For decades, the United States has been a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence and persecution. Since 1975, more than 3.7 million refugees have found safety and a new home in America, where they have contributed to the nation’s culture, workforce and economy. Welcoming refugees is deeply rooted in U.S. values, and history shows that when refugees integrate and …
Keeping the Doors Open: How CWS Continues to Support Refugee Newcomers
February 25, 2025
Despite the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, CWS remains committed to supporting refugee and immigrant families. Through essential services in CWS local offices—ranging from legal aid and housing assistance to medical support—CWS continues to provide a lifeline for newcomers in need. For more than 75 years, CWS has stood alongside refugees and newcomers, working in partnership with communities, …
CWS Challenges Suspension of Refugee Resettlement Program and Freeze of Refugee Funding
February 10, 2025
CWS Challenges Suspension of Refugee Resettlement Program and Freeze of Refugee Funding Lawsuit Was Filed in Federal District Court in Seattle on Behalf of Impacted Refugees and Faith Based Refugee-Serving Agencies (Seattle, WA) – Today, three national and local faith-based refugee-serving agencies and nine individuals filed Pacito v. Trump, the first lawsuit challenging President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) suspending the …
Executive Actions Target Refugees, Cut Off Access to Life-Saving Programs
February 4, 2025
CWS Furloughs Staff to Maintain Capacity to Serve Vulnerable Clients Washington, D.C.— CWS today expressed deep concern and alarm over the administration’s recent actions severely limiting the ability of the organization to continue to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to refugees and other vulnerable families. Since January 20th, the Trump Administration has taken action after action–including severely limiting access to federal …
Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants: What’s The Difference?
More than 120 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes in search of safe, new lives. Every day, thousands are forced to make this difficult decision, leaving behind their belongings, memories and, oftentimes, loved ones, all for the hope of a better future. There are many reasons people choose to make this decision. Millions are …
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 …
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 …
How You Can Take Action in Support of Refugees and Asylum Seekers Now
January 22, 2025
In the first days of the Trump-Vance administration, Donald Trump signed a number of Executive Orders that eliminate legal pathways for those seeking safety, including banning access to asylum and other legal protections at the U.S.-Mexico border, suspending humanitarian parole programs and canceling scheduled appointments for nearly 30,000 migrants and indefinitely suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As these pathways …
Church World Service Marks the Inauguration of President Trump to his Second Term
January 20, 2025
Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today marked the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the new President of the United States. The organization also honored the peaceful transfer of power that is a hallmark of our democracy. CWS calls on the new administration, as well as Congressional, state and local leaders to honor our nation’s legacy of standing alongside refugee and …
Following Election Results, CWS Reaffirms Commitment to Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors, Vulnerable Families Worldwide
November 6, 2024
Contact: media@cwsglobal.org Following Election Results, CWS Reaffirms Commitment to Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors, Vulnerable Families Worldwide Washington, D.C.– In response to the news that Donald Trump has been elected for another term to the office of President of the United States, Church World Service President and CEO Rick Santos issued the following statement: “As we prepare to usher in a …