Migrant Accompaniment Network
Volunteer With Migrants, Asylum Seekers, and Refugees
The JRS/USA Migrant Accompaniment Network is a growing movement of solidarity that invites Jesuit-affiliated organizations, religious congregations, churches, ministries, migrant-serving groups, and committed individuals to walk alongside migrants and asylum seekers as they navigate resettlement and the legal system in a new land.
Volunteers serve as community-based companions, immigration court observers, and ICE check-in accompaniment volunteers, offering practical support, moral presence, and a reminder that no one should have to navigate these moments alone.
What Is Migrant Accompaniment?
Migrant accompaniment is the practice of walking alongside migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through consistent presence, friendship, and support. At its heart, accompaniment is not only about service; it is about bearing witness to the courage, faith, and resilience of people seeking safety.
Two Ways Volunteers Accompany Migrants
Community-Based Companions
Community-Based Companions offer a local lifeline to newly arrived families by helping them access housing, employment, legal aid, medical care, pastoral support, transportation, school enrollment, and other community resources.
Court and ICE Check-In Accompaniment Volunteers
Court and ICE check-in volunteers stand with migrants during immigration hearings and appointments. Volunteers provide moral support, observe proceedings, document what they see, and offer a protective presence during moments often marked by fear and isolation.
Impact at a Glance
- 150+ migrants supported in more than eight U.S. cities in 2026 so far
- 80 volunteers across 47 U.S. cities trained in immigration court observation and accompaniment
- 400+ people across 40 states signed up or interested in joining the Court Observation and Accompaniment Project
- New accompaniment initiatives launched in Milwaukee and the northern Midwest
Accompaniment Has Included
- Immigration court support and ICE check-ins
- Shelter and basic needs coordination
- School enrollment and work permit application support
- Grocery assistance and transportation
- Legal referrals and medical access
- Childcare support
- Spiritual accompaniment
- Social cohesion and integration
How Court and ICE Check-In Accompaniment Works
Joining the Migrant Accompaniment Network is simple. Volunteers receive training, connect with a local team, and begin accompanying migrants through some of the most important moments of their journey.
Register
Complete the volunteer interest form and tell us how you would like to support migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Complete Training
Participate in online training and learn best practices for accompaniment, court observation, and community support.
Join a Local Team
Connect with volunteers and community partners in your region who are committed to welcoming and supporting migrants.
Accompany and Advocate
Support migrants through immigration court hearings, ICE check-ins, community integration, and other accompaniment opportunities.
What Volunteers Receive
- Access to peer learning and a supportive national community
- Opportunities to join or form local accompaniment teams
- Monthly calls on court accompaniment, ethical practices, volunteer rights, and migrant support
- Continued guidance from JRS/USA and partner organizations
- Free online training
No legal experience is required. Volunteers do not serve as legal representatives.
Helpful Resources
- Webinar on accompanying migrants to court
- Court Accompaniment Informational Guide in English
- Court Accompaniment Informational Guide in Spanish
- Emergency Legal Help: Dial 2150# or call (202) 442-3363
- Court Date Information: 1-800-898-7180
- Family Support Hotline: 1-855-435-7693
- Detainee Locator: ICE Online Detainee Locator System
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JRS/USA Migrant Accompaniment Network?
The JRS/USA Migrant Accompaniment Network is a volunteer network that supports migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through community-based accompaniment, immigration court support, ICE check-in accompaniment, and local stabilization efforts.
Do I need legal experience to volunteer?
No. Volunteers do not provide legal representation. JRS/USA offers training so volunteers can serve as informed, ethical, and supportive companions.
What does an immigration court accompaniment volunteer do?
Volunteers attend immigration court hearings virtually or in person, provide moral support, observe proceedings, document what they see, and help ensure migrants are not alone during difficult legal moments.
Can volunteers accompany migrants to ICE check-ins?
Yes. Court and ICE check-in accompaniment volunteers can provide a calm, supportive presence during ICE appointments, which can be stressful and isolating for migrants and their families.
How does accompaniment help migrant families?
Accompaniment helps reduce isolation, connect families to trusted resources, support stability, and build more welcoming communities.
Stand With Migrants Today
Join a national movement committed to dignity, accompaniment, and community-based support for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.
Related Resources
Learn more about accompaniment, migration, and ways to support migrants and refugees.
Immigration Court Accompaniment Guide
Learn how volunteers can support migrants attending immigration court hearings.
U.S. Community Resources
Explore resources available to migrants, asylum seekers, and refugee families.
Advocate for Refugee Protection
Take action to support policies that uphold the dignity and rights of displaced people.