• Blog
• June 20, 2025

Today is World Refugee Day—a time to honor the strength and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their homes and recommit ourselves to ensuring they have a fair chance at safety, dignity, and welcome.

This year, that commitment is more urgent than ever.

Refugee admissions are stalled, and too many families who were vetted and cleared for travel are still waiting. At the same time, thousands of people across the country are stepping forward to help. Whether that’s welcoming Afghan allies or advocating for sponsorship, American communities are showing what welcome looks like.

As you reflect on World Refugee Day, consider the ways you can also respond:

✍️ Sign the petition urging local, state, and federal government leaders to ensure that the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, including sponsorship, resumes in full capacity for all refugee populations regardless of nationality or religion.

🌟  Plan your Week of Action with simple, powerful ways to take action in your community today and in the weeks to come.

📖  Read our blog on why American communities sponsor. We surveyed more than 1,000 sponsors to better understand the sponsor experience to enhance program development and policymaking.

📺 Watch the latest episode of Community Conversations to hear from sponsors and resettlement experts on ways to engage your community for advocacy and support.

✋ Sign up to sponsor an Afghan family and help our allies find belonging while demonstrating the power of community sponsorship.

🫶 Donate to CSH so we can keep advocating to protect Americans’ freedom to welcome.

 

This World Refugee Day is especially difficult in the face of rising displacement and the continued suspension of the Welcome Corps, leaving thousands of refugees overseas and their U.S. sponsors in limbo. Pacito v. Trump, the lawsuit challenging the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, is ongoing.

Still, we are reminded that welcoming refugees is more than a policy choice. It’s an American value.

Every day, communities are showing what’s possible when we act together. They’re building pressure for more welcoming policies, offering practical support to newcomers, and organizing efforts in their communities.

Thousands of Americans have already changed lives through sponsorship. Your voice can protect and expand the very programs that made that possible.

Thank you for staying with us and keeping the spirit of welcome alive.

 

 

Add your name in support of refugee protection and sponsorship. Read the petition here or sign below.

 

 

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