In solidarity and support of vulnerable migrant communities facing heightened threats and uncertainty, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has awarded over $2 million in grants to two partner organizations working on the frontlines of refugee and immigrant support in the United States and around the world.
Approved at its April 10-12 board of directors meeting, UMCOR awarded a $1,095,513 grant to Immigration Law and Justice Network (ILJN) and a $1,000,000 grant to Church World Service (CWS). These grants come in response to sweeping immigration policy changes by the current U.S. administration that have upended decades of humanitarian protections and funding streams for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Strengthening legal defense for immigrants
ILJN, founded by UMCOR in 1999 and now its own non-profit, supports a network of 19 immigration legal service sites across the U.S. that operate on a low- to no-cost basis. The grant serves as emergency bridge funding after the cancellation of federal support that had sustained legal aid at six key sites.
As new policies expand the scope of deportations, many immigrants are facing deportation without legal representation or knowledge of their rights. This grant will ensure that over 500 immigrant children in the states of Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C will have legal representation in court.
In addition, ILJN will continue establishing a new “Removal Defense Unit” to help immigrant communities navigate a rapidly shifting and often hostile legal landscape. Strategies include hiring a consulting attorney to build legal capacity across ILJN’s national network, creating accessible educational materials for both legal teams and community members, and setting aside funds specifically for bail assistance. A $425,000 grant awarded earlier in the year by UMCOR helped ILJN begin this work.
ILJN also plans to support its practitioners – many of whom face burnout and secondary trauma – by organizing two wellness retreats focused on mental health and sustainability in advocacy work.
“This is a historic moment of challenge,” said Alba Jaramillo, co-executive director of ILJN. “But UMCOR has stepped up with ILJN to respond to the moment. Together, we are doing the best we can in this political environment to make sure that our immigrant community is safe.”
Expanding lifesaving services for refugees
CWS, a longtime partner of UMCOR, will use its $1 million grant to expand humanitarian aid and refugee resettlement efforts.
In the U.S., CWS aims to stabilize and expand essential operations including legal services, housing support, food distribution, health care access and language training for newly arrived refugees and their families. The organization will also scale up its international aid efforts in places like Honduras and Indonesia where conflict and displacement have left communities in dire need.
CWS will be able to maintain its child protection programs which offer advocacy and care for unaccompanied minors. In addition, CWS plans to intensify its outreach and advocacy efforts, working with faith-based groups to counter harmful narratives and call for compassionate immigration policies.
“The United Methodist Church was one of the founding members that created CWS in 1946. So, this grant from UMCOR is a reaffirmation of our long-standing partnership and shared mission,” said Rick Santos, president and CEO of CWS. “One of the strengths of organizations like Church World Service and UMCOR is that we connect to local congregations and local communities. This is a moment to activate that network of people.”
A commitment to care and compassion
UMCOR’s support of ILJN and CWS reflects its historic and enduring commitment to stand in solidarity with migrants and displaced people. As government support diminishes, faith-based organizations are stepping in to help fill the ever-widening gap.
“These grants are more than just emergency aid,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR. “They represent our collective commitment to uphold dignity, work for justice and respond to God’s call to love our neighbors – especially the most vulnerable among us.”
Sara Logeman is the senior manager of content and marketing for Global Ministries and UMCOR and Higher Education and Ministry.
This content was originally published by the General Board of Global Ministries; republished with permission by ResourceUMC on May 2, 2025.