U.S. Refugee Resettlement
Around the world more than 25 million refugees—over half of whom are children—have fled
conflict and persecution and remain in desperate need of a safe place to call home. For the most vulnerable among them, resettlement to a safe country is their best hope for finding safety and building a future for their children.
Since CWS began its work responding to the devastation of World War II, we have helped refugee families rebuild their lives in the United States. Through partnership with local communities and congregations we ensure each arriving family is met with a warm welcome and provided with the services they need to thrive and become valued members of their new communities.
Welcoming refugees and helping get a strong start in the United States is good for all of us. Refugees overwhelmingly give back to the communities that welcome them, opening businesses, volunteering and becoming actively engaged citizens.
Our U.S. Office Network

Latest Updates
CWS Applauds Reported Increase to This Year’s Refugee Resettlement Goal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 5, 2021 CONTACT: media@cwsglobal.org CWS Applauds Reported Increase to This Year’s Refugee Resettlement Goal Washington, D.C.-In response to reports that President Biden intends to increase the Fiscal Year 2021 Refugee Admissions Ceiling, or presidential determination, from the historic low of 15,000 to a robust 62,500 refugees CWS director of policy and advocacy Meredith Owen issued the …
CWS Celebrates Executive Action to Restore Life-Saving Refugee Resettlement Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 5, 2021 CONTACT: media@cwsglobal.org Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today applauded efforts by the Biden administration to begin restoring the United States’ refugee resettlement program. In an important first step, last night’s executive order begins rebuilding this vital pathway for refugees and will lead to a more just, more compassionate, and more humane United States. Today’s …
The Future of Refugee Resettlement & Complementary Pathways: Strengthening Sustainable and Strategic Solutions for Refugees
The global humanitarian and refugee protection system is facing significant challenges. Despite renewed international commitment to finding durable solutions for refugees, including resettlement and complementary pathways, most of the 1.4 million refugees in need of resettlement as a durable solution in 2020 are unlikely to be resettled. The reasons for this ‘resettlement gap’ are many; though the political challenges are …