Through advocacy, JRS/USA helps ensure that refugees receive fair and humane treatment, supports access to asylum and protection, and promotes policies that allow displaced people to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

Want to take action? Visit our central advocacy page to explore current campaigns, action alerts, and opportunities to raise your voice:
Explore JRS/USA Advocacy Initiatives.

Key Issues Impacting Refugees in the United States in 2026

Quick Facts on Global Displacement (2026)

• 117.3 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide due to conflict, persecution, and violence.

• This includes approximately 42.5 million refugees, 67.8 million internally displaced people, and 6.8 million asylum seekers.
• Humanitarian agencies estimate that up to 136 million people could be displaced or stateless by the end of 2026.
• About 2.5 million refugees will need resettlement in 2026.

Through advocacy, JRS/USA helps ensure that refugees receive fair and humane treatment, supports access to asylum and protection, and promotes policies that allow displaced people to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

Want to take action? Visit our advocacy page to explore current campaigns, action alerts, and ways to raise your voice: Explore JRS/USA Advocacy Initiatives.

What Advocacy for Refugees Means

Advocacy is a core part of the JRS mission. Around the world and in the United States, JRS works to ensure that refugees are treated with dignity and that policies reflect humanitarian responsibility and respect for human rights.

Advocacy efforts focus on:

• Protecting the legal rights of refugees and asylum seekers
• Promoting access to education, health care, and livelihoods
• Ensuring humane immigration and asylum policies
• Encouraging international cooperation to address forced displacement
• Countering misinformation and discrimination toward refugees

These priorities are informed by the lived experiences of refugees served by JRS programs around the world.

How JRS Advocates for Refugees

Policy Advocacy in the United States

JRS/USA works with lawmakers, faith leaders, and partner organizations to promote policies that protect refugees and migrants.

Advocacy priorities often include:

• Preserving access to asylum
• Protecting humanitarian assistance programs
• Ensuring humane treatment of migrants in detention
• Strengthening refugee resettlement programs
• Supporting long-term solutions for displaced communities

Supporters can participate in advocacy through campaigns, action alerts, and policy education on our advocacy platform:

Take Action with JRS/USA Advocacy

Advocacy in Refugee Contexts

In many countries where JRS operates, staff advocate directly for refugees whose rights are threatened. This may involve supporting legal protection for asylum seekers, advocating for education access, engaging governments on refugee integration policies, and addressing discrimination or barriers to employment.

International Advocacy

JRS also engages at regional and international levels, including dialogue with policymakers and global institutions working on refugee protection and humanitarian response.

Ways You Can Advocate for Refugees

Advocacy is most effective when communities come together to support policies that protect human dignity.

• Contact elected officials about refugee and immigration policy
• Participate in advocacy events or policy briefings
• Educate faith communities and local organizations about displacement
• Share refugee stories to build understanding and solidarity
• Support organizations working with displaced communities

To learn about current campaigns and opportunities to participate, visit the JRS advocacy page:

See Current Opportunities to Take Action with JRS/USA.

Why Advocacy Matters Today

Forced displacement has reached historic levels. More than 117 million people worldwide have been forced from their homes by war, violence, persecution, and climate-related crises. Humanitarian agencies expect this number to continue rising in the coming years.

Advocacy plays an essential role in addressing the root causes of displacement, strengthening international protection systems, and ensuring that refugees are welcomed and supported in communities around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Advocacy

Sources

• UNHCR Global Trends: Forced Displacement Worldwide
• UNHCR Figures at a Glance
• UNHCR Mid-Year Trends in Forced Displacement
• UNHCR Global Appeal 2026
• UNHCR Resettlement Data and Global Needs

Data referenced on this page is drawn from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the primary international authority tracking global forced displacement. UNHCR reporting indicates that more than 117 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide in 2025, with projections suggesting the number of displaced and stateless people could reach approximately 136 million by 2026.