Migration, Refugees, & Immigration

The Episcopal Church seeks to address issues of global migration and its root causes as the number of displaced people surpasses 100 million worldwide. We work to protect the human rights and safety of refugees by supporting the refugee resettlement work of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Further, we are committed to advocating for humane immigration policies that respect the dignity and worth of every human being and for comprehensive immigration reform.

Table Of Contents

Migration, Refugees, & Immigration

Featured Actions

A Closer Look with OGR: DACA

The Episcopal Church joins the Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Help Welcome our Afghan Allies

Immigration

Begin your advocacy with this Overview of Advocacy on Refugee and Immigration Issues, then scroll down for more specific issue areas.

Episcopal Church Resources

Access to Asylum and Protecting Family Unity

The Episcopal Church supports access to asylum (protection granted by a nation for certain persecuted individuals) and family unity as key parts of our humanitarian protection system. Learn more about how to take action to defend access to asylum and to stop families from being separated.

Episcopal Church Resources

ENS: Anglican, Episcopal churches continue to serve, advocate for migrants and asylum-seekers in the Americas during COVID-19 pandemic

The Episcopal Church Comment on President Trump’s Asylum Rule (2021)

Statement

Episcopal Church on the Asylum and Border Policy Announcement (2/22/2023)

Dreamers and Advancing Immigration Reform

The Episcopal Church supports Dreamers, immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, and recognizes them as part of our churches, communities, and part of our nation. Learn how to advocate for a legislative solution that would allow Dreamers and their families to obtain permanent status in the United States to continue contributing to our society, culture, and economy.

Episcopal Church Resources

ENS: As Supreme Court lets DACA stand for now, Episcopal leaders push for permanent protections

The Episcopal Church comment on Proposed DACA rule Download

Tell Congress to Protect Dreamers

Take Action

Statements

Episcopal Church Statement on 5th Circuit Ruling on DACA (10/6/2022)

The Episcopal Church encourages support of the Dream Act (June 2020)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

TPS offers protection for hundreds of thousands of individuals who had to flee or were unable to return to their home countries due to natural disasters or armed conflict. TPS holders are authorized to work in the U.S. and protected from deportation. Learn how to advocate for a solution for TPS holders.

TPS and DED holders by country

Statement

Episcopal Church Statement Commending TPS Designation for Venezuelans in the U.S. (March 2021)

Letters supporting TPS

For South Sudan (February 2022)*
For Ethiopia (August 2021)

*In March 2022, DHS extended and redesignated South Sudan for TPS

Refugee Resettlement and Protection

We have long supported a robust refugee resettlement program for those who have fled their native countries to escape persecution, oppression, and war. Through The Episcopal Church’s resettlement agency Episcopal Migration Ministries, refugees are resettled to the U.S. and make a new life here with the support of the communities that welcome them. Learn how you can help continue this tradition of welcoming refugees to new homes in the U.S. and to advancing peacemaking and protection for refugees around the world.

Episcopal Church Resources

Episcopal Church’s statement on FY2022 Refugee Admissions (October 2021)

Tell Congress to Help Welcome our Afghan Allies

Take Action

Sign-on letter

Episcopal Migration Ministries Joins Other Eight US Refugee Resettlement Agencies Appeal to President Biden to Raise Refugee Admissions Cap from Trump-era Historic Lows (April 2021)

Episcopal Migration Ministries

EMM welcomes refugees, educates communities, and mobilizes congregations to advocate for the protection and rights of all migrants. In addition to refugee resettlement, EMM works to preserve the right to seek asylum and for alternatives to immigrant detention.

If you would like to get involved:

Ongoing Work

Immigration is a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching impacts for our families, communities, local economies, national security, and the role of the U.S. in the world. Due to the array of policies and laws that make up the U.S. immigration system, as well as the unexpected and new root causes of migration like natural disasters and conflict, we will highlight other immigration issues that require our attention as they come up, which are distinct from the other areas of advocacy listed above.