Jesuit Refugee Service/USA

05/29/2026

Hope is restored through compassion, accompaniment, and community.

Join us in helping displaced people rebuild their lives. ❤️ Donate today.

🔗 https://ow.ly/NQkB50Z5Gm6

05/27/2026

The reports out of Delaney Hall in New Jersey represent concerns JRS/USA has long had about conditions in immigration detention.

We call on Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Senator Markwayne Mullin to ensure decisions around arrests and detentions and conditions in detention facilities are safe, humane, and respect the needs of families.

05/24/2026

Today marks the feast of Madonna della Strada (Our Lady of the Way), patroness of the Society of Jesus.

This feast invites the whole Ignatian family to turn to Our Lady of the Way in prayer for all who are on the move—those forced to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, disaster, or lack of safety.

JRS/USA invites you to set aside 20 minutes to join a guided prayer for our refugee and migrant siblings. In that time, you are invited to reflect on their reality and ask Our Lady to accompany and shelter all who are displaced under her care.

Pray with us here: https://ow.ly/6bMR50Z3nCL

05/23/2026

Georgetown Prep and Gonzaga College High School recently faced off in more ways than one.

Not only did the two schools compete on the rugby field, but they also went head-to-head to see who could raise the most money in support of refugees and other forcibly displaced people through a fundraiser for JRS/USA.

We loved seeing students channel their school spirit into solidarity and action for others. Huge thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and showed up to support.

05/23/2026

As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost, we invite you to pray with and for refugees, migrants, and all those forced from home.

May the Spirit that gathered people across languages and borders continue to guide us toward welcome, solidarity, and peace. 🕊️

Join us in prayer using our Pentecost Prayer for Refugees and Migrants: https://ow.ly/QbcE50Z3nhS

05/22/2026

On the Feast of Corpus Christi, Catholics, faith leaders, immigrants, advocates, and families will gather in Washington, D.C. for a public witness of prayer and solidarity with immigrants, refugees, and displaced people.

As communities continue to face fear, uncertainty, separation, and displacement, this procession is a reminder that faith calls us to walk with our neighbors in dignity, hope, and accompaniment.

📍 Washington, D.C.
🕛 June 7 | Mass begins at 12 p.m. |
Procession begins at 1:30 p.m.

Join us as we pray, process, and stand in solidarity.

Learn more here at jrsusa.org/corpuschristi

Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Network Lobby
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
CiC
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)

05/21/2026

What does human dignity ask of us when it comes to migration and refugee protection?

Donald Kerwin, JRS/USA's Ignatian Senior Fellow, presents Human Dignity, Freedom, and Belonging: A Catholic Perspective on International Migration as part of this year’s Global Migrations Distinguished Lecture through the Bannan Forum at Santa Clara University.

In this timely lecture, Kerwin examines global and U.S. humanitarian, refugee, and enforcement policies through the lens of Catholic teaching on the freedom to stay, migrate, and return — and the responsibility to create conditions where people can live safely, with dignity and belonging.

Learn more and watch now: https://ow.ly/OeIi50Z2Vz8

Watch Donald Kerwin’s lecture on human dignity, Catholic teaching, refugee protection, humanitarian assistance, and JRS/USA migration advocacy at...

05/21/2026

A recent report from The Brookings Institution reveals a devastating reality: an estimated 145,000 U.S. citizen children have experienced a parent being booked into immigration detention including 36% who are under 6 years old.
Behind every statistic is a child facing fear, instability, and separation from family.

At JRS/USA, we believe in the inherent dignity of every human person, the sacredness of family, and the need to protect children from harm. Policies that separate families carry lasting consequences — not only for parents, but for the children left behind.

We urge political, civic, and religious leaders to place the protection of children and family unity at the center of our national conscience.

Families belong together. Children deserve safety, stability, and care.

Report: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-administration-has-detained-400000-immigrants-what-do-we-know-about-their-children/

With 400,000 immigrants detained by the administration, researchers examine what the data reveals about the children left behind and the policy implications for their well-being.

05/20/2026

Action needed by Thursday: A reconciliation bill moving through Congress would expand immigration enforcement and detention, while weakening protections for people seeking safety and asylum.

At JRS/USA, we believe every person deserves dignity, safety, and a fair chance to be heard. Policies like this move us further from that vision.

We invite you to speak up. Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to oppose the immigration enforcement reconciliation bill before Thursday.

Take action here: https://www.jrsusa.org/oppose-immigration-enforcement-reconciliation-bill/

Urge Congress to vote no on the FY 2026 immigration enforcement reconciliation bill and oppose any amendment attaching the Kayla Hamilton Act.

05/18/2026

JRS/USA is happy to welcome Dorothea “Thea” Lay as our new Vice President of Advocacy and Policy.

Lay brings more than 30 years of experience in refugee and humanitarian protection law, including leadership roles across the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security and on Capitol Hill. Her work has helped shape key U.S. asylum protections.

“The JRS mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and other displaced persons has always called to me, and has never been more crucial than now. I am very grateful for this opportunity to help advance it,” said Lay.

We’re also grateful to Donald Kerwin, who will continue with JRS/USA as Senior Ignatian Migration Fellow.

Read more: https://ow.ly/t6F150Z1iA4