Responding to Immigration Policy Changes
An orientation for church leaders in the Austin area
There has been an overwhelming flurry of news, changes and things happening in the immigration space around the country. It’s important for church leaders and those caring for immigrants to be able to sift through all the rhetoric to the reality on the ground affecting our people. Below is a summary of information that will be shared today, January 29th, at 12noon over zoom, with our Greater Austin church network, but is information that will be helpful to others around the country as well.
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Important Policy Changes:
Federal refugee program suspended + “stop work” order implemented cutting all funding for refugees already in the country1
CBP border app shut down + remain in mexico policy reinstated effectively eliminating all legal pathways for requesting asylum2
ICE now authorized to enter sensitive locations (including churches and schools)3
Promises of mass deportation: potentially to include asylum seekers4.
Attempt to end Birthright citizenship currently blocked by the courts.5
How does this impact families in Austin?
Climate of fear: adults aren’t showing up at work and children are skipping school. Some are afraid to go to church.
131 Austin area individuals at risk: these families under World Relief’s care in Austin affected by the “stop work” order and cut in funding. Immediate help needed.
Estimated 10,000+ Asylum Seekers in the Austin area at risk of deportation: asylum seekers largely from Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela in Austin that were admitted through the CBP app in the last 2 years could now be subject to deportation. Many questions still remain unanswered (see #4 above). It’s unclear whether recent Afghan and Ukrainian arrivals may be included in this.
Ways to Engage:
Direct Service: To serve asylum seekers reach out to Kevin Reichle at More than Welcome: Kevin@Morethanwelcome.org To step in the gap with refugee families affected by the work order: Diana Jones at World Relief - Djones@wr.org
Pray with and for the nations: join diaspora leaders every Friday 10-10:30am (CST) over zoom.
Join a DN action & advocacy group (by following this link) for ongoing updates and advocacy coordination in the city. Let Jonathan (jonathan@diaspora-network.com) know if you’re interested in helping to coordinate some of these efforts. We will meet weekly on Wednesday over zoom (12:00-12:30) to continue coordinating.
Reach out to vulnerable families in your church, neighborhood and school. check in, share “know your rights" tools (see below) and help them make a deportation preparedness plan. Immigrant Church leaders, it’s best to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Make a plan for how you will respond if ICE shows up and/or if someone from your church is detained.
Share the DN statement on “Pastoral Response to Promises of Mass Deportation” with your ministries and on social media: https://thediasporanetwork.substack.com/p/a-pastoral-response-to-promises-of
Give to World Relief, More than Welcome or to us at the Diaspora Network: https://givebutter.com/clCABM
Key Resources:
World Relief Press Releases: https://worldrelief.org/category/op-eds-press-releases/
ICE raid resources: https://www.clasp.org/immigration-raid-resources/
Deportation Crisis Hotline in Austin: 1512-270-1515 (English and Spanish). This is a number that can be called if someone you know has been deported. They will help connect you with key resources and information.
Footnote Sources:
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/24/nx-s1-5273762/immigration-deportation-trump-cbpone-dhs-migrants-biden and https://worldrelief.org/pr-world-relief-responds-to-termination-of-parole-sponsorship-programs-threats-of-deportation-pleas-for-mercy-for-haitians-venezuelans-ukrainians-afghans-and-others-at-risk/