Church World Service

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 ... Read More

The Trump administration’s indefinite refugee ban, stop work orders, and failure to reimburse resettlement agencies in a timely manner have had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of refugee families in communities across the country and around the world.  The abrupt halt of life-saving funds on January 24 were initiated by “Stop Work Orders” pursuant to the Reevaluating and ... Read More

Refugees significantly give back to the communities that welcome them—starting businesses, paying taxes and contributing to the local economy. In fact, a Department of Health and Human Services Refugees study found that, over a fifteen-year period, refugees brought in $124 billion more in state and local revenue than they cost. Aside from the economic benefits to welcoming, newcomers also bring ... Read More

The Temoori family arrived in the United States from Afghanistan, determined to build a better future. With support from CWS, they quickly secured housing, employment and resources, showcasing resilience and hope as they work toward self-sufficiency. On November 13, 2024, the Temoori family arrived in the United States from Afghanistan as Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, beginning a new journey ... Read More

Taq, a resettlement caseworker in Ohio, has witnessed the devastating impact of recent Executive Orders that have halted refugee arrivals, leaving families like his own in limbo. With loved ones stranded in unsafe conditions and immigrant communities facing growing fear in the United States, Taq shares his hope for policies that honor America’s commitment to those who risked everything to ... Read More

CWS Japan, alongside local partners, has launched the I-CREATE program in Indonesia’s Malaka District to help communities along the Benanain River strengthen their resilience against recurring floods. By improving early warning systems, enhancing flood mitigation infrastructure and fostering inclusive, community-led solutions, the program aims to ensure long-term sustainability and disaster preparedness. For communities along the Benanain River in Indonesia, annual ... Read More

Taq, a resettlement caseworker in Ohio, has witnessed the devastating impact of recent Executive Orders that have halted refugee arrivals, leaving families like his own in limbo. With loved ones stranded in unsafe conditions and immigrant communities facing growing fear in the United States, Taq shares his hope for policies that honor America’s commitment to those who risked everything to ... Read More

Farida Mohammadi served along U.S. Army soldiers seeking out the Taliban as a member of the Afghan military’s Female Tactical Platoon. After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, she was forced to flee her country. Arriving in the United States in 2021, Farida found a new purpose as a Housing Navigator with CWS Lancaster, helping other newcomers rebuild their lives. ... Read More

The story of Mustafa Albayati and his wife Randa is one of resilience, love and the transformative power of community. From their chance meeting in Iraq to building a life together in the United States, their journey has been marked by challenges, triumphs and unwavering hope. Here’s their inspiring story, told in Mustafa and Randa’s words.   “I first met ... Read More

I have started this blog over and over again, trying to put words to the ache in my chest, trying to weave together hope and righteous anger into something coherent, something that won’t unravel the moment I hit “post.” In the last two days, many of my compassionate, justice-seeking colleagues have received furlough notices. To say the last two days ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

  REMEMBER HOPE                                                                    It can be difficult to believe in rebuilding When you’re forced to stand and watch Everything you worked so hard to build Be destroyed right in front of you. You might be asking yourself: “How will I manage?” “Where do I start again?” You might even start to think That you’ll never find enough strength to rise ... Read More

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 ... Read More

  Trigger Warning: This story includes graphic depictions of violence. Mursal and Ahmad 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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

*Trigger Warning: This story mentions instances of substance abuse, as well as physical and emotional violence.* In September 2022, as I sat through the required onboarding training at Church World Service (CWS), I found myself uncovering pieces of my own story. I had recently joined the Home Study & Post-Release Services (HS/PRS) national team, eager to support caregivers and unaccompanied ... Read More