News

June 14, 2014
Policymakers Urged to Protect Refugees and Prevent Abuse at U.S. – Mexico Border

Washington, D.C. – As the U.S. government grapples with the humanitarian crisis surrounding the number of children, families and asylum seekers crossing the southern border, Human Rights First today released a comprehensive blueprint detailing how lawmakers and policymakers can tackle challenges related to the increase in requests for asylum and protection along the border. The blueprint, “How to Protect Refugees and Prevent Abuse at the Border,” is based on the organization’s extensive research and visits to key border points, border patrol stations, and immigration detention facilities in Arizona, California, and Texas.

“There is broad bipartisan agreement that protecting those who flee persecution is an important American value,” said Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer, an author of today’s blueprint. “This Blueprint details pragmatic and fiscally prudent solutions that reflect American values. Effectively addressing these challenges should be a top priority for both the administration and Congress.”

“How to Protect Refugees and Prevent Abuse at the Border” examines the increased use of expedited removal over the years and the rise in the number of requests for protection within the expedited removal process. It also outlines the various pressures on the refugee protection system, including the escalation of violence and impunity in countries south of the border. In order to deal with the challenges posed by the increase in asylum seekers requesting U.S. protection at the border, today’s blueprint includes the following key recommendations for policymakers:

• Address the resource imbalance by properly funding the protection screening interviews that are part of expedited removal and reinstatement of removal, as well as immigration court removal hearings, to reduce backlogs and vulnerability to abuse. DHS should request and Congress should appropriate funds to conduct timely in-person credible fear and reasonable fear screenings without diverting staff from affirmative asylum interviews, and address multi-year immigration court backlogs.

• Tackle the deficit of accurate information about the asylum process by expanding legal orientation presentations. DOJ should request and Congress should appropriate funds to expand the cost-efficient Legal Orientation Program to all detention facilities to be presented to asylum seekers and other immigration detainees within a few days of detention, and facilitate access to counsel.

• Strengthen – rather than weaken – protection safeguards. Steps include: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should end or at least limit telephone interviews and revise flawed language in the new Credible Fear Lesson Plan; CBP should improve conduct of its interviews and implement recommendations of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

• Launch a nationwide initiative with increased capacity to use cost-effective alternatives to detention for border arrivals who are released to other parts of the country and are determined to need appearance support. Congress should support this nationwide initiative. If additional supervision is needed for some families, DHS should build on models of community-based alternatives, such as the pilot projects already in place with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service or the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

• Enhance tools for detecting and investigating abuse and criminal activity. DHS should utilize multiple tools for detecting abuse and criminal activity, and refer fraudulent schemes or criminal activity for investigation and prosecution.

• Address triggers of flight. The administration should broaden inter-agency attention to confront impunity and rule of law challenges contributing to flight from Central America and Mexico, support legal assistance for displaced victims in countries of origin and carefully assess any informational campaigns or enforcement proposals for consistency with refugee protection and human rights commitments.

Human Rights First’s research identified a number of ways in which the challenges at the border have led to changes that undermine access to asylum. Many asylum seekers, especially in the busiest areas such as south Texas, are interviewed in chaotic and crowded conditions at U.S. Border Patrol stations, often by telephone, with little privacy, following difficult or traumatic journeys. After transfer to immigration detention, the majority of credible fear interviews are conducted by telephone. Asylum seekers face a range of challenges in seeking release from detention, including bond levels that have risen so steeply in some places that indigent asylum seekers cannot afford to pay them. Many are detained in jail-like conditions for weeks, months or sometimes longer. Throughout the process, there is an overwhelming lack of accurate legal information and lack of counsel.

“U.S. policies can set an example for the rest of the world. The United States has a strong interest in maintaining its global leadership in protecting the persecuted,” Acer noted. “Our nation should strengthen, rather than weaken, its commitment to protecting those who face persecution and other serious human rights abuses.”

Human Rights First has issued a fact sheet outlining the key findings from today’s report. For more information or to speak with Acer, contact Corinne Duffy at DuffyC@humanrightsfirst.org or 202-370-3319.


Recent Posts

Protecting Afghan Allies: One Year Later

Protecting Afghan Allies: One Year Later Without the Afghan Adjustment Act, lives of Afghan allies remain in legal limbo Why Support the Afghan Adjustment Act?…

“Heal Not Harm Asylum Event” 7/18, 4pm ET

Heal Not Harm Asylum Event Today at 4pm ET Our faith calls upon us to heal and alleviate suffering, not to harm the vulnerable. Yet,…

Critical DACA Hearing Today, Pray, Learn & Act!

Offer a Prayer Now for DACA Recipients–as Crucial Hearings are TODAY in the 5th District Court of Appeals in New Orleans! Today’s “Texas v. US”…

“Holy Voices for World Refugee Day” TONIGHT!

“Holy Voices for World Refugee Day” TONIGHT! REGISTER HERE to Join Us TONIGHT, June 13th, at 7 pm ET to kick off World Refugee Day week,…

Black Immigrant Concerns Remain, As Black History Month Ends

Take Action for Black Immigrants HERE & Pray for Black Immigrant Justice HERE Last week, faith partners joined with these Black immigrants to be guided into Prayers…

Prayers & Resources to Support Fleeing & Grieving Ukrainians

immigrants of Ukrainian descent have long been neighbors in the U.S. & Canada. With over 1.3 million persons of Ukrainian origin in Canada, it has…

Citizenship Pathways Updates, Invites, & Actions

What’s Happened Lately with Efforts for Pathways to Citizenship? The House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better (BBB) Act last month, which includes work…

Advent Devotions: Black Migrant Journeys

RIM invites you to Sign Up HERE to Join Us in Praying and Acting for Justice in this 7 Part Series of Advent Devotions, “Journeys with Black…

Sign on Pathways to Citizenship Faith Letter!

Now is a Critical Time to Encourage Congress to Uphold Decades Long Promises for Permanent Protections for Immigrant Families The fight for citizenship for undocumented…

Eloy Detention Center Christmas Card Project

Looking for a hands-on mission project for your children, youth, family, or congregation to do for the 2021 Holidays? Send cards to asylum seekers at…

Corrected Link: Afghan Welcome Webinar Tues. 9/14, 12 Noon ET

You’re Invited!: Tuesday, September 14, 12 Noon ET “Afghan Welcome & Refuge” WOC/RIM Webinar Disciples throughout the country are engaging in welcome for Afghan refugees,…

Afghans: Faithful & Urgent Responses

Top Priorities NOW are to: 1) Help Afghan Allies & Vulnerable Populations Get Into & Evacuate Kabul Airport 2) Develop Quick & Safe Processing to…

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, IIC, and Partners Deliver over 300,000 Signatures to ICE Demanding Release of Families

Washington, DC: Earlier today, Representative Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) joined representatives from over 15 other national faith-based and immigrants’ rights groups to deliver over 300,000 petition signatures…

Join: “Dismantling Racism in Family Immigration” Webinar

July 7, Tuesday, 6 pm ET/3 pm PT  – Join Webinar on Dismantling Racism in Family Immigration. Black Immigrant Leaders Speak about”Dismantling Racism” Needed for…

Disciples Immigration Leaders Respond to SCOTUS DACA Decision – and Invite YOU to Join in Monday, June 22nd “DACA Day” Events

(June 18, 2020) Today, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration cannot immediately end the Deferred Action for Childhood…

Supreme Court DACA Decision Coming Soon–How Can You & Your Church Offer Support?

The U.S. Supreme Court is due to announce its decision soon on whether the DACA program – which has lifted up the lives and provided work…

Webinar: Protecting Asylees & Detainees, Ending Family Separation!

Join Our Faith Webinar! “Detention, Asylum, Family Separation & COVID-19”, Wed., June 3, 4 PM ET/1 PM PT As people of faith, how will we respond…

DACA Monday Morning Prayers 9:30-10:00 AM ET

Asian Pacific Heritage & DACA, & a Disciples DACA Story TODAY & Every Monday Until Supreme Court Justices Announce Their DACA Decision! Disciples Refugee &…

Living Out Pentecost’s Compassion and Unity

Supporting Values of Care & Justice for Farmworkers & Meatpackers See our RIM Pentecost Resource & Many Others Online HERE. Image right: CBS This Morning…

Family Separation–Here We Go Again!

The past week’s headlines are shocking enough: “More Than 900 Children Have Been Expelled Under a Pandemic Border Policy” – The New York Times “The Trump…

Family Separation: Next Round, New Tragedies

The past week’s headlines are shocking enough: “More Than 900 Children Have Been Expelled Under a Pandemic Border Policy” – The New York Times “The Trump…

RIM in the Pandemic

Every day, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries (RIM) seeks to follow the call of the prophets for justice. As RIM shared recently in the Washington Post, Jeremiah’s…

Rural Faith Leaders Join Workers Calling for Protection and Relief from COVID-19 Outbreaks

Washington, DC – Earlier today, rural faith leaders and organizers gathered on a press call to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on rural…

Holy Week & Protecting Immigrants During COVID-19

This Holy Week, Follow Jesus’ Steps & Journey with Immigrants During COVID-19 As we seek to walk the way of the cross during this tragic…

Join DACA Prayers and Webinar before Supreme Court Decision!

Court’s Decision on DACA Could Be Announced as Early as Monday! Here’s What’s Needed: *JOIN “MONDAY MORNING DACA PRAYERS” online from 9:30-10 am ET each…

DACA Virtual Prayer Vigil

Tune in for Our #FAITH4DACA “Blessing Our Home” Prayer Vigil  on Wed., Mar. 18, Noon Eastern! Join us 3/18 for a #Faith4DACA FB Live event!…

COVID-19 and Care for Immigrants

In these days of public health uncertainties as we seek to care for one another and ourselves, how can we also keep following God’s call…

LENT Journeying with Jesus Building Partnerships with DACA Leaders

This LENT, Pray and Act with #FAITH4DACA. “Facing the Future, Together!” An 8 Part Devotion Series IIC Lenten FULL DEVOTIONS DACA2020 FINAL This Lent, connect, support, and…

#Faith4Asylum Campaign Launch

Capitol Hill Prayer Vigil Marks One Year Since “Remain in Mexico” Policy Sent Migrants to Danger Vigils Across U.S. Demand an End to Anti-Asylum Policies…

Flores Amicus Brief Filed

Disciples Home Missions, with Refugee and Immigration Ministries, join other faith partners in Amicus brief to ensure children stay protected through Flores policies. Go here…

Pampered for the Holidays!

Serving Refugee Neighbors over Advent & Epiphany We usually end our telling of the story of Christmas Eve with Mary and Joseph nestled snug together…

2019 Advent & Epiphany Devotional Series

“Ignite the Light” is the theme of a six part Advent & Ephiphany devotional series on Immigration. The first Sunday of Advent is December 1st….

Join IIC Webinar #Faith4DACA 10/30 at 3 PM ET – DACA Going to Supreme Court Soon!

Dear Friends, DACA IS GOING TO SUPREME COURT NOVEMBER 12th SIGN UP HERE FOR WEBINAR OCTOBER 30TH AT 3 PM ET/ 12 PM PT to learn how people…

Border-Wide Actions on the 25th Anniversary of Operation Gatekeeper, Beginning Oct. 1st Thru Oct.

Hello, All, Please see below information of actions all along the southern border, beginning October 1 st and throughout the month. If you are able to participate as…

President Cuts Refugee Resettlement to 18,000 for FY2020

Sept. 27, 2019 – Last night, the administration which two years ago cut refugee numbers from our historic average of 95,000 refugees annually to 50,000,…

Religious Leaders Denounce Trump Administration’s Latest Attack on Immigrant Children

“The United States should be doing more to protect refugee children, not actively participating in their oppression” Washington, DC (August 21, 2019) – Religious organizations…

DHS Raids Other Agencies’ Budgets to Fund More Immigrant Detention: Religious Leaders React

Washington, DC (August 27, 2019) – The Trump administration has alerted Congress that it is raiding the budgets of other federal programs, to dedicate even…

Responding to the Harmful New Public Charge Rules

On August 12, the administration announced its new Public Charge rule, which can drastically reduce numbers of legal immigrants who can enter and stay in…

El Paso Vigil Resources

El Paso Vigil Resources: To Remember and Re-Commit Against Violence Hold a Vigil to honor lives lost in the nation’s largest mass shooting against immigrants…

Faith Leaders Denounce White Supremacy and Call Administration to Welcome Immigrants

National Faith Organizations Denounce White Supremacy in the Wake of the El Paso Shooting and Call on the Administration to Welcome Immigrants The Rev. Teresa…

Continue to Protect Against Immigration Raids – How We All Can Help!

I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night…

Protect Against Immigration Raids – How We All Can Help!

“Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,can say to God, ‘You are my defender and protector. You…

Lights for Liberty

PLEASE participate as you can in any of the many “Lights for Liberty” events being held throughout the United States TONIGHT in support of positive solutions for children…

Ways to Help Children & Families at the Border

Print out the image at right to share with your congregation. Please note that congregations and individuals are NOT allowed to send toothbrushes, clothes, or…

Join Disciples RIM Events at GA

Go HERE to sign up for special Refugee & Immigration Vigil for the Children at General Assembly in Des Moines, and to let us know which…

Media Advisory

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, REFUGEES, AND FAITH LEADERS SPEAK ON WORLD REFUGEE DAY Press conference will highlight bipartisan support for restoring U.S. leadership in refugee protection…

Letter in Support of Refugee Protection & Resettlement

Today, as World Refugee Day soon approaches on June 20th, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries sent this letter to all US legislators, expressing our commitment…

Join Disciples in Prayer & Solidarity as “Faith Floods the Courtroom” in Tucson

Seven Disciples leaders from Arizonia; including Rev. Jay Deskins, Rev. Kelley Dick, Rev. Job Cobos, Rev. Bob Howard, Rev. Al Beasley, Dave Coatworth, and Lauryn…

Dream & Promise Act Offers Hope for Dreamers, TPS, DED

Rev. Terri Hord Owens publicly stated support for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients on Monday when she said:  “The…

May 8-9 Refugee Advocacy Days and June 16 Refugee Welcome Sunday

Disciples Friends of Refugees, This year, the administration has set a national U.S. refugee admissions goal at 30,000 – the lowest level in U.S. history….

RIM 8-Part Lent Devotional

Rim announces an 8-part devotional series for Lent. You may find it here. Topics include: Ash Wednesday–Walls Built First in Our Hearts Week 1 Lent—Walls…

Barriers, Beds, a Bill & the Border: Understanding Potential Impacts

Avoiding a shutdown, Congress passed a funding bill late this week that included remaining FY 2019 appropriations. Among the seven areas funded was the Department…

Urge Congress to Protect Refugees & Save the Resettlement Program

January 27, marked the second anniversary of the Muslim Ban. During this time, we’ve seen firsthand the painful human impacts of negative administrative changes and…

Faith Leaders on the Morality of a Border Wall

The Disciples General Minister & President, Global Ministries, and Refugee & Immigration Ministries leaders join in this Statement of Faith Leaders on the Morality of…

Christian Leaders Welcome Muslim-American Women to Congress

The Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director of Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries, was among a delegation of Christian leaders who delivered a welcome message to…

Raise Your Faith Voice

Raise Your Faith Voice on Senate Immigration Bill & Gov’t Shutdown! Call Before Thurs. Vote! Proposed Senate Immigration Bill–Evaluate the Risks & Join a Faith Call…

Protect Liberians with DED

Please Sign On NOW as Faith Leaders to Protect Liberians with DED!! Last weekend, Liberians from our Disciples Whosoever Will Christian Church in Maryland inspired…

Posadas National Week of Action

Please Join the Week of Action Around the Country In These Ways!: Go HERE to learn about 60+ faith and community actions happening this week…

Letter to Congress on Anti-Immigrant Tactics

800 Clergy Sign Letter to Congress Rebuking Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Tactics Letter recommends three congressional actions to end demonizing politics and funding policies that incite violence…

Asylum & Appropriations Alert

Asylum and Appropriations Alert Dec218FINAL2 Tell Congress to Protect Families & Stop Fueling Excessive Detention, Deportation, and Border Militarization: National Faith Call-in Week Dec. 3-7 Images…

Remember the Farmworkers this Thanksgiving

Who Grows Food for our Feasts? and The Cries of the Harvesters. Check out these resources for Thanksgiving.  Who Grows Food for our Feasts?  provides education…

Advent & Epiphany Immigration & Refugee Themed 8 Part Devotions

Please see and share here our 2018 Advent and Epiphany Devotions: Advent 2018 IIC Devotions . This year, we invite you to join in a spiritual…

Faith Leaders Support for Asylum Seekers

Learn more about Asylum Seekers, and How You Can Help by going here: https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/missions-advocacy/refugee-immigration-ministries/immigrants/ Rev. Terri Hord Owens joined other national faith leaders this morning…

State by State Fact Sheets About Immigrant Communities

Want to learn more about immigrants in your own state?  Go here for state by state Fact Sheets from the American Immigration Council!

Video Clips

Now available is a list of selected video clips related to multiple immigration and refugee topics. Go here to view.

Refugee Alert! Call Now to Support Refugee Resettlement!

This month, the administration named a refugee resettlement goal that is the historically lowest number ever (only 30,000)–despite the highest number of global refugees than…

Karen Evans, First Christian Church, Des Moines, IA #Pray4Refugees

“My name is Karen Evans.  I’ve had the opportunity to work for the last four years in a volunteer ESL program, and  work with the…

Elder Mike Simonson, Downtown Disciples Church, Des Moines, IA #Pray4Refugees

“I’m Mike Simonson, with Downtown Disciples in Des Moines, and I’m also one of the chairs of the Missions Committee for the Disciples General Assembly…

Rev. Amy Spangler-Dunning, Des Moines, IA #Pray4Refugees

“My name is Amy Spangler-Dunning.  I am a clergy person in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in the Upper Northwest.  I am also a…

Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez, Cleveland, OH #Pray4Refugees

“Hi, I’m Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez, Co-Director, Inter-Religious Task Force on Central America & Colombia in Cleveland, Ohio.  I just want you all to know we have…

Rev. Suzanne Stout, Des Moines, IA #Pray4Refugees

“I am Suzanne Stout, the Pastor of First Christian Church in Des Moines, IA….I have had the opportunity of working with refugees both in Florida…

Rev. Debbie Griffin, Des Moines, IA #Pray4Refugees

“It’s my joy and blessing to be the pastor of Downtown Disciples in Des Moines, Iowa.  I wanted to tell you about two refugees I…

Upper Midwest #Pray4Refugees

“Sometimes we experience things in our lives that you don’t realize the significance of until much later.  I had the privilege of presiding at the…

Dallas Texas in the Southwest #Pray4Refugees

“Dallas is a city that is reliant on refugees and immigrants, because they define, assist, participate in, and grow our culture.  I can’t imagine a…

Faith Leaders Oppose Historically Low Resettlement Goal for FY19; Urge Administrations to Resettle 75,000

Responding to Secretary Pompeo’s recent press conference that set refugee admissions goal at 30,000 during the worst refugee crisis in human history, members of the…

AZ Region #Pray4Refugees

“As a faith leader, I believe we have a moral obligation to welcome the stranger in our midst. That is why for the past several…

VA Region #Pray4Refugees

“The topic of refugee resettlement is near and dear to my heart.  Our country is a land of opportunity, and I hope a land of…

Northeastern Region #Pray4Refugees

Our Disciples Pastor of Multilingual & Cross-Sectional Worship at Park Avenue Christian Church in NY reminds that, “Refugees are very close to the heart and…

Christian Denominations Join Forces to Call on the White House to #Welcome75k Refugees

Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries sponsors and speaks at a White House Press Conference on September 12 to urge that 75,000 refugees be resettled in…

SW #Pray4Refugees

“Today, I light a candle of prayer for refugees, seeking protection from religious, political, and any form of persecution. Since 1985, our region has been…

Ill./Wis. #Pray4Refugees

“Refugees in this world need our help, desperately. They don’t choose to lose their homes, lifestyle, culture. They leave…because of forces outside of their control….

Oregon/SW Idaho #Pray4Refugees

Rev. Doug Wirt, Co-Regional Minister in the Oregon/Southwest Idaho Region, joins Rev. Terri to #Pray4Refugees and urge the US to resettle at least 75,000 refugees…

NE Region Joins #Pray4Refugees

Rev. Stephanie Kendell, who serves in the NE Region as Exec. Minister of Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City, joins Rev. Terri to…

Join Rev. Terri to #Pray4Refugees

URGE YOUR LEADERS TO RESETTLE AT LEAST 75,000 REFUGEES IN FY2019!    Please join our Disciples General Minister & President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens, as…

2020 Census Counts

If you oppose a Citizenship Question being added to the US Census, you may make your comment heard by going here ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 7TH!…

Families Belong Together

Our Disciples RIM Director helped lead prayers at the Sojourners’ Keep Families Together prayer vigil at the U.S. Capitol on June 30, saying, “God, in…

Saguaro Christian Church Holds Daily Prayer Vigil for Families

Saguaro Christian Church in Tucson, AZ. recently began holding daily prayer vigils in support of separated children and families. See and join them in prayer…

All Rights for All, Without Borders

RIM Director, Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, shares reasons faith partners are against family separation and detention, during The National Press Club launch on June 25…

Join THIS Saturday’s National Day of Action

June 30th will be a National Day of Action to End Family Separation & Detention with events at the White House and 650 Locations Around…

Children, Clergy protest ICE in Capitol with blankets and cages

Please see here a video of Disciples—including RIM Director, Capitol Area Regional Minister, and other Disciples clergy—assisting children, adults, and faith leaders in yesterday’s action…

Family Separations: A Word to the Church

You are invited to read the “Family Separations: A Word to the Church” and consider signing on in support. We also strongly encourage Disciples to…

Faith and Human Rights Partners in the “Value Our Families” Coalition Raise Concerns About Anti-Immigrant Bills

Washington, D.C., June 13, 2018 — Speaker Paul Ryan has promised his caucus they will vote on at least two anti-immigrant bills next week, as…

Faith Leaders Statement on Family Separations

The Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) along with other faith leaders released a statement today…

Five Ways to Help Migrant Dads on Father’s Day

See here for ways you can learn about and help migrant dads who are in detention, are farmworkers, have DACA and TPS, hold H1B Visas,…

National Day of Action for Children

Friday, June 1, please join with faith and human rights partners around the country for a National Day of Action for Children to stop family…

Festival Clergy Hit the Hill to Protect Children!

Some 45 plus clergy participated in the Festival of Homiletics 2018, in Washington, D.C., on May 23. Organizers trained and organized the participation of conference…

Disciples Respond to Anti-Immigrant Comments from President and White House Chief of Staff

In recent days, deeply offensive rhetoric has again been issued against immigrant communities by President Trump and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. Disciples…

Family Belongs Together

RIM Director joins with faith partners in Baltimore to assist Honduran woman in avoiding detention. Marta Rodriguez walked out the front door of the Baltimore…

Disciples GMP on a National Mother’s Day Press Call

The Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, spoke on a…

GMP Responds to Session’s Comments at Border

“The comments by Attorney General Sessions at the border yesterday, which conflated the actions of Central American parents–who are openly presenting themselves to seek safety…

Month of Ramadan

Month of Ramadan resource provides ways that congregations can link with Muslim communities in their areas to engage in Interfaith Iftars. Click here for devotion,…

Pentecost People Called to be Advocates

This Pentecost resource connects the giving of the Advocate spirit with immigrant stories and our calling to serve as an advocate to support families at…

This Mother’s Day, Honor Immigrant Mothers

More immigrant Moms than ever are now in detention & separated from their families. As we gratefully celebrate all MOTHERS, this year we pay special…

Background Handout Resource on TPS

Temporary Protected Status: A Faithful Response to Humanitarian Crises What is TPS (Temporary Protected Status)? Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a life-saving immigration program…

Refugee Asks Update

URGE CONGRESS: Ensure the U.S. Resettles at Least 45,000 Refugees in FY2018! Call your senators and representatives today! Host a #WhereRtheRefugees Public Witness Event Plan…

More than 600 Interfaith Leaders and Organizations Fight Together for Honduran TPS Holders

In a letter delivered to the administration on April 27, 2018, 122 faith-based organizations and 518 faith leaders from across traditions stand united in calling…

Stories from People Prohibited by Refugee Bans

Read these stories of individuals and families from the various countries prohibited to enter the US under recent Muslim/Refugee Bans.

Disciples Statement Against End of TPS for Nepalese

“With timing that has painfully come the very day following the devastating earthquakes in Nepal three years ago, we stand as faith partners together with…

Disciples Join Faith Partners in Refugee Foot Washing to Hold Administration Accountable for Record Low Refugee Arrivals

Washington, D.C. – Faith leaders held a footwashing service in the shadow of the White House this afternoon.The biblical practice of footwashing is part of…

Disciples of Christ Respond to Announced End of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians

“I continue to be deeply disturbed by the random choices that this administration makes in removing TPS and other protected statuses. Last night’s decision to…

Liberian “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) Resources

The current designation of “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) that is currently protecting nearly 4,000 Liberians in the U.S. is set to expire on MARCH 31st…

4 Urgent Ways to Support Refugees Now

1)  REFUGEE ARRIVALS TO THE U.S. IN THIS FISCAL YEAR HAVE BEEN STAGGERINGLY LOW!  Please help us circulate the below faith leader & faith-based organization…

New RIM Resources

Now Available!  Disciples Black Immigrant and Refugee Toolkit!  For a compilation of resources to help your congregation build awareness of and assist Black refugees and…

Indianapolis Disciples of Christ Clergy Join with Other Faith Leaders in Vigil & Civil Disobedience in Support of Dreamers & Immigrant Families

Today, seven Disciples affiliated clergy, Rev. Linda McCrae, Rev. Carolyn Higginbotham, Rev. Jim Higginbotham, Rev. Jon Barnes, Rev. Dawn Barnes, Rev. Sandra Gourdet, and Rev….

Disciples GMP Urges a Solution for Dreamers Who Remain in Limbo

On this day when the President proclaimed DACA protections would end unless a Congressional decision was reached, dreamers remain insecure in the absence of a…

Ash Wednesday Service with Dreamers

Faith Leaders Performed Ash Wednesday Service with Dreamers in Front of Senator McConnell’s and Schumer’s Office to Demand Passage of Dream Act Washington, D.C. (February…

RIM Lenten Resources

Nine Immigration Themed Resources for Lent Encouraging Faith Commitments in Solidarity with Refugees & Immigrants. Go to 2018 Lenten Devotions.

Disciples & Interfaith Toolkit: Top 5 Ways to Take Action NOW in 2018

On Jan. 8, 2018, DHS terminated TPS for El Salvador, effective Sept. 9, 2019. As communities of faith, we urge the administration to reinstate TPS…

Week of Action – Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 2018

One Year of Muslim & Refugee Bans: Showing Up Against Discrimination. toolkit and resources

Clergy, Impacted Immigrants, Faith & Labor Leaders Demand that DHS Extends TPS for 200K Salvadoran Immigrants

Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea, was among the participants on a press call January 4, to urge the Department of Homeland Security to extend Temporary Protected Status…

Thank You for 2017 & Join Us to Act for Refugees and Immigrants in 2018!

Thank you for your partnership in acting to support refugees and immigrants in 2017–and join us in ongoing actions for justice in 2018!!  Sign up…

Epiphany Devotions for Jan. 4-6

          Join in a 3-part Epiphany devotional series and actions in support of Temporary Protected Status populations for Jan. 4-6.

Advent Devotions

“Welcome to the Manger” is the theme for the 2017 Advent Devotions. Available for download on the Refugee & Immigration website.  Week one: Angels Week…

Who Grows Food for our Feasts?

These resources provide education and links that help families and congregations build awareness of our dependence upon the gifts and energies of farmworkers; especially as…

Dreamers Welcome At the Table

As we prepare soon to gather around tables again and again during the holiday season, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries invites your congregation and members…

Haitian TPS Alert

Dear Disciples Friend, Right now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether or not to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in…

Christian Leaders Arrested for Peaceful Capitol Hill Protest in Support of Dream Act

Disciples are among Christian leaders and activists who held hands and sang in an unlawful demonstration inside of the Russell Senate office building in Washington,…

Praying with Dreamers Week #Faith4Dream Oct. 29 – Nov. 4

Prepare now to plan Dream Sabbath Events! Check out these resources for ways you can participate.

Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea Among DC-Area Clergy to Hold White House Rally to Save TPS ​​

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, October 17th at 11 a.m., local interfaith clergy will host a rally to call on the Trump administration to preserve Temporary…

Reflections from Conference on Migration, Borders & Reception

The Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea traveled to Italy to participate in “Living and Witnessing the Border.” An International Conference on Migration, Borders and Reception, September 29…

Join October 2nd Immigration & Refugee Webinar and participate in Dream Sabbath

Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for this webinar to learn how communities of faith can participate in “Dream Sabbath” events that lift up the stories,…

RIM Wrap: Sept. 28 Refugee Program

Please Help Stop the Dismantling of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Share Your Heart to Welcome Refugees A Refugee Admissions Goal of 45,000 Is…

Sept. 27 CWS Press Release on Refugee Resettlement Program

CONGRESSWOMAN SCHAKOWSKY,  FAITH LEADERS, AND REFUGEES URGE CONGRESS TO STOP TRUMP FROM SHUTTING THE DOOR ON REFUGEES On morning of the Trump administration’s consultation with…

Sharon Stanley-Rea on DACA Decision

Hear from Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea in an interview with Sojourners on September 5, decision about DACA.

General Minister and President offers thoughts about DACA

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, the U.S. administration announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that has protected children brought to…

Urgent: DACA & TPS Recipients at Great Risk: Ways Disciples Can Help!

Please sign the faith letter & call your leaders today & tomorrow to urge DACA not to be ended, join our DACA & TPS Emergency…

“Immigrant Welcoming” Resolution Passes at General Assembly

On Monday, July 10th, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries’ Director joined with Immigration Legal Counsel, the National Benevolent Association, the Central Pastoral Office office of…

Webinars on July 10th & 13th

Join the webinar on July 10th and 13th to help immigrants and learn about sanctuary. July 10 Interfaith Immigration Coalition Webinar “5 Ways We Can…

General Assembly Alerts

Go here for Summer Recess Toolkit and Alerts for Refugees, Immigrants, Farmworkers, and TPS Recipients. Summer Action Grassroots Toolkit Disciples: Call to Support Refugees Now!…

Families Rally in Front of White House to Protest Trump Administration’s Aggressive Tactics to Deport Loved Ones to Cambodia

RIM’s Director (a board member with Southeast Asian Resource Action Center) was grateful to join this a.m. in speaking at Press Conference outside the White…

Faith Leaders Stand Against Scotus Ruling on Refugee and Muslim Ban Executive Order

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2017 CONTACT: media@cwsglobal.org | 202.733.5151 FAITH LEADERS STAND AGAINST SCOTUS RULING ON REFUGEE AND MUSLIM BAN EXECUTIVE ORDER Call on…

Disciples Statement in Response to Supreme Court Ruling re: Refugee and Muslim Bans

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Rev. Dr. Ronald Degges, President, Disciples Home Missions “Disciples are a…

From Student Visa to Green Card

From Student Visa to Green Card is now scheduled for Monday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m.— Calling all seminary students! Please join Disciples Immigration Legal…

CWS Statement on 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Against President Trump’s Rewritten Refugee Ban ​

“The courts have spoken yet again in favor of justice and humanity. As CWS has maintained since January, President Trump’s ill-advised travel ban should never…

4th Circuit Federal Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump’s Travel Ban

The Disciples RIM Staff celebrates the 4th Circuit Appeals Court ruling in Richmond, Va. on May 25 that upheld a lower court ruling which had…

#ToImmigrantsWithLove

Join the new #ToImmigrantsWithLove letter writing campaign, sponsored by Define American and I Am An Immigrant.  Through it, you can write an electronic letter that…

New! Refugees Welcome Summer Legislator Postcard!!

Please deliver to, scan and email, or mail your national, state, and local legislators these postcards that indicate your support for refugees, and share how…

More Than 400 Faith Leaders & Organizations Nationwide Urge Support for Haitians at Risk for Deportation

Call on DHS Secretary Kelly to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haiti for another 18 months WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2017) — CWS and Catholic…

Stop DHS From Deporting Somalis

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended, detained and deported Somali individuals back to their home country. These Somalis are asylum seekers, asylees,…

Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees

In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, his suffering and his death, we watch with sadness and grief the…

Disciples Rally 4 Family Justice

Join us in unity at the start of General Assembly in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 8, 2017, from 3 to 5 p.m., for a Disciples…

Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees

Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the…