In May and June 2024, important changes to the process of seeking asylum in the U.S. were made. Here, we offer an expandable blog:  comprised of some background information, an update on recent developments, and suggestions for next steps. Click on each linked question to access that part of the post. 

Concerned about asylum?  Wondering what you can do? 

There are many things that individuals, congregations and community groups can do: 

Respond to the recent call to action by the Office of Government Relations (OGR) of the Episcopal Church. OGR encourages individuals and congregations to  

    1. Advocate for immigration reform by reaching out to your elected officials  
    2. Support ministries in your community or diocese that provide support to newcomers in need
    3. Change the conversations you have with people around immigration by continuing to educate yourself and to seek ways to love our neighbors as ourselves. Connect with OGR’s action alerts and advocacy resources. 

Organize a Refugee Sunday, an adult forum, a book discussion group, or other program, to educate yourself and others about the complexities of forced migration, and to discern ways to respond to needs in your local community. Connect with EMM’s resources for congregations and community groups here. 

Join one of EMM’s networks to help you engage with ministries that serve especially vulnerable migrants in your community or state: 

Check out EMM’s Ways to Welcome page, where you can learn about different pathways to becoming involved in welcoming newcomers to your community and take the Ways to Welcome assessment.

Support EMM with a one-time or on-going donation. No gift is too small, and each one is used to sustain and expand our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all our immigrant siblings.