We look forward to working with the new Congress to modernize our country’s immigration system; create more lawful pathways for migrants; develop immigration reform measures that respect human dignity and promote family unity; and improve the U.S.’s asylum system.

In addition, U.S. leadership in providing lifesaving humanitarian aid around the world remains indispensable. We urge Congress to continue to support foreign assistance to address the multiple tragic humanitarian crises and support development assistance that can reduce the pressure on those who would try to migrate irregularly, permitting people to flourish in their home countries.

We also see U.S. humanitarian investments as fundamental to global peace and security. As an international NGO, JRS serves more than 1 million refugees around the world every year, offering education and livelihoods programs to hundreds of thousands of people and providing critical opportunity and hope. Our work in reconciliation focuses on building right relationships between displaced people and the communities that host them. In a century thus far bookended by 9/11 and deadly unrest in the Middle East, eastern Africa, and parts of Asia, effective humanitarian responses are urgently needed.

About Jesuit Refugee Service 

JRS is an international Catholic organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, that they may heal, learn, and determine their own future. Founded as a work of the Society of Jesus in 1980, JRS today works in 58 countries to meet the educational, health, and social needs of more than 1,000,000 refugees.

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, D.C. JRS/USA serves forcibly displaced migrants in the United States through detention chaplaincy, legal assistance, and mental health & psychosocial support on the U.S.-Mexico border; advocacy for refugees at home and abroad; and support for JRS projects and programming throughout the world. Learn more at www. jrsusa.org.