March 31, 2026
The Trump administration’s indefinite refugee ban, stop work orders and prolonged delays in reimbursement for resettlement agencies have had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of refugee families and communities across the country and around the world. Welcome to the latest edition of State of Play from Church World Service. This resource will provide regular updates from the CWS Policy Team on the current state of play; updated asks for national, state and local leaders; and the latest headlines and community resources. Subscribe now to receive daily updates on the latest developments and ways to support impacted communities.
The latest: Another death in ICE custody in what is quickly becoming the deadliest year on record; details on the Haitian TPS discharge petition; and what happens when this year’s refugee admissions ceiling is reached?
ICE announces a 14th death in ICE custody this calendar year. Yesterday, ICE revealed that Jorge Guadalupe Ramos died in immigrant detention almost a week ago. The death is the 14th in ICE custody since the start of the year, and the 47th since Trump returned to office. We are now in the deadliest period in the history of immigrant detention.
An ongoing lawsuit and numerous reports raise serious concerns that many of these deaths were the result of inadequate and deficient conditions in custody. The administration has touted its construction of massive new detention centers and is currently detaining a record 68,000 immigrants – an almost 500% increase from a recent low of 14,000 in 2021. For years, data has shown that community-based alternatives to detention are far more humane, less costly, and more effective in getting folks to and through their required immigration proceedings.
Details on the historic Haitian TPS discharge petition. Yesterday, we noted in this space that for the first time ever, an immigration-related discharge petition had successfully reached 218 signatures and compelled a vote on the House floor. Here’s more on the timeline and details for this effort:
The petition does not require the President to sign the legislation or the Senate to approve it, but it does ramp up pressure on both to ensure protections for Haitians. Watch this space for more ways to take action to urge your members of Congress to use this opportunity to support Haitians relying on TPS.
Refugee program set to reach admissions ceiling as soon as May. It has now been over 430 days since the Trump administration implemented its refugee ban, stranding over 100,000 refugees who had been conditionally approved for resettlement. Many were left essentially on the tarmac, after leaving their work and temporary homes. It has been just over 150 days since the administration published a Presidential Determination setting the fiscal year 2026 refugee admissions ceiling at a historic low of 7,500 – with slots “primarily” reserved for Afrikaners.
Since then, the administration has ramped up resettlement of Afrikaners and other racial minorities from South Africa through the program. The 7,500 ceiling is set to be reached well before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Under the law, once the ceiling is reached the administration would be required to pause resettlement or pursue a new presidential determination. The Refugee Act of 1980 requires a consultation between cabinet-level officials and leaders in Congress before any change in the ceiling, and this represents a critical time for advocacy on behalf of the program and all those who remain stranded.
Read a statement from faith leaders representing several of CWS’ covenant members condemning the administration’s ongoing efforts to abandon the historic refugee admissions program.
Timeline of relevant Executive Orders and actions taken by the Trump Administration
Samuel: “I am a refugee currently residing in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. I am a father of three boys and two girls, and I am writing to express my deep concern about the safety and well-being of myself and my family. I was scheduled to travel to the United States under the refugee resettlement program, with my original flight set for 15th January 2025. Unfortunately, that flight was canceled and rescheduled for 29th January 2025, which did not materialize. Since then, our situation has worsened. My son and I have both been attacked. We are now living in constant fear and uncertainty, as we do not understand the motives of those who attacked us. This violence has left my family traumatized and vulnerable. Our lives are at risk, and we do not feel safe in the camp. I respectfully call upon you to urgently advocate for me and my family’s protection and resettlement. Refugees like us, living in the diaspora, continue to face life-threatening challenges, and without timely intervention, our safety cannot be guaranteed. I plead with you to intervene in this matter and assist in ensuring that my family and I can find safety and live with dignity.”
Find more stories of impact here, and watch this space for new stories as they arise. Have a story to share? You can share it with us via this form for refugees overseas or this form for refugees, immigrants and service providers in the U.S.
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