CWS is deeply concerned about a recent decision of the Dominican Republic’s Constitutional Court which substantially increases the number of Dominicans of Haitian descent at risk of statelessness and also increases their risk of deportation to Haiti, which has no record of their existence. The Sept. 26 ruling says that all children born of persons “in transit” in the country …
A Mixed Report Card in the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty
Chris Herlinger | October 5, 2013
The last two weeks have been a kind of “report card” time for those of us in the humanitarian field. Last week, the member states of the United Nations took stock of the Millennium Development Goals that were set more than a decade ago as benchmarks in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty (and tackle related problems) by the year …
One Government Activity Continues: 1,100+ Deportations a Day
Rev. John L McCullough | October 4, 2013
As originally published by Huffington Post, 10/03/2013, 5:01 p.m. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mccullough/one-government-activity-continues_b_4037736.html Like many Americans, I am dismayed that ideological rigidity and the unwillingness to compromise have brought our nation to a government shutdown. Yet as vital services are stopped, one government activity continues: the deportation of more than 1,100 people every day. This moral stain continues unabated with thousands of spouses …
CWS Welcomes Introduction of House Immigration Reform Bill
Church World Service welcomes the introduction of H.R. 15, a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by Leader Nancy Pelosi, improves upon S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, which passed the Senate in June. “The introduction of this bill provides a clear opportunity for House leadership to embrace real solutions …
Hunger Down From Last Year But Hundreds of Millions Still Have Too Little to Eat
October 2, 2013
NEW YORK, NY — Some 842 million people, or roughly one in eight, suffered from chronic hunger in 2011-13, according to a report released by the UN food agencies. Responding to the dismal figures, CWS president and CEO the Rev John McCullough said the issue of hunger is “one of the most urgent public policy issues facing the U.S. government …
Situation Report: Pakistan Earthquake
October 1, 2013
Situation: A second deadly earthquake – this one of 7.2-magnitude — hit Pakistan’s Balochistan province early Saturday (Sept. 28). At least 22 people died. This follows last week’s quake in the same province, which killed hundreds. Officials fear the death toll from Saturday’s earthquake could rise. The region has suffered massive loss of infrastructure including communication and road links. It …
‘I Could Do Something’
Beth Oppenheim-Chan | September 30, 2013
I stood at the photocopy machine, trying to make sense of the large file before me. Certain documents had to be copied once, while others needed more than one made. A bit confused, I went back to our Associate Director for Immigration to ask for more direction. We were conducting a naturalization workshop in partnership with another agency and clients …
CWS responds to U.S. Storms, Floods, Tornadoes, Wildfires
Appeal # 627 Y Initial Appeal Goal: $120,000 Revised Appeal Goal: $150,000 Received to Date: $27,000 Situation: Heavy rains Sept. 9-16 caused severe flooding in Colorado. In most of the affected areas, rains exceeded 20 inches over several days. As many as five dams burst or were overtopped, causing additional flooding. The flood emergency has affected an area of more …
CWS, Faith Leaders Warn Against Brinkmanship in Budget Talks
NEW YORK – Responding to the threat of a possible shutdown of the U.S. government, CWS President and CEO, the Rev. John L. McCullough joined faith leaders in denouncing the political posturing and brinksmanship that have pushed the nation to the edge of a partial cease in government operations for the first time in 17 years. In his remarks at …
October is for Immigration Reform!
Jen Smyers | September 27, 2013
In less than two weeks, CWS will host its first annual Global Summit in Washington, DC. The event will focus on the very timely topic of immigration reform, and will include more than 250 pastors, lay leaders, and grassroots organizers from across the country who have been working tirelessly for immigrants’ rights. October will be a key time for immigration …