Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)/USA

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for JRS/USA’s 44th Anniversary Event on September 25th! Your support and presence made the night unforgettable. Special thanks to John Thon Majok, MPA, Jeannie and Jim Gaffigan, Fr. Leo J. O’Donovan, Kelly Ryan, and Fr. Brian Paulson, S.J. for making the evening even more special. From powerful speeches to joyful moments shared at dinner and the cocktail reception, the event was a beautiful celebration of our mission and work for refugees. Swipe through some of the highlights from the night!

📣 2024 JRS/USA Speakers Tour Por Todos: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Across Borders Join us to learn more about access to mental health services for migrants and asylum seekers, including those at the U.S.-Mexico border. 🗓️ October 15: Fordham University 🗓️ October 16: Fairfield University 🗓️ October 17: University of Scranton Visit the link to learn more about the speakers, JRS/USA mental health specialists Katie Mullins-Ali and Adalberto Sanchez. https://ow.ly/LsL150TCw7l

Join Tevfik Karatop and Clara Sayáns at the Ignatian Family Teach-in For Justice on October 27th to experience A Journey Into Exile. In this session, each participant will be playing the role of a refugee from a specific region and gain a new understanding of what it means to be displaced. Use this link to learn more about the session: https://lnkd.in/ey3EeXKE

"The U.S. should not slam its door to people who need asylum with a take-a-number process. The U.S. has the means, the resources, and the ingenuity to run an effective asylum system." - Kelly Ryan, President of JRS/USA in reference to extended asylum restrictions in the U.S. Read full story by Crux below: https://lnkd.in/etWC5NGh

We take this day, International Day of Non-Violence, to express our solidarity with the people of Lebanon, who are facing a crisis that challenges their resilience and hope. Our JRS team is on the ground, providing essential emergency assistance to those affected by ongoing conflict. We remain committed to supporting both migrants and the Lebanese community, fostering peace, and promoting healing in all that we do. Like so many other people of faith, we pray for an immediate end to hostilities. Help support people in Lebanon who have been impacted: https://lnkd.in/eFaYdQ6R #DayOfNonViolence #LebanonCrisis #Lebanon

The Festival of Encounter in Amman, #Jordan, has grown into a powerful celebration of refugee communities and their cultures! This annual event, hosted by JRS Jordan as part of the Peace-Building and Social Cohesion Program, highlights the richness and value of traditions through art, music, and storytelling. From handcrafted goods at the festival bazaar to captivating performances by different musical groups, refugees proudly share their heritage while fostering empathy and understanding. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and building bridges of solidarity! 🔗 https://ow.ly/oHqC50TAf7z #FestivalOfEncounter #WithRefugees #WorldRefugeeDay #JRSJordan

"I don't understand why war broke out in Sudan, and I don't understand why it broke out here," - a migrant women in Sudan who fled to Lebanon in 2014 for safety. Br. Michael Petro of JRS speaks on the use of the parish of Saint Joseph of the Jesuit Brothers being converted from a day shelter for migrants to an overnight refuge amidst the Israeli strikes. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eQxPFfCp You can help support emergency aid delivered by JRS in #Lebanon by making a small gift. Anything helps 👉 https://lnkd.in/eFaYdQ6R JRS MENA Jesuit Refugee Service

The US asylum system is failing those in desperate need of safety. Policies like the CBP One app requirement are causing months-long delays, leaving asylum seekers stranded in dangerous and inhumane conditions at the US-Mexico border. Many face overcrowded shelters with limited food, poor hygiene, and constant fear for their safety. Even more troubling, some are being turned away without the legally required credible fear interview, despite presenting evidence of violence. This is a violation of refugee law and endangers lives. JRS/USA is urging the Biden Administration to rescind these harmful policies and create ethical reforms that protect human dignity and provide real opportunities for safe, legal immigration. Learn more about the challenges asylum seekers face and how you can support our work at the border by visiting the link below. 🔗 https://ow.ly/5Ofp50Tzv5o #JRSUSA #AsylumProtection #Asylum #Mexico

In response to the Biden Administration’s decision to extend and expand restrictions on asylum at the US-Mexico border, JRS/USA President Kelly Ryan issued a strong statement urging ethical reforms. “This is the wrong answer to a complicated problem,” said Ryan. “The reduction in border crossings since June has come at the expense of human dignity and respect for international law.” As a country long known for offering refuge to those fleeing violence and persecution, we must uphold our commitment to human dignity and international law. JRS/USA continues to advocate for meaningful reforms to ensure our asylum system protects those in need. Kelly Ryan #AsylumReform #HumanRights #RefugeeProtection #Leadership #Advocacy #JRSUSA

Our colleagues at JRS Lebanon are on the ground, delivering critical aid to migrants and the Lebanese community as this conflict and crisis continues. Your support can make a difference. Join us today—visit the link to learn how you can help: https://ow.ly/2AmV50Tz3xz #Lebanon #LebanonCrisis #Refugees #ForcedDisplacement