensures that neighbors across …
Global Water Scarcity: How Communities Are Overcoming Water Challenges
March 22, 2026
Everyone deserves access to clean water, yet for millions around the world, safe drinking water and proper sanitation remain out of reach. From collapsed infrastructure and poor management to conflict and climate change, several factors contribute to families being unable to access their right to safe water. Rising global temperatures and extreme weather events are making clean water scarcer and …