Recent policy changes have had far-reaching consequences for individuals rebuilding their lives in the United States. At CWS Fort Collins, case navigators and program staff continue to witness the tangible effects of these changes. The following stories illustrate the challenges faced by newcomers due to disruptions in work authorization, travel restrictions and benefit programs. Work Authorization Delays and Revocations One …
Backgrounder: Congressional Consultations Required by the Refugee Act of 1980
October 20, 2025
The Refugee Act of 1980 established the framework for refugee resettlement and the protection of asylum seekers that remains the core of U.S. refugee and asylum law today. The law requires the president to set a refugee admissions target, or “Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions” (PD) by the end of each fiscal year on September 30 and establishes a process …
Bridging the Gap: How CWS Virtual Integration Services Is Reaching Refugees in Remote Communities
October 10, 2025
CWS’s Virtual Integration Services program delivers remote, personalized support to refugees and ORR-eligible community members living in underserved areas—ensuring access to case management, economic empowerment resources and client-centered care no matter where they are. By removing geographic barriers, the program helps newcomers build stable, self-sufficient lives rooted in dignity and belonging. Since its founding in the aftermath of World War …
Improving Health and Dignity for Refugees in Nakivali: A Comprehensive WASH Initiative
In southwestern Uganda, Church World Service is leading a transformative Water, Sanitation and Hygiene initiative in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, improving daily life for nearly 190,000 refugees through clean water access, safe sanitation and community education. Addressing Urgent Needs in Nakivale Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of Africa’s largest and oldest, hosts approximately 190,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, …
Lakou Tanama: Elevating Haitian Voices in Healing Justice
Alex Morse |
Trigger warning: This article mentions instances of suicide. CWS has partnered with the Haiti Health Network and Lakou Tanama to pilot a culturally centered and community-based training series in Kreyol for Haitian entrants in the United States. Through Healing Spaces, the pilot project offers a safe environment for participants to share, connect and heal—addressing urgent needs often overlooked by mainstream …
Youth Advocate for Safer Spaces: A Step Toward Dignity and Rights
October 9, 2025
On September 30, CWS Latin America and Caribbean commemorated the International Day of Children and Adolescents with Incarcerated Adult Relatives, highlighting a major milestone in the defense of their rights: the participation of youth representatives in a thematic hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the resulting Resolution 2/25, which recognizes the rights of children affected by incarceration. …
Hope Amid Hardship: Supporting Families in the DRC’s Deepening Crisis
October 7, 2025
Escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has displaced hundreds of thousands and intensified an already dire humanitarian crisis. In response, CWS has expanded its presence and launched a new food assistance initiative to support thousands of vulnerable families in Kasai-Central Province. A Crisis Deepens: Conflict and Displacement in the DRC Since January, escalating conflict has displaced hundreds of …
CWS Alarmed over DHS Plan to Spur Departure of Unaccompanied Children
October 6, 2025
Organization Expresses Need to Safeguard the Well-Being of Minors Washington, D.C.—Church World Service is deeply alarmed by the announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is targeting unaccompanied children with an immoral scheme that would incentivize minors—including children as young as 14—to waive legal rights guaranteed by U.S. law and self-deport in exchange for a one-time payment of …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Elected Officials to Condemn DHS Plan to Incentivize Unaccompanied Children’s Departure
Right now, reports indicate that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials are beginning to implement an initiative to financially incentivize unaccompanied immigrant children to agree to abandon their legal rights to seek safety and leave the United States. Reports indicate that as of October 3, DHS has begun to offer a $2,500 stipend to children in Office of Refugee Resettlement …
Planned Refugee Goal Would be a Historic Failure of Humanitarian Principles, Would Prioritize Political Ties Over True Danger
October 4, 2025
Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today expressed its dismay and deep concern in response to multiple reports that the Trump administration is planning to drastically reduce the Fiscal Year 2026 refugee admissions goal to the lowest level in history and exclude vulnerable, at-risk populations from the life-saving program. The reporting suggests the administration is preparing to set a Presidential Determination of …