On January 20, 2025, an Executive Order from the White House temporarily suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), pending a 90-day review. This pause is a serious blow to thousands of refugees hoping to find safety and a new beginning in the Sacramento region, as well as to those already here who are waiting to be reunited with loved ones.
Despite this challenging news, World Relief Sacramento remains steadfast in our dedication to supporting refugees and immigrants. Our commitment to providing comprehensive resettlement services to the vulnerable is unwavering. We will continue to assist every individual and family in our community, whether they recently arrived or have been building a new life here for years.
Now is a critical time for solidarity and action. We urge our church partners, generous donors, and supportive businesses to join us. Your continued support enables us to create a welcoming and supportive environment where refugees and immigrants can not only find refuge–but also flourish. Together, we can overcome this obstacle and make a profound difference in the lives of those seeking a brighter future.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership with World Relief Sacramento. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions—we truly value your support.
Mark Dandeneau
Regional Director
World Relief Sacramento & Modesto
2024 Impact Overview
We are encouraged by the incredible work accomplished together in 2024.
With the community’s support, we made a significant impact by providing essential services to over 6,000 refugees and vulnerable immigrants in the Sacramento Region. Together, we created a welcoming environment where individuals could rebuild their lives, achieve stability, and thrive.
Thank you for helping us impact so many lives in 2024 – we couldn’t have done it without YOU!
How New Policies Affect Refugee Communities
—and How You Can Help!
Imagine a world where refugees fleeing war, persecution and violence are no longer offered refuge in our nation. Unfortunately, the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program has brought this possibility closer to reality. Vulnerable populations, including religious minorities, face prolonged persecution, while many immigrants who have called the U.S. home for years live under the threat of potential deportation.
The headlines can be overwhelming, but we’re here to shed light on what these changes mean for our community and how we can respond together.
What’s happening?
- Refugee Resettlement will be suspended on January 27. All refugee arrivals to the United States will be suspended for at least several months, which means families seeking refuge in the US may potentially remain in danger, and countless others separated, unable to reunite safely.
- Threats of mass deportations: If the administration seeks to expand deportations as widely as within their legal authority, between 4 and 5 million parents of minor U.S. citizen children could face deportation, even those who have resided in the U.S. for years without having ever been convicted of any crime.
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): More than half a million Dreamers — young people who have called the U.S. home their entire lives — face an uncertain future. Although President Trump indicated his desire to find a bipartisan legislative solution to protect certain Dreamers, it’s unclear whether Congress can reach a consensus, and last week an appeals court affirmed a lower court decision finding that DACA was created unlawfully.
What’s next?
While policies may shift, our commitment to serving refugees and immigrants in Sacramento remains unwavering. Together with donors, volunteers, and partners like you, we’ll continue to create a lasting impact in 2025. Vulnerable communities will still need support, and there’s important work ahead.
We’ll keep you informed with updates, resources, and ways to take action. Let’s remain steadfast in offering hope and refuge to those who need it most.
Client Hub Resources
WORLD RELIEF has implemented a new “Client Hub” section on all its websites to keep clients and the public informed about the ever-changing landscape of refugee resettlement. This comprehensive resource includes a helpful FAQs section to address common questions and provide clarity during these uncertain times.
If you know someone who may be impacted by recent policy changes, please share our Client Hub with them.
The Client Hub is designed to empower the refugee and immigrant community by offering real-time, language-accessible answers and support.
By Analise York
Analise is the Marketing & Events Coordinator at World Relief Sacramento.