Finding Hope in Challenging Times: Reflections from the Virtual Integration Services Team


Nandini Sridhar | December 18, 2025

Season’s greetings from CWS’s Virtual Integration Services (VIS) Team!  We hope that this season of hope finds you well and that you are able to spend meaningful time with family and friends. Here at VIS, we have been reflecting on all of the challenges and successes in the last year and are grateful for your companionship this season.  VIS supporting Emergency Response On January 24th, The US State Department halted resettlement programs and sent a …

TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Members of Congress to Support the GRACE Act to Protect and Strengthen the Refugee Program


Tens of thousands of refugees who had already been approved for resettlement in the U.S. are stranded overseas in dangerous conditions in the wake of President Trump’s indefinite refugee ban. At the same time, the Trump administration is subjecting refugees living in U.S. communities to an onslaught of attacks. With refugee admissions still indefinitely suspended, the administration says it plans …

CWS Deeply Alarmed by Trump Administration’s Expanded Travel Ban


Christopher Plummer | December 17, 2025

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service strongly opposes the Trump administration’s latest travel ban, which more than doubles the number of countries whose citizens are partially or fully blocked from the United States. This dramatic expansion of its previous travel ban now impacts nationals from 39 countries, barring individuals from 19 countries (plus those holding Palestinian Authority-issued documents) and partially excluding individuals from 20 additional countries. As …

Ending 2025 with Hope: Your Impact Through CWS Kits and Blankets


In a year marked by global hunger and devastating disasters, CWS supporters brought light and hope to communities in need. Together, you provided more than 141,000 essential supplies, helping families rebuild, stay safe and know they are not alone.  This year, our neighbors have faced extraordinary challenges. Across the globe, 318 million people are entering the new year at crisis levels of hunger In the Caribbean, communities …

Winter in Ukraine: Responding to Rising Food Insecurity on the Frontlines


December 12, 2025

As Ukraine braces for another harsh winter, food insecurity is surging—especially in frontline areas where conflict, inflation and energy poverty collide. CWS is committed to walking alongside vulnerable communities, ensuring access to food and dignity in the face of growing hardship.  A Perfect Storm: Conflict, Inflation and Cold  In Ukraine’s frontline oblasts, the convergence of war, economic instability and seasonal hardship is …

Winter Ready: Staying Prepared for the Season Ahead


December 5, 2025

As winter approaches, the season brings both joy and hidden dangers. From icy roads to rising heating costs, understanding the risks and preparing ahead can help families stay safe and resilient.  Understanding Winter Risks  As the weather turns colder, families around the country prepare for all the joy and excitement that winter holds. From holiday celebrations to cozy treats, the new season …

Take Action: Stop Collective Punishment of Refugees and Asylum Seekers After Tragic Shooting


December 2, 2025

In the days following the November 26 shooting of two members of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. by an Afghan asylee, the Trump administration immediately pursued a campaign of collective punishment. The administration has started to implement a sweeping immigration crackdown with massive implications for Afghans, refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants both abroad and here in the U.S. CWS …

“The Road Is Made By Walking”: An Encouraging Re-Encounter


Rick Santos |

During a recent trip to Moldova, Rick Santos, President and CEO of Church World Service, reflected on finding hope through the resilience of refugees and communities served by CWS, including Natalia, a Ukrainian refugee whose journey of giving continues to inspire. Pictured above: Natalia poses with her children, reflecting joy and resilience in Moldova. Discovering Hope in Moldova In today’s …

Politicization of Vital Program for Allies should not be Response to Wanton Violence, Bloodshed


November 28, 2025

Washington, D.C.—Following this week’s violent attack on two members of the National Guard—leading to one death and the critical wounding of another—in our nation’s capitol, Church World Service condemns this reprehensible attack and all violence unequivocally. The perpetrator has since been identified as an Afghan national who served alongside the U.S. presence in Afghanistan, had been evacuated after the fall …

TAKE ACTION: Stand With Refugees as Trump Sets Record Low Resettlement Goal, Targets Those Who Have Already Resettled to the U.S.


November 26, 2025

On November 24, Reuters reported on an internal U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) memo that ordered a “review and re-interview” of all refugees who entered via the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program under the Biden administration. The review, which would impact over 200,000 refugees who resettled in the U.S. between January 20, 2021 and February 20, 2025 — would reportedly …