In preparation for Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)/USA Advocacy Day on April 21, 2026, advocates across the country are calling on Congress to take action on urgent refugee and immigration priorities. Whether you are meeting with lawmakers or taking action from home, contacting your elected officials today will help advance policies that support refugees and forcibly displaced people.

Why Your Voice Matters

Today, more than 117 million people are forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, violence, and other conditions.

U.S. leadership plays a critical role in:

• • Providing life-saving humanitarian assistance
  • Supporting global stability and security
  • Promoting humane and effective refugee and immigration policies

By contacting your Members of Congress, you help ensure these priorities remain at the forefront of policymaking.

What We’re Asking Congress to Do

1. Restore Humanitarian Assistance Funding

Congress should fund the International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA) account at $8.7 billion in FY 2027, reversing recent cuts and ensuring continued support for refugees and displaced communities. IHF-funded programs save lives while strengthening global stability and U.S. leadership.

2. Strengthen Emergency Response Capacity

Fully fund the Emergency Refugee Migration Account (ERMA) at $100 million to allow the United States to respond quickly to emerging refugee crises.

3. Protect Access to Essential Community Spaces

Pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act (S. 455 / H.R. 1061) to ensure immigration enforcement actions do not take place at churches, schools, hospitals, courts, food banks, and similar spaces. This bill will help to restore access to essential services without fear.

4. Expand Access to Legal Status

Pass the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 (S. 2468 / H.R. 4696) to allow long-term residents with good moral character to apply for legal status. This approach promotes a more orderly, humane, and cost-effective immigration system.

5. Ensure Access to Religious and Pastoral Services

Protect the right of detained immigrants to access religious and pastoral services, in accordance with religious freedom protections and detention standards.

How to Take Action

Taking action is simple and impactful:

1. Contact your Members of Congress by phone or email
2. Share your message on social media to raise awareness
3. Encourage your community to advocate alongside you

Even one message can help influence policy decisions.

Stay Informed and Take the Next Step 

Learn more about JRS/USA’s work and the issues impacting refugees around the world: 

• Lebanon crisis response 

• South Sudan Updates

• Ukraine Response

• Advocacy Resources