Refugees

WASHINGTON, DC – In a CNN town hall last night, President Biden was asked to speak to his administration’s stance on immigration, recalling when Vice President Kamala Harris told migrants, “do not come,” in a speech last month in Guatemala. “They should not come,” Biden responded, going on to describe his administration’s intention to set ...

Washington, DC – Leaders of faith-based organizations that resettle refugees and advocate for a stronger U.S. commitment to refugee protection honor their courage and tenacity on World Refugee Day, June 20, and every day. Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA said: “On World Refugee Day, we celebrate the talent, strength, and resilience of our refugee ...

“Each of us is a cherished beloved of God — let us craft immigration policy that remembers that” Guatemala City – “Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our border.” Those were the words Vice President Kamala Harris spoke, and wanted the world to hear, in ...

Washington, DC – It feels good to do the right thing. Today, months after promising to increase the record-low refugee resettlement cap set by the prior, anti-immigrant and anti-refugee administration, President Biden followed through on his promise. In addition to setting the goal to 62,500 for Fiscal Year 2021, he committed to setting an even larger ...

Washington, DC – Repeal and strengthen, heal and transform. “This is the path to a new paradigm for U.S. immigration policy, one that centers human dignity rather than repression, coercion, and control,” said Peniel Ibe, Policy Engagement Coordinated with the American Friends Service Committee and Co-Director of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition.  “This requires boldness. It requires ...

Washington, DC – “Mr. Biden has sought to be identified with Pope Francis. And if there is one signature issue for Pope Francis, it is the plight of refugees, immigrants and displaced persons,” writes Bill McCormick, contributing editor at America Magazine.  After the Biden administration announced last week that it would keep former President Trump’s historically ...

Washington, DC – Earlier today, it seemed President Biden intended to break his promise to expand the number of refugees resettled by the United States in the current fiscal year. This evening, the White House clarified that President Biden WILL issue a new presidential determination on refugees by May 15, 2021, but that it is ...

Until Then, Trump’s Xenophobic Restrictions Remain in Place Washington, DC – After years running from danger, waiting in refugee camps, and clearing numerous paperwork processes and security checks, some refugees were promised a new life in the United States. Refugee resettlement agencies and local communities prepared to welcome and help them get acclimated to their new ...

Washington, DC – After ten years of family separation, Melaku Gebretsadik was on his way to pick up his wife and three kids at the Denver airport when he learned their trip to the United States had been cancelled, their reunion once again postponed. “My heart was broken,” he said. Refugees from Eritrea, the Gebretsadik ...

Washington, DC – Nearly 100 faith-based organizations and over 700 faith leaders are calling on the Biden administration to halt deportation flights and stop expelling Haitians and other migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. Re-designating the country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is another urgent need. Said Bishop Philius H. Nicolas with Evangelical Crusade of Fishers ...