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Starting January 20th, 2025, a series of executive orders issued by our new administration sent shockwaves through communities here in the U.S. and across the globe — significantly impacting thousands of lives and reshaping the way we are able to serve those in greatest need.
At World Relief, we never align ourselves with political parties. We are not, however, an apolitical organization, in that we actively encourage all our lawmakers to pursue public policies guided by biblical principles. We are deeply committed to being a nonpartisan yet profoundly compassionate voice for justice.
As we’ve done with every administration, we will continue to work with our elected officials through advocacy and prayer. Because for us, putting our faith into action, as we believe Jesus would have done, is not an option. We invite you — no, we implore you — to join us by stepping into this work with courage and conviction in response to recent policy changes. Below, we break down the executive orders that have the most profound implications on the refugees, immigrants and other people in vulnerable situations that we serve.
1. Suspension of the Refugee Resettlement Program
On January 20th, President Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP). The suspension, which took effect on January 27, will last for at least several months. During this time, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, has been tasked with reviewing the program and determining within 90 days whether it should resume.
The RRP has long been a lifeline for individuals fleeing war, persecution and violence. It’s one of the most rigorously vetted immigration pathways, providing safety and shelter to those with no other option, including persecuted Christians. Nearly a quarter of all refugees admitted to the U.S. last year were Christians from the top 50 countries for persecuting Christians. Moreover, half of those waiting for resettlement are women and children living in unstable and unsafe conditions.
This executive order was anticipated, and while we had prepared for the possibility, we had fervently prayed for a different outcome. The U.S. has a long, bipartisan history of welcoming refugees, with the program being formally established in 1980. Yet, today, that legacy is under threat.
Among the 3,988 refugees currently in their first 90 days of resettlement, many are Afghan allies who risked their lives assisting U.S. forces, persecuted Christians who fled for their faith, and families from countries like Sudan, Ukraine and Burma escaping war and violence. These families have already undergone thorough vetting and were legally granted entry, expecting a safe and stable future. Instead, they now face an uncertain reality. The doors that once symbolized welcome are being slammed shut.
And yet, history has shown that refugees are not a burden, but a blessing—integrating into communities, strengthening local economies and becoming thriving contributors to society. But without structured support, these families risk becoming the very strain on social services that anti-refugee voices argue against.
We urge the administration to reinstate this vital program. Suspending it not only compromises lives but also undermines America’s moral and legal obligations to provide refuge. Make your voice heard and contact your members of Congress!
2. Stop-Work Order from the U.S. Department of State
On January 24th, World Relief was notified by the U.S. Department of State that all federally funded activities providing initial resettlement supporting nearly 4,000 refugees already on U.S. soil must stop effective immediately. These “stop-work” orders were completely unexpected.
For over 40 years, World Relief has worked in partnership with the U.S. government and local churches to resettle more than 500,000 refugees. The government provides essential funding for the first 90 days—covering rent, food, and transportation—while churches and volunteers offer relational and practical support, ensuring these families feel welcomed and empowered to integrate.
This public-private partnership has been a proven model of success, yet the executive order abruptly cut off all funding for the nearly 4,000 recently resettled refugees World Relief is currently serving—families already here in our communities. The impact is devastating. Without immediate intervention, these families could face hunger and homelessness.
Your donations are now the only source of support standing between these families and desperation.
The situation could not be any more urgent. We need you to give generously to help refugee families today. Will you stand in the gap with us?
3. Pause in U.S. Foreign Assistance and USAID
Reports of a USAID shut down have left the global humanitarian community reeling this week, as agency workers were told not to report to work, its website and social media accounts deleted, and logos removed from building walls.
As the official humanitarian and development arm of the US Government, USAID is the largest funder of international aid around the world. For decades, it has played a vital role in alleviating poverty, treating disease, responding to natural disasters and addressing hunger. Moreover, U.S. International development and aid work is vital to furthering U.S. diplomacy. They bolster our nation’s reputation as a reliable ally and ultimately support our national security strategic interests.
“This is the latest in a series of incredibly concerning developments that could indicate a tragic intent to dismantle life-saving aid and development work around the world”, said World Relief SVP of International Programs, Lanre Williams Ayedun.
While we partner with churches, World Relief also partners with the U.S. government overseas to provide food, medical care, clean water, shelter and life-saving services in Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — countries already facing extreme humanitarian crises.
Without this assistance, for millions, this is a matter of life and death.
We urge the administration to reinstate funding for critical humanitarian programs that protect the human dignity of all people made in God’s image and save lives.
4. Pause on All Federal Grants
Similar to the refugee resettlement suspension, this pause impacts a wide range of federal grants that fund essential services for communities in vulnerable situations. For World Relief, it means an immediate halt to resources critical for refugees and immigrants already living in the U.S., as well as millions internationally.
The consequences are stark: fewer resources for refugee families to integrate, fewer opportunities to rebuild lives and an increased likelihood of hunger, homelessness and poverty. Without these funds, organizations like World Relief must rely solely on private donations to fill the gap—an impossible task at this scale without urgent support from compassionate individuals like you.
*Most recently, this memo is being temporarily blocked by a federal judge and we eagerly await the result of this action.
Want to dive deeper? Watch Chelsea, Liliana and Lanre discuss these executive orders.
5. Declaration of National Emergency at the U.S.-Mexico Border
The declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border authorizes military assistance with immigration enforcement. This order enables military assistance with immigration enforcement, framing migrants—many of whom are families seeking refuge—as a threat.
Policies like the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program forces asylum seekers to wait in dangerous conditions with limited access to legal counsel while their cases are processed, denying them due process and increasing their exposure to unstable environments. Families, children and individuals seeking safety are treated as adversaries rather than people deserving of compassion and protection.
6. Termination of Humanitarian Parole Programs & Expanded Deportations
This week, the Trump administration took significant steps to terminate parole sponsorship programs that have allowed individuals from crisis-stricken countries to lawfully enter, reside and work in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already halted a key parole program benefiting individuals from Haiti, Venezuela and other nations, though it remains unclear whether a similar program for Ukrainians will also be canceled.
At the same time, DHS has announced an expanded use of expedited removal, enabling the government to deport individuals without judicial review if they cannot prove they have lived in the U.S. for at least two years. This includes individuals who entered lawfully under parole sponsorship programs, meaning they could now lose their status, jobs and face deportation to countries still in crisis.
We lament these decisions and urge the administration to reconsider. We have partnered with local churches and volunteers to support thousands of individuals who arrived lawfully under these programs—many of whom are now at risk. Haiti remains in a state of emergency, with widespread violence, civil unrest, and limited healthcare. Returning individuals to such instability is inhumane. The same applies for Venezuela, Cuba, Ukraine, Afghanistan and other nations, where forced returns could have life-threatening consequences. Many Afghans, including those who assisted the U.S. military, were paroled into the U.S. and still lack permanent legal protections.
Rather than strengthening border security, these actions could have the opposite effect. Tools like the CPB One app, which had been a way for individuals to seek asylum at a lawful port of entry, was ended. This triggered the cancellation of thousands of lawful appointments for asylum seekers and families who have been waiting patiently for many months with no replacement process. Now, many migrants may feel forced to take dangerous, irregular routes. This action turns our back on people fleeing persecution who, under law, should be given due process.
At a time when global displacement is at record highs, policies should prioritize orderly, legal pathways to safety—not create unnecessary hardships for those already fleeing crisis.
7. Ending Birthright Citizenship
The reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment in ending birthright citizenship is both unprecedented and legally contentious. Citizenship is now tied to parents’ legal status rather than birth in the U.S., a change facing significant legal challenges.
This decision not only undermines constitutional principles but also creates long-term instability for families and children born in the U.S., denying them the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. For thousands of children, this could mean a lifelong lack of legal status, leaving them vulnerable to deportation from the only home they’ve ever known. It would also significantly inflate the number of individuals unlawfully residing in the U.S. essentially, creating the perception that immigration challenges are more severe than they actually are.
8. Changes to Sensitive Location Protections
A recent executive order revokes critical protections that previously limited immigration enforcement in churches, schools, hospitals and other sensitive locations—places that should remain safe for all.
For years, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) followed guidance restricting enforcement actions in these locations unless granted supervisor authorization. These protections were put in place out of respect for religious freedom, public health and child welfare—ensuring that individuals could seek shelter, medical care, education or attend church services without fear.
Without these safeguards, immigrants and refugees may now hesitate to go to the doctor, enroll their children in school or seek refuge in a place of worship—fearing that doing so could lead to detention or deportation.
At World Relief, we stand firmly against policies that instill fear, especially when it restricts anyone from attending their local worship services and encountering the gospel. We remain committed to partnering with local churches to serve those in need while continuing to advocate for policies that promote safety and freedom for all.
STAND IN THE GAP: How you can help!
The government may have abdicated its responsibility in many far reaching and yet uncertain ways, but make no mistake, as people of faith – we will not.
World Relief faces an urgent financial need of $8 million in the next month to continue serving those affected by these executive orders. So we’re asking you today to please take some time to consider how God is calling you to radical compassion. Then, put your faith into action by standing in the GAP (Give, Advocate, Pray):
- Give: Your support will provide:
- Emergency housing and food for refugee families in the U.S.
- Life-saving medical care and humanitarian aid for populations in need overseas
- Advocacy efforts to challenge unjust policies and defend human dignity.
- Advocate: Share this blog and follow us on social media to stay informed.
- Pray: Pray that the current administration reverses these executive orders so that people in vulnerable situations can continue to receive life-saving assistance.
As we often say in our Path community: Change begins with one step. Now is the time to take that step, and spring into action. Will you stand with us?
Give today to stand in the gap for these families.
Learn more about World Relief and take action with us today.
Jessica Galván is Sr. Content Writer at World Relief. She is passionate about storytelling and amplifying diverse voices to reveal the beauty of God’s creation. She is also the Editorial Director for Chasing Justice and prior to World Relief, she was a freelance writer and editor for a variety of clients in publishing, most recently Penguin Random House. When she isn’t wordsmithing for the pursuit of faith and justice, she is spending time with her husband and their 3 children in the Houston, TX area.