As of January 22, 2025, the Trump administration has suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) until further notice, leaving thousands of refugees—including minors separated from their parents—without a pathway to safety. Originally from Syria, Alissa* has a deep connection to the resettlement experience. “CWS was the only organization that supported me on day one of arrival,” she said. “I …
Hope Amid Destruction: How the Wildfire Resource Hub Supports Displaced Families
CWS continues to play a crucial role in California’s wildfire recovery by helping establish the Wildfire Resource Hub, which provides a wide array of services, from emergency aid to long-term recovery support. With a focus on both immediate relief and emotional care, the Hub serves as a vital resource for those affected by the fires. A Vital Support Hub for …
Revoking Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans in U.S. Communities will have Dire Effects on Families, the Economy
February 3, 2025
Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today expressed its deep concern over the Trump administration’s revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 300,000 Venezuelans living in the United States. The decision will have dire consequences for Venezuelans who have built lives, filled essential jobs, started businesses, and contributed to our communities. Once the termination is finalized, Venezuelans who received legal TPS status …
Stories of Change
Top and Bottom: Amir Khan and Melissa Reece, EPRR Senior Officer at recent resource hub for California wildfires; Bottom: Amir at the Camarillo CROP walk
Creating Refuge Amidst the California Wildfires
Amir Khan, CWS’ Community Engagement Specialist, shares his experience of helping two young Afghan women navigate a harrowing night during the Los Angeles wildfires. This story highlights the challenges refugees face in disaster preparedness and underscores the importance of culturally competent support, as demonstrated by CWS’ inclusive disaster response initiatives.
“You’re safe now.” These are the words that Community Engagement Specialist, Amir Khan, told the two young Afghan women when he picked them up from the airport in Los Angeles. As a former refugee himself, Amir understood the weight of these words, especially for these two women who had just fled a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan where their rights and safety were at stake. Amir didn’t expect that shortly after, he would repeat these same words to these two women but in very different circumstances.
Amir Shares His Story from This Harrowing Day
“It was close to midnight on January 7, 2025, at 11:55 PM, when I received a call that would set the tone for the rest of my night. The voice on the other end of the line was shaky, filled with fear and uncertainty. Two young Afghan girls, who currently reside in my previous apartment in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles, were calling for help. They had just heard news of evacuations and strong winds amidst the fire devastation. Though they were far from the flames, the situation—coupled with the language barrier and their inability to drive—left them panicked and in tears.
As I sat there, shaking, memories of my own past flashed before me. I remember how helpless I felt when our home in Afghanistan was burned by the Taliban in late 1998, the ashes of everything we had left behind. I couldn’t think of anything else except that I needed to help them.
‘Get ready,’ I told them. ‘I’ll come to pick you up and bring you to Victorville. You can stay at our home for as long as you need.’ My wife and I have always felt a sense of responsibility for these girls. Their older sister is a close friend of my wife, and we first met them in late 2023. Back then, they had just arrived in the U.S., having worked for the Afghan government. The trauma of their abrupt displacement was evident. They were hesitant, even afraid, to live on their own.
In those early days, we offered them our bedroom, while my wife, kids and I slept in the living room. We wanted to provide them with a sense of safety and comfort in a new, unfamiliar country. Over time, they began adjusting, but the scars of their journey lingered. This latest crisis brought all those fears rushing back. It also reminded me of the importance of being prepared for disasters, whether fires, earthquakes or other emergencies.
Driving through the night to pick them up, I thought about their journey and the challenges they’d faced. As refugees and newcomers, they’ve had to navigate not only a new language and culture but also the emotional weight of leaving everything behind. My wife and I have tried to ease their transition, understanding firsthand the struggles of starting anew in a foreign land.
When I arrived at their apartment, their relief was palpable. They hurriedly packed their belongings, and I reassured them that they would be safe with us. By the time we reached Victorville, it was well into the early hours of the morning. We prepared our home to accommodate them, just as we had done before. Their gratitude was heartfelt, but I couldn’t help but feel that it was simply the right thing to do.”
CWS’ Inclusive Approach to Disaster Response
While recalling this story, Amir explained how resettlement in the U.S. is like arriving in “a new world” where so many things are still unknown. He recalled that in 2019 he experienced an earthquake near his home in Los Angeles which caught him and his family by complete surprise. He added, “Most refugees, especially with the new administration, feel like they are not part of the community. They always feel like they are second-class citizens.” This results in a disconnect between newcomers and the resources and information they need to be safe in their new homes.
CWS’ Emergency Preparedness Response and Recovery (EPRR) team works to bridge this gap by taking on a culturally competent and inclusive approach to disaster response work. This can look like creating translated educational materials, partnering with local organizations to identify needs and sharing knowledge about refugee communities to bridge gaps throughout the disaster preparedness and response period. Amir shared that through the support of the EPRR team, he was able to share materials with the California Afghan community following the recent wildfires.
Amir Reflects on the Power of Community
Reflecting on wildfires and the support he was able to provide Amir concluded, “This experience reminded me of the importance of community and support. For refugees and new immigrants, even small acts of kindness can mean the difference between despair and hope. These young women are still learning English and adapting to life here, but with every challenge, they show incredible resilience. My wife and I are committed to being there for them, offering not just a place to stay but also a sense of belonging.
As the fires continued to rage and the winds howled outside, our home became a sanctuary for these girls. In times of crisis, we all need someone to lean on. For me, it’s a privilege to be that person for them, to offer a helping hand when it’s most needed. It’s a reminder that, even amidst uncertainty, compassion and solidarity can light the way forward.”
To support individuals affected by recent wildfires, please consider donating to our California Wildfires Relief Fund. You can learn more about CWS’ Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery work here. You can also support the Pasadena CROP Walk which will contribute 50% of its funds back to the Pasadena community by donating here.
Stories of Change
Image of a family from Afghanistan in search of safety
A Family’s Fight for Safety After U.S. Refugee Ban
After fleeing Afghanistan in 2021 due to their work with the U.S. military, Fatima and Omar were eventually resettled in North Carolina, where they have built a new life. However, their joy is overshadowed by fear for their family members still trapped abroad, facing extreme hardship and danger as they await a stalled resettlement process.
Trigger Warning: This story includes graphic depictions of violence.
Fatima and Omar *were evacuated from Kabul in August 2021 as the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan. After two months in Qatar, three months on a military base in New Jersey, and another three months in a hotel in Silver Spring, Maryland, they were finally resettled in North Carolina in May 2022. The couple fled their home country because they had worked alongside the U.S. military in Afghanistan.
Shortly after arriving in Durham, Fatima gave birth to their first child. Last year, she began working as a paralegal, supporting other refugees navigating the immigration system. After two and a half years in the Triangle, Omar says, “We feel safe. But the only thing we are not comfortable with is our family.”
When the Taliban took over, Omar’s brother, who had worked with the U.S. embassy, did not make it onto an evacuation flight. He and his family fled Afghanistan on their own, seeking safety in another Middle Eastern country. They had been moving smoothly through the refugee resettlement process there, waiting for their final travel notification—until the executive order halting all refugee admissions was issued.
Omar explains, “[My brother] cannot go back to Afghanistan. If he returns, they will kill him.” But the country where they sought refuge is no longer extending their visas. Now, they live in constant fear of police and deportation. They rarely leave their home and struggle to access food and medicine. Their children are unable to attend school.
“I’m in a situation where we are not able to do anything for them,” Omar says. “They have four children and are living in one bedroom—six people in one room. The kids can’t go to school. Even my youngest nephew, when he talks to me, sounds depressed. He keeps saying, ‘I want to get to the U.S.’ He’s always on the phone, worrying about the future, instead of playing like a kid should.”
“[My brother] is a hard worker and will be a great addition to this country. He just needs shelter.”
Two months ago, Fatima’s cousin, who had served in the Afghan military, was brutally killed by the Taliban. Now, Fatima and Omar fear their family members waiting overseas may face the same fate if the resettlement process does not reopen.
To learn more about the work of CWS Durham, click here.
Note: stock image and pseudonyms have been used to protect the identity of the individuals in this story
From Tanzania to Tennessee: Reflecting on a Family’s Resettlement Journey in Light of New Executive Orders
Mariana Gama | January 30, 2025
After fleeing violence in Congo, Hoga and his family endured decades of uncertainty in Tanzania’s Nyarugusu Refugee Camp. Twenty years later, they were finally granted refuge in Tennessee and faced the daunting transition to a new life, filled with both hope and anticipation. Now, the same resettlement pathway that gave them a future is under suspension, leaving thousands of refugees …
Take Action: Tell Congress & the White House that you OPPOSE Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Executive Actions Targeting Newcomers
January 28, 2025
Upon taking office on January 20, President Trump signed a sweeping series of executive actions that reversed decades of precedent for welcome, going much further than he did in his first term to target programs supporting refugees and others who are fleeing persecution and violence. In the days since, many of these actions have been operationalized and are causing significant …
Halt of Foreign Assistance Funding is an Abdication of American Leadership and Values
January 25, 2025
Washington, D.C.—CWS today expressed alarm and disappointment in response to the abrupt and sweeping freeze of funding for U.S. foreign assistance, which will cause immediate harm to millions of people who are served by these vital programs around the world. This includes funding for critical services provided to refugees resettled to the United States, as well as humanitarian assistance for …
Stories of Change
Silvia's letter urging, "And from the bottom of my heart, I wish that no child ever has to suffer the separation from their mother or father."
Faith Amid Fear: A Mother and Daughter’s Separation and Healing
Trigger Warning: This story mentions depictions of violence and sexual abuse.
The following story is about Pilar* and her daughter, Silvia, who fled Guatemala after being targeted by a violent gang, leaving behind their community and the church that had once been their refuge. Upon reaching the U.S., they endured the trauma of being separated under the Trump administration’s Zero Tolerance Policy, followed by months of confinement in detention. Both Silvia and Pilar have written their personal testimonies about the event, which can be read below.
In their hometown in Guatemala, Pilar and her daughter Silvia found solace in their local church which they would visit almost daily despite the lengthy one-hour long walk to get there. This daily pilgrimage, which provided the pair immense peace away from the challenges they faced in their community, was soon tarnished when gangs started targeting Silvia who had just entered her teenage years.
“We noticed strangers began to enter the town we lived in but didn’t want to move backward so we kept going with the things of God and continued going to church.”
A Mother’s Worst Fear is Realized
The strangers were members of a gang, and their attention soon turned to Silvia. Pilar’s fears were confirmed one afternoon when, on their way home from church, they were ambushed. The men made their intentions clear, telling the women that they would have to stop going to church because “their leader had his eye on Silvia.” She added, “They told us they would do what was impossible to get what they wanted from my daughter.” The moment they pushed Silvia to the ground Pilar became horrified at what was about to happen to her daughter and began to cry and yell for help. “My screams were so loud that some of the brothers from our church heard and came to help us get out of the situation.”
Pilar had hoped that the intervention would be enough to deter the gang, but their harassment escalated and soon they began appearing at Pilar’s home. While leaving their country and loved ones was devastating, the weight of the gang’s threats was far heavier so Pilar decided to flee with Silvia to the United States.
Upon reaching the U.S. border in 2018, Pilar and Silvia’s arduous journey took a devastating turn when they were told that the Trump administration’s Zero Tolerance Policy, which mandated the prosecution of all individuals crossing the border without documents, had just taken effect. Pilar, who had done everything in her power to protect her daughter until that moment, was horrified when as a result of the policy they were forcibly separated.
The following is a personal account from Pilar and Silvia about the event:
Pilar’s Testimony:
The purpose of writing this letter is to share the process my daughter and I went through.
We entered the U.S. in 2018, through San Luis, Arizona. When we turned ourselves in to immigration, it was 2 a.m. I can remember the agents interviewing us and telling us they were very sorry because the Zero Tolerance Policy had already gone into effect, and there was nothing more they could do.
When they told me they were going to take my daughter from me, it was the greatest pain I’ve ever felt—knowing they were going to separate me from my child. They didn’t tell me where they were taking her. They only said that someone would come for her in a few hours. From that moment, we held hands and began crying together, not knowing when we would see each other again. It was such immense pain to see them take my daughter away.
The only thing my daughter carried with her was my personal identification (DPI) with my photo. That comforted her, but I was left behind. I spent eight days in “la hielera” (the icebox). After that, they transferred me to Eloy, Arizona. They took me in a van that had no air conditioning, and they left me inside for two hours. During that time, my blood pressure dropped. I had nothing to drink, and I could only tell the other women in the van that I felt like I was going to faint. But thanks to God, I was able to endure it and make it to Eloy detention center.
When I arrived, they helped me walk because I was very dehydrated from being locked up for so long without water. I was so worried about my daughter. They gave me a room, number 118. I am writing this letter now, but my tears are falling because it’s not easy to remember all that trauma.
After that, some of the other women in detention spilled shampoo on the stairs. When I walked down the stairs, I slipped and hit my knee. Out of fear that they might detain me even longer, I didn’t say anything. But they saw me on the cameras and told me it was a serious injury. The next day, my knee was bleeding from the injury. The saddest part was that they didn’t give me any feminine hygiene products, and I suffered a lot because of that.
After a while, they told me I would be transferred to another detention center in Texas. That was another difficult process, but by then, my daughter and I were reunited. We spent six months together in detention. We went through very sad moments, but God gave us the strength to endure all that time we spent locked up.
It’s not easy to forget everything we went through, but with God’s help, I am overcoming it. I want to thank all of you for the support you have given us. Thank you very much, and may God bless you.
Silvia’s Testimony:
When we entered immigration, they separated us for two months. My mother was held in “la hielera” (the icebox) for two months, and I couldn’t speak to her. The pain was overwhelming, not knowing anything about her. I arrived at the shelter heartbroken because I didn’t know where my mother was. At the shelter, there was food, clothing and everything I needed, but I was missing my mother. I suffered from depression, anxiety, sadness and I developed an infection in my body. The shelter staff treated me with antibiotics.
Days went by, and the most awaited moment finally arrived—I got to see my mother. We spent one night in a cold room. The next day, we were escorted to Texas. We stayed together in a shelter for six months, where I went to school and my mother worked at the shelter, earning $3 a day. We suffered through the confinement, but being together, we supported each other.
Finally, the time came for us to leave. It was a trauma that, to this day, I am still in therapy to overcome. And from the bottom of my heart, I wish that no child ever has to suffer the separation from their mother or father.
A Hopeful Future
Five years later, Pilar has settled in North Carolina with her husband and their youngest child, while Silvia, now in her 20s, has built a life in South Carolina with her husband. Both women have found vital support in the resettlement process through CWS and remain steadfast in their faith, which continues to guide them daily. Despite the progress they’ve made, Pilar faces the uncertainty of her immigration status, a weight that lingers over her family’s future. Her greatest dream is to receive the documentation that will secure her family’s ability to stay in the place they feel safe and now call home.
Join CWS as we stand against harmful policies like the Zero Tolerance Policy. Click here to tell Congress & the White House that you OPPOSE Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Executive Actions Targeting Newcomers. Learn more about the work of CWS SouthEast here.
*Note: For the safety of these clients, pseudonyms have been used in this story and certain elements in their testimonies have been redacted.
Stories of Change
Yhoan Manuel and His Family
A Journey into New Futures: The Tale of Yhoan Manuel and His Family
The Manuel family arrived in the United States seeking a better future and, with the support of the CWS Jersey City team, transitioned from a temporary shelter to a stable home. Through hard work and personalized assistance, they have built a fulfilling life, turning their dreams into reality.
The Manuel family landed in the United States on November 20, 2024, after a long and difficult journey filled with hardships and dreams of a better future. With support from the CWS Jersey City housing team, the family found temporary refuge at a shelter upon arrival, providing them with a safe space as they adjusted to their new life.
Arrival and Initial Support: A Warm Welcome in Jersey City
The CWS Jersey City office played a vital role in supporting the family’s transition. Upon their arrival, the office connected with Yhoan, his wife Marcela and their son through a comprehensive welcome and orientation process. Recognizing the challenges of starting over in a new country, the CWS Jersey City housing team provided immediate logistical support. They ensured the family had access to essential necessities such as food, clothing and hygiene items. Temporary housing was secured, and the team guided Yhoan through the complex process of obtaining legal documentation and social services.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, CWS Jersey City provided crucial resources to help the family build a stable future. This included connecting them with English classes, job training programs and cultural orientation sessions. The housing team also assisted in searching for, evaluating and securing permanent housing. Through consistent follow-ups and personalized support, CWS Jersey City ensured that Yhoan and his family had the tools and resources needed not only to survive but to thrive in their new environment.
Building Stability: From Shelter to Self-Sufficiency
Yhoan, a hardworking father, devotes himself to providing for his family. Since arriving in the country, he has spent everyday walking around the Jersey City area in search of work. For him, supporting his family is the most important priority. Together with his son, they found job opportunities in electrical and door installations. They continue to receive support from the CWS Jersey City employment team, who are working to provide more permanent and stable job opportunities for them. Despite initial difficulties, their effort and dedication have helped them move forward and rebuild their lives.
With the steadfast support of his wife, Yhoan quickly adapted to their new reality. Within weeks, both he and Marcela secured jobs, bringing stability and income to their family. Meanwhile, their son, eager to further his education and career, found support through the CWS Youth Mentorship Program. Though he had finished school, the program connected him with mentors who provided access to educational resources, job training and guidance to develop long-term goals. Under their guidance, he has started to bridge gaps in his education, laying the foundation for a successful future.
New Beginnings: Creating a Home and Pursuing Dreams
Thanks to their hard work and the consistent support of the CWS team, the family transitioned from a shelter to stable housing. Yhoan and Marcela created a nurturing home for their child, where he could grow and pursue his dreams. “The change is quite significant. We are comfortable and at ease. Now we have more privacy and comfort. But, if I have to tell you, since I arrived in the country, I have felt heard and supported by the CWS Housing team. They have been a great support throughout this process,” said Marcela.
At present, Yhoan Manuel and his family lead a happy and fulfilling life in their new community. Their story is one of struggle, hope and the transformative power of support. Together, they turned an uncertain beginning into the promise of a better future—a testament to what can be achieved through determination and hard work.
Recently, the family moved into their permanent home in Union City, New Jersey, leaving behind the shelter that had welcomed them during their first weeks in the country. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, filled with hope and new opportunities. Confident in their ability to overcome challenges and fueled by a desire for improvement, they are ready to continue building a brighter future together.
To learn more about the work of CWS Jersey City, click here.