[11 Feb 2025] Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued support of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Your messages, prayers, and encouragement mean the world to us, especially during this difficult time. Thank you for your support of our affiliates and community partners, and for your continued volunteerism and welcome to newcomers in your communities. The heart of our work is in local communities across the country. We thank you for being part of it.
We recognize that the rapidly changing landscape of refugee resettlement has made it difficult for us to provide timely updates. Please know that our mission remains unchanged—to continue The Episcopal Church’s commitment to welcoming our refugee and immigrant neighbors and advocating for the rights and protections of all migrants.
While there is still much we do not know, here is what we do know regarding our federally-funded refugee resettlement programs:
- On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration signed an executive order titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” suspending refugee admissions effective January 27, 2025, with limited case-by-case exceptions. The order also directed a review of laws to increase state and local involvement in refugee placement decisions and it required an initial report from the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security within 90 days on the potential resumption of the program.
- In the days that followed, resettlement agencies started to see flights canceled for refugees who were scheduled to arrive before January 27, the effective date of the suspension. Refugees who had waited years for resettlement, been vetted, approved, and had tickets in hand – and many who were traveling to reunite with family already in the U.S.– were left stranded.
- On January 24, 2025, the U.S. State Department issued stop-work orders to all ten resettlement agencies.
- On January 31, 2025, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe made the heartbreaking announcement that, due to the program’s suspension and stop-work order, EMM was forced to lay off 22 team members.
In addition to these executive orders and memos that impact the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and our role in it, many other executive orders have been signed that impact our communities and immigrant neighbors. In preparation for and response to these orders, EMM hosted Family Preparedness, Immigration Basics, and Know Your Rights webinars. We will continue to respond to the ever-evolving landscape with resources, education, and support for dioceses and congregations. As events occur in your communities, or as you have questions and need support, please reach out.
Despite these challenges, the heart of this ministry remains strong. It lives on in our affiliates and community partners, who continue to need your support. It lives on in our dioceses and congregations, in our Rainbow Initiative Congregations, in the Episcopal Migration Response Network, and in the many friends and supporters who continue to show up for our refugee and immigrant siblings.
While some of our work is shifting, our call to welcome remains steadfast. We will continue to educate, provide resources, foster dialogue, and support individuals and communities engaged in migration ministry.
The work is far from over. Thank you for joining us in faith and solidarity.
With gratitude,
The Rev. Sarah Shipman
Director, Episcopal Migration Ministries
