Standing Strong for Refugees in Arizona
The following was first printed in the January 24 newsletter by our ministry partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest.
This week, we face a heartbreaking moment in our mission to bring hope and safety to those fleeing unimaginable hardship. The recent cuts to humanitarian parole and the executive order suspending refugee resettlement in the U.S. are a devastating blow—not just to the countless lives that now remain in danger, but to the ideals of compassion and welcome that we hold so dear. We pray that this decision is only a temporary setback and that the opportunity to continue this vital work will soon be restored.
Right now, families who have already endured unbearable loss are being told they must wait even longer for safety, for reunification, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Children are stranded in limbo, parents are left in fear, and those who looked to America as a beacon of hope find the light dimmed.
We’ve been here before.
We refuse to give up.
We refuse to let this decision silence our commitment to those who need us most.
Refugees who have already arrived in our communities continue to rely on us—for housing, jobs, and guidance as they navigate their new lives. They come here legally, having undergone rigorous screening, with a deep desire to rebuild and contribute. Refugees enrich our communities as workers, entrepreneurs, students, taxpayers, and neighbors, embodying the resilience and determination that strengthens us all.
Your support allows refugees to continue to integrate and thrive—because when refugees succeed, our community flourishes.
This is why your help matters now more than ever. The road ahead will be harder, but we know that together, we can continue to provide the lifeline that so many desperately need. Every contribution, every shared word of encouragement, every act of kindness makes a difference. We cannot turn away from those who have already endured so much.
Thank you for standing with us and for choosing love, hope, and humanity. Together, we will keep the flame of hope alive.
There are 3 steps you can take today to stand with refugees in Arizona:
Volunteer.
Volunteering is more vital than ever as refugees face unprecedented challenges. Your time and skills provide crucial support—helping families find stability, navigate new systems, and rebuild their lives. By volunteering, you can show compassion and resilience when it's needed most. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking safety and a fresh start.
Share the Warmth.
Refugees in our community are struggling with the cold weather, braving bus rides and long walks before the sun comes up. Many of our new arrivals travel up to 1.5 hours on public transportation to reach work but lack the financial resources to buy essentials like waterproof jackets and windbreakers.
Sign up for advocacy alerts.
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (Leviticus 19:33-34). We are called by faith to welcome our neighbor, and we implore you to join us to use our voices for our neighbors in their time of great need. We ask you call on the Trump administration to immediately rescind the refugee ban. We also ask you to reach out to your policymakers and ask them to unite with you in calling upon the administration to rescind the refugee ban. Please use the link HERE, which includes a template for contacting your representatives and sample scripts. You can reach the Trump administration directly by calling 423-540-5105. You can also subscribe to our advocacy e-alerts on our website.