Action Alerts
Latest Action Alerts
TAKE ACTION: Tell Our National Leaders to Protect Refugees and Commemorate World Refugee Day on June 20th
World Refugee Day on June 20th provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the strength and courage of all those around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. It is also a critical time to join in collective action and advocacy in support of refugees, including those who have resettled in the U.S, who are seeking protection …
TAKE ACTION: Tell Our National Leaders to Support Welcoming, Humane Border Solutions
On May 11, the end of the public health emergency associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will trigger the automatic end of the cruel and unlawful Title 42 policy at the border. Title 42 is a pandemic-era authority, first implemented by the Trump administration in March 2020, that has been wrongfully used over 2.6 million times to rapidly expel migrants at …
TAKE ACTION: Call on Congressional Leaders to Support Welcoming Policies During RCUSA Refugee Advocacy Days the Week of May 1st
Join us during Refugee Council USA’s Refugee Advocacy Days on May 2nd and 3rd, when hundreds of advocates are traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with their Senators and Representatives and urge them to support people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Advocacy Days represent an important opportunity for community members across the country to join the call …
TAKE ACTION: Urge the Florida Legislator to Reject SB 1718 and HB 1617
Right now, bills SB 1718 and HB 1617 are making their way through the Florida Legislator. This immoral, discriminatory and anti-immigrant legislation would criminalize those who transport undocumented individuals as well as un-inspected minors into the state of Florida. Additionally, this legislation would interfere with immigrants receiving urgent medical care, as well as prevent DACA recipients from obtaining a license …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Members of Congress to Support Unaccompanied Children and their Families
Now is a critical time for Congress and the administration to ensure unaccompanied children and their caregivers receive the support they need so that children have a safe and stable home and community where they are protected from exploitative and dangerous working conditions. Congress must also ensure that unaccompanied children and their families have access to child-appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Protect Robust Funding for Affordable Housing for Fiscal Year 2024
Right now, Congress is negotiating important funding legislation that would fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2024. State and local governments and the communities they serve rely on federal resources to meet the housing, homelessness, and community development needs of their communities. However, Congress has underfunded these resources for decades, so it is critical that our elected leaders hear …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Our National Leaders to Improve Access to Work Authorization and Strengthen New Americans’ Economic Self-Sufficiency
Asylum seekers, individuals arriving with humanitarian parole, refugees, and other new arrivals in the United States deserve the opportunity to support themselves and their families. However, our newest neighbors often face severe legislative and administrative barriers to receiving employment authorization documents (EADs or work permits) that allow them to work. For example, asylum seekers are statutorily barred from accessing an …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Members of Congress to Prevent the Administration from Reinstating Family Detention
On March 07, 2023, a New York Times report exposed that the Biden Administration is planning to “turn to increasingly restrictive measures as his administration prepares for the end of Title 42” and is now considering the reinstatement of family detention in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facilities to deter asylum seekers from seeking safety at the U.S. southern border. …
TAKE ACTION: Call for Bold Leadership on Refugee Resettlement During Senate Hearing on March 22, 2023
On Wednesday, March 22, the U.S. Senate will hold an important hearing focused on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, the first in several years. With unprecedented and growing forced migration around the world, the need for a robust resettlement program is more pressing than ever. This hearing, titled “Living Up to America’s Promise: Bolstering the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program,” provides …
TAKE ACTION: Tell the Biden Administration to Invest in Reuniting Central American Children and Families
Today (March 15th) is the two year anniversary of the restart of the Central American Minors (CAM) program that allows certain children and family members from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to reunite with their parents or legal guardians in the United States. The Trump administration terminated the program in 2017, leaving thousands of families who applied before then in …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Members of Congress to Protect Unaccompanied Children and Prevent Child Exploitation
A recent New York Times investigation found that hundreds of unaccompanied immigrant children are being exploited for their labor across the United States. These children, and all children, deserve protection and support. Policies that limit children’s protections from harm – and access to that protection in the United States – open up vulnerable populations to exploitation. Through child-centered, trauma-informed, culturally …
TAKE ACTION: Urge National Leaders to Reject Biden Administration’s Unlawful Asylum Ban
On February 21st, the Biden administration announced it is preparing to implement an asylum ban that would have a devastating impact on those fleeing persecution and arriving at our doors. The proposed ban draws direct inspiration from the reckless and life-threatening border policies of the Trump era — in particular two asylum restrictions (an asylum “transit ban” and an asylum …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Members of Congress to Welcome Refugees and Support the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program
January marked the start of a new session in Congress, and the need for robust refugee and asylum protections is more pressing than ever. Growing violence, persecution, human rights violations, and strife around the world has forced over 100 million people to flee their homes, a record number. The U.S. resettlement program has long stood as a shining example of …
ACTION ALERT: Urge Virginia Policymakers to Support English Language Learners and Pass Licensure Reform for Internationally Trained Nurses
We are a country with a proud legacy of refugees and immigrants who helped found this nation, and we recognize the valuable contributions they bring to Virginia’s communities and the economy. Refugees are vital to the continuing prosperity of our state – they pay taxes, help grow our economy, and bring unique skill sets, experiences, and insights. Your voice matters. …
TAKE ACTION: Tell Our National Leaders to Welcome People Seeking Protection and Reject Dangerous and Immoral Anti-Asylum Policies
On January 5, 2023, President Biden announced a series of changes to U.S. asylum and border policy with wide-ranging implications for people seeking safety and refuge in the United States. The Biden administration is wrongfully expanding its use of Title 42 to expel people seeking asylum from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua and is harmfully continuing its expanded use of Title …
Take Action: Urge Members of Congress to Become Original Cosponsors of the Refugee Protection Act of 2022
Today, we are facing the worst refugee crisis in recorded history with 100 million displaced people in the world, including more than 32.5 million refugees. Resettlement is the last resort for all refugees, and here in the United States, refugee resettlement is a longstanding, life-saving American tradition that welcomes the most vulnerable refugees who bring their innovative skills, diverse cultures, …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Reject Anti-Asylum Policies that Perpetuate Violence and Racism
In November, a federal court ruled that the continuation of Title 42 is in violation of U.S. law, alongside a plan to end the Title 42 policy on December 21st. Title 42, the inhumane and unlawful Trump-era policy that continued under the Biden administration, was used as a false public health order to expel millions of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Welcome and Facilitate Integration of Our Refugee, Asylum Seeking, and Immigrant Neighbors
Right now, Members of Congress are negotiating federal funding legislation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 that will invest in strengthening the U.S. resettlement program and the communities that welcome refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. This month, Congress will also be considering a number of other priorities impacting the long-term integration of our new Afghan and Ukrainian neighbors, family reunification, citizenship …
Take Action: Urge Congress to Denounce Expanding Harmful “Title 42” Expulsions and Restore a Just and Equitable Asylum System
On October 12, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will roll out a new parole program for certain Venezuelans with U.S. ties and loved ones in the United States. The new parole program will benefit up to 24,000 individuals fleeing the humanitarian and economic crises in their home country. This decision was coupled with an …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Support and Pass Permanent Pathways to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants
Right now, 11 million immigrants face threats of detention and deportation every day. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has provided temporary relief from deportation to almost 800,000 young people who came to the United States as children. DACA has transformed lives, but it has been repeatedly subjected to legal challenges that have put the lives of all …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Support Access to Housing and the “Housing First” Model
Homelessness is a crisis in many communities – one that demands urgent action. To end homelessness once and for all, federal, state, and local governments must invest in proven solutions at the scale necessary to address the problem. The “Housing First” model is the most effective, evidence-based approach for ending homelessness for most individuals and families. Housing First has had …
TAKE ACTION: Tell Your National and State Elected Leaders to Welcome People Seeking Protection and Safety
Over the past several months, Texas Governor Abbott, Arizona Governor Ducey, and Florida Governor DeSantis have transported immigrants and asylum seekers to cities from the southern border to communities in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, and Massachusetts. In response, we have seen an outpouring of local support from congregations and volunteers who are welcoming and providing aid to immigrants …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress and the Biden Administration to Welcome and Protect Haitian Asylum Seekers
September 2022 marks one year since U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers’ brutality, chasing, lashing at, and nearly trampling Haitian asylum seekers in Del Rio, Texas. Since then, the Biden administration has failed to meaningfully hold CBP accountable for these actions or its culture of impunity. In the year since then, an insufficient investigation by CBP in July 2022 …
Take Action: Tell President Biden and Congress to Welcome and Protect Unaccompanied Children
Now is the time for visionary action to restore and strengthen policies that protect and welcome vulnerable unaccompanied children fleeing persecution, trafficking, abuse and violence. In 2020 and 2021 more than 100,000 unaccompanied children have sought refuge in the United States. It is imperative that our elected leaders both help ensure unaccompanied children are extended the care and protection they …
National Day of Advocacy on Monday, September 12th: Tell Congress to Invest in Community Wholeness, Cut Funding that Fuels Detention and Deportations
Right now, Congress is negotiating legislation that will fund the federal government on a short-term basis from October 1st through the midterm elections in November. Join us on Monday, September 12th for a National Day of Advocacy to tell Congress to reduce funding that fuels immigrant detention, deportations, and family separation, and instead chooses to invest in community wholeness. Congress …
URGENT TAKE ACTION: Tell President Biden and Congress to Halt Inhumane Expulsions and Anti-Asylum Policies at the Border
At this moment, the inhumane and immoral Title 42 policy, a Trump era policy which produced a humanitarian disaster that blocks and expels individuals seeking refuge at the U.S. southern border, remains in place. Though the Biden administration attempted to end the policy, a Federal Judge in Louisiana blocked the administration’s plan to terminate Title 42 in Arizona v. CDC …
Take Action: Urge Congress to Pass the Bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, more than 75,000 at-risk Afghans were welcomed into the United States via “humanitarian parole,” a temporary immigration status typically only granted for 1 or 2 years to provide safety for people under threat. Given the temporary nature of parole, tens of thousands of the relocated Afghan men, women, and children resettled in the U.S. …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Welcome Refugees & Rebuild the U.S. Resettlement Program
In August, U.S. Representatives and Senators are in their home states and districts for their in-district work period (July 29th-September 12th for the House and August 5th-September 5th for the Senate). Even if you can’t meet with your Members of Congress in person, you can still make your voices heard and call or email them, urging them to welcome refugees. …
Take Action: Invite Your Mayor to Sign Letter Supporting Access to Housing
Right now, the United States is facing a housing affordability crisis; at present, excessive rent burdens, and the ultimate consequences of these burdens, such as financial hardship, eviction, and even homelessness are daily realities for more than ten million households across the country. The housing crisis demands urgent action. Housing First is the most effective approach for ending homelessness for …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your State and Local Leaders to Support Refugee Resettlement in FY 2023
With an estimated 100 million forcibly displaced globally, the world is faced with the greatest displacement and refugee crisis in history, and it is imperative that the United States restore its bold leadership in the global humanitarian response. Now is a critical time to hold the administration accountable to rebuilding and strengthening the U.S. resettlement program and improve our humanitarian …
ACTION ALERT: Tell Congress to Protect Refugees and Commemorate World Refugee Day on June 20th
As we approach World Refugee Day on June 20th, now is the time to make your voices heard to tell your Members of Congress to stand in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers, rebuild the U.S. resettlement program, and fully restore asylum protections. In recognition of the sacrifice, resilience, and contributions of refugees, tell your Members of Congress to hold …
Take Action: Urge Congress to Support and Pass Permanent Pathways to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants
June 15th, 2022, marks 10 years since immigrant youth won Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that protects millions of immigrants who arrived in the United States since childhood, and ever since this country became their home. Unfortunately, instead of investing in protecting fundamental human rights and lasting permanent protections from deportations, millions of immigrants continue to face …
URGENT: Urge State Lawmakers to Pass S.B. 836, to Support Immigrant and Refugee Integration
Right now, the Michigan legislature is considering critical legislation that addresses the state’s growing shortage of healthcare workers. This bill, SB 836, is important because it provides funding to facilitate the inclusion of internationally-trained workers in Michigan’s workforce. Immigrants and refugees with medical licensing can contribute by working as clinicians, educators, researchers, government and pharmaceutical company employees. Given that the …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Protect Immigrant and Refugee Families, and Uphold Family Unity in FY23 Funding Bills
Background: For decades, people have been waiting to reunite with their family members and loved ones due to the United States’ broken immigration system. There are currently over 4 million people in the family immigration backlogs waiting to reunite with their loved ones. The average wait time for a permanent resident to sponsor an unmarried son or daughter from Mexico …
URGENT: Urge Congress & the Biden Administration to Welcome Refugees and Rebuild the U.S. Resettlement Program
The need for long-term protections for refugees has never been greater. The world is facing record displacement figures of more than 84 million people who have been forced from their homes. And the escalation of conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan triggered an immediate and steep rise in humanitarian needs. This is in addition to protracted or worsening humanitarian crises in …
URGENT ACTION: Tell Congress to Protect Refugees and Urge Administration to Set Refugee Admissions Goal at 200,000 for FY 2023
The world is faced with the greatest displacement and refugee crisis in history, and it is imperative that the United States restore its bold leadership in the global humanitarian response. The Biden administration has responded to certain acute humanitarian crises, relocating more than 85,000 vulnerable Afghans, committing to welcome up to 100,000 displaced populations fleeing hostilities in Ukraine, and beginning …
URGENT: Urge Congress & the Biden Administration to Welcome Ukrainians, Protect Refugees, and Rebuild the U.S. Resettlement Program
On April 21, the Biden administration announced “Uniting for Ukraine,” a new humanitarian parole program to expedite welcoming displaced Ukrainians with U.S. ties. Uniting for Ukraine aims to provide access to humanitarian parole for 100,000 Ukrainians, and certain foreign nationals living in Ukraine, impacted by the ongoing Russian invasion. The administration must maximize the use of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program …
URGENT: Call on Congress to Include Housing Investments in Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Funding Legislation
Right now, Congress is negotiating important funding legislation that would fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2023. State and local governments and the communities they serve rely on federal resources to meet the housing, homelessness, and community development needs of their communities. However, Congress has underfunded these resources for decades, so it is critical that our elected leaders hear …
URGENT: Urge Congress to Invest in Our Communities’ Capacity to Welcome Refugees
Right now, Congress is preparing funding bills that would invest in the U.S. refugee resettlement program for Fiscal Year 2023 and equip our communities with the resources they need to help refugees integrate and thrive. The need for long-term protections for refugees has never been greater. As a result of persecution and violence, the world is facing record figures of …
URGENT TAKE ACTION: Tell President Biden and Congress to Halt Inhumane Expulsions and Anti-Asylum Policies at the Border
At this moment, the inhumane and immoral Title 42 policy, a Trump era policy which produced a humanitarian disaster that blocks and expels individuals seeking refuge at the U.S. southern border, remains in place. This policy has wrongfully expelled over 1.8 million people to danger without due process or the opportunity to seek asylum, forcing people back to danger in …
Take Action: Urge Congress to Pass an Afghan Adjustment Act & Support Afghans Left Behind
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, over 130,000 Afghans were evacuated of whom 44% are children. As the urgent evacuations played out in real time, thousands of Afghans were granted humanitarian parole, which is a temporary immigration status typically granted for one or two years. An Afghan Adjustment Act would allow Afghan evacuees to apply to become lawful permanent residents …
URGENT: Tell Your State Lawmaker to Protect Children and Refugee Communities
Right now, the Tennessee legislature is considering HB 1919, HB 2222, HB 2711, and HB 2712, harmful bills that would discriminate against unaccompanied children and threaten our systems of humanitarian protection and welcome. This legislation runs counter to the type of state and government we should be trying to build – one that leads with compassion and values. HB 1919 …
URGENT TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Support Our Communities in Welcoming Refugees & Pass an Afghan Adjustment Act
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, over 130,000 Afghans were evacuated of whom 44% are children. Tens of thousands of U.S.-affiliated and at-risk Afghans have been welcomed into the United States via “humanitarian parole,” which is a temporary immigration status typically only granted for 1 or 2 years to provide safety for people under threat. It is imperative that Congress …
National Day of Action: Urge Congress to Support and Pass an Afghan Adjustment Act
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, over 130,000 Afghans were evacuated of whom 44% are children. As the urgent evacuations played out in real time, thousands of Afghans were granted humanitarian parole, which is a temporary immigration status typically granted for one or two years. An Afghan Adjustment Act allows new Afghan evacuees to apply to become lawful permanent residents …
URGENT: Tell Your State Lawmakers to Oppose Senate Bill 1808 and House Bill 1355, Anti-Immigrant Legislation that Harms Children
Background: Right now, the Florida legislature is considering anti-immigrant legislation, SB 1808 and HB 1355, harmful and immoral bills that would attack unaccompanied immigrant children, preventing Florida faith communities and community-based providers from fulfilling their mission to welcome and care for children. This legislation further prevents children from being reunited with their families. This legislation would also prohibit all state …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress and Biden Administration to Protect Black Immigrants and Asylum Seekers from Deportation and Family Separation
At this moment, thousands of immigrants, including people from Ethiopia, Cameroon, Haiti, Mauritania, and South Sudan face harm upon being deported to their home countries due to violent crime and political instability. According to Human Rights Watch, an estimated 3.9 million people in Cameroon are in need of humanitarian assistance, with over 720,000 people displaced. In Mauritania, the UN estimates …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Increase Housing Investments in Fiscal Year 2022 Federal Funding Legislation
Right now, Congress is negotiating important funding legislation that would fund the federal government for the rest of Fiscal Year 2022. State and local governments and the communities they serve rely on federal resources to meet the housing, homelessness, and community development needs of their communities. However, Congress has underfunded these resources for decades, so it is critical that our …
Take Action: Urge Virginia State Delegates & Senators to Strengthen Virginia’s Resettlement Program and Invest in Welcoming Refugees
Background: We are a country with a proud legacy of refugees and immigrants who helped found this nation, and we recognize the valuable contributions they bring to Virginia’s communities and the economy. Refugees are vital to the continuing prosperity of our communities – they pay taxes, help grow our economy, and bring unique skill sets, experiences, and insights. Your voice …
TAKE ACTION: Urge your Senators to Support Access to Housing and Housing Investments in “Build Back Better” Legislation
Right now, the Senate is considering the House-passed Build Back Better package, a historic economic recovery package that includes significant investments in housing, including $25 billion to expand rental assistance to more than 300,000 households, $65 billion to preserve public housing for its 2.5 million residents, and $15 billion for the national housing fund to build and preserve over 150,000 …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Senators to Support a Pathway to Citizenship
Right now, the Senate is considering the House-passed Build Back Better package, which includes important immigration provisions that would provide work permits and protections for 7 million undocumented people. While these temporary protections are a positive first step, it is vital that Congress deliver on their promises to pass a pathway to citizenship this year. Our undocumented community members deserve …
Take Action: Tell the Biden Administration to Welcome & Protect Vulnerable Afghans Who Were Left Behind
Following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Afghans were left behind, at risk of violence and persecution. In August 2021, the Biden administration began receiving a surge of individual applications for humanitarian protection, called humanitarian parole, filed on behalf of at-risk Afghans abroad. In response to this historically high number of applications, the administration indicated …
URGENT TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Support Our Communities in Welcoming Refugees & Pass an Afghan Adjustment Act
Right now, Congress is considering legislation that would fund the federal government after the current funding expires on December 3rd. This includes funding for the U.S. resettlement program and resources for local communities to welcome refugees. As the United States welcomes Afghans, communities need support to ensure that our new neighbors have what they need to integrate and thrive in …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Members of Congress & the Administration to Improve Access to Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Program
The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) program, enacted in December 2019, allows Liberian nationals who have been living in the United States since November 20, 2014 to apply for their green card and become Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). This is the first piece of legislation in decades that creates a path to citizenship for undocumented community members, and one of …
TAKE ACTION: Urge the Biden Administration to Stop Expulsions of Haitians and Restore Asylum
This week, the Biden administration began ramping up deportation and expulsion flights of Haitian migrants and asylum seekers using the unlawful and immoral Title 42 policy – a policy started under the Trump administration and continuously misused by the Biden administration. Haiti is enduring compounding political and environmental conditions including the recent catastrophic 7.2 magnitude earthquake, political unrest, and rampant …
Take Action: Urge the Biden Administration and Congress to Protect & Welcome Our Afghan Neighbors
Following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan after 2 decades, over 130,000 Afghans were evacuated of whom 44% are children. Tens of thousands of U.S.-affiliated and at-risk Afghans have been welcomed into the United States via “humanitarian parole,” which is a temporary immigration status typically only granted for 1 or 2 years to provide safety for people under threat. This …
TAKE ACTION: Urge the Biden Administration & Congress to Protect Cameroonians Seeking Safety and Refuge
As Cameroon faces three separate humanitarian crises affecting nearly all of the country’s regions and ongoing armed conflict continues, safe return to the country is impossible. Due to the deadly conflicts involving the government, Anglophone separatists, and Boko Haram, a terrorist group based near the Cameroon-Nigeria border, an estimated 4.4 million people in Cameroon are in need of humanitarian assistance. …
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Members of Congress & the Administration to Improve Access to Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Program
The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) program, enacted in December 2019, allows Liberian nationals who have been living in the United States since November 20, 2014 to apply for their green card and become Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). This is the first piece of legislation in decades that creates a path to citizenship for undocumented community members. However, the deadline …
URGENT TAKE ACTION: Tell President Biden and Congress to Halt Inhumane Expulsions and Anti-Asylum Policies at the Border
Two years after the start of the inhumane Title 42 policy by the Trump administration, the Biden administration is continuing to misuse the unlawful and immoral order which blocks and expels individuals seeking refuge at the U.S. southern border. This policy has wrongfully expelled over 1.6 million people to danger without due process or the opportunity to seek asylum, forcing …
TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to Protect and Release Immigrants in Detention and Restore Asylum Protections
The COVID-19 crisis is testing our strength as a society. Across faith traditions, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and are deserving of basic human rights. However, in the midst of a growing global pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to target and detain – and deport – immigrants, threatening the …