Immigrants and refugees face rising obstacles due to government actions restricting access to legal protections, resources, and pathways to stability. These shifts, often framed as reform, have a profound impact on vulnerable families. In response, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a special message - the first time in 13 years - to address this ongoing humanitarian crisis:

“We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants…Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity…We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.”

Amid these challenges, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) remains a steadfast support for community organizations that empower immigrants. As the U.S. bishops' domestic anti-poverty program, CCHD funds groups that work at the grassroots level to address poverty, promote justice, and build systems that reflect our shared dignity as children of God.

Today, we highlight four CCHD-funded organizations that courageously advocate for immigrant rights, offer services, leadership development, and organizing efforts in communities where hope is most needed.

Spotlight on CCHD-Supported Groups Defending Immigrant Rights

Escucha Mi Voz Iowa – Iowa City, IA

A faith-rooted, immigrant-led organization, Escucha Mi Voz is cultivating leadership and power in Latino communities across Iowa. Their work centers on defending immigrant rights, resisting harmful policies, and promoting civic engagement. They provide training, organize campaigns, and help families understand their rights. Their model of leadership is deeply rooted in Catholic values — empowering families to stand together with courage and faith.

Buffalo Immigrant Leadership Team (BILT) – Buffalo, NY

In Western New York, BILT empowers immigrant and refugee communities through leadership development and civic action. Youth-led and immigrant-driven, BILT focuses on affordable housing, education equity, and immigrant rights. Their work is a powerful example of what’s possible when the Church stands with those at the margins and supports their leadership.

Strangers No Longer – Detroit, MI

Inspired by the Church’s call to welcome the stranger, Strangers No Longer is a network of Catholic parishes and congregations in Michigan working through accompaniment, storytelling, and advocacy. By fostering parish groups, organizing legislative visits, and providing education, they mobilize the faithful to walk with immigrants in concrete and compassionate ways. Their work models Pope Francis’ call for a “culture of encounter.”

Fuerza Laboral - Central Falls, RI

In Rhode Island, Fuerza Laboral empowers immigrant and low-wage workers by equipping them with leadership development, labor-rights education, and structural change campaigns. Rooted in worker-led power, the organization tackles wage theft, builds worker-owned co-operatives, and organizes for immigrant justice. Their work is a compelling example of what happens when the Church stands with those on the margins and supports their leadership.

Click here to find more inspiring CCHD-funded groups by browsing organizations by state and learning about their local efforts. 

How You Can Support These Efforts

We are all called to stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees. Here’s how you can be part of the movement:

• Donate to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
   
• Volunteer with a local organization supporting immigrant rights or learn about efforts in your area.
   
• Educate yourself by exploring CCHD's resources and learning about the intersection of poverty and migration.
   
• Advocate by contacting lawmakers and supporting policies that protect human dignity.
   
• Shop ethically and support businesses that respect immigrant workers. Every action counts, and as people of faith, we are called to respond with mercy, justice, and love.

A New Era of Hardship for Immigrant Families

2025 has brought sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy, intensifying the challenges faced by immigrant communities. Enforcement has escalated dramatically, with a declared national emergency at the southern border, expanded detention capacity, and ICE arrests now occurring at immigration court hearings, USCIS offices, and cities all across the country.

For families, this means living with constant fear. U.S. citizen children are left without parents following enforcement actions this year, with some parents deported so quickly that they were never given the option to bring their children with them. Meanwhile, the DACA program remains in legal limbo. Courts have ruled major portions unlawful while allowing current recipients to renew, but no new applications have been processed since 2021, leaving hundreds of thousands in uncertainty. Access to asylum has been severely restricted: the refugee admissions program was suspended, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP One) scheduling app was terminated overnight, and expedited removal has expanded nationwide.

These policy decisions, framed by authorities as necessary for national security, have caused harm in real and tangible ways. Families are being torn apart. Legal pathways are narrowing. Many live with daily uncertainty about their futures.

This moment demands compassion and action rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops affirm, fighting poverty means addressing its root causes, including unjust systems that exclude our brothers and sisters.

CCHD’s Commitment to Supporting Immigrant Communities

CCHD’s mission is centered on helping low-income communities help themselves. Rather than providing temporary relief, CCHD supports long-term change by investing in people — especially immigrants, workers, and youth — who are organizing for justice.

By funding community-based organizations, CCHD helps build leadership among those most impacted by injustice. Many of these groups are led by immigrants and focus on issues such as labor rights, housing, and civic engagement.

CCHD also invites parishes and Catholics across the country to get involved through education, service, and support. Learn more here. 

Faith in Action: A Call to Stand With Immigrants

Even as policies shift and protections for immigrants are reduced, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development continues to build up communities and defend human dignity. Through funding, education, and parish partnerships, CCHD empowers people to create lasting change and share in the work of justice.

Organizations like Escucha Mi Voz, BILT, Strangers No Longer, and Fuerza Laboral show us that hope endures — and that the Spirit is alive in grassroots leadership.

As people of faith, we must continue to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities, advocate for their rights, and reflect the Gospel's call to welcome the stranger.

Let us act with courage, grounded in love, and walk together in the mission of justice and peace.

About CCHD

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) was created by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to help individuals and communities address issues in America by confronting the root causes of economic injustice—and promoting policies that help break the cycle of poverty.

To learn more, check out our educational resources, encounter stories of hope, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!