Global Refuge Annual Report: 2025

On January 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a stop-work order to all ten national refugee resettlement agencies, including Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service). This order cuts off funding for services that thousands of already-resettled refugees rely on—housing support, English classes, food assistance, and job placement. It came without warning and directly impacts families in our care.

Global Refuge’s mission remains unchanged: “As a witness to God’s love for all people, we stand with and advocate for migrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice.”

Rooted in our Lutheran call to welcome the stranger, Global Refuge has supported over 800,000 newcomers since 1939. Despite this devastating policy change, the work continues—grounded in faith, driven by hope, and empowered by the body of Christ.

In 2024 alone, with the support of Lutheran congregations like those across the Grand Canyon Synod, Global Refuge:

• Welcomed 18,622+ refugees from around the world.

• Empowered 116 individuals and 67 businesses through personal and business loans.

• Expanded services with a new office in Mexico, serving 1,017 clients seeking to return home.

• Distributed 10,000+ Hope for the Holidays cards offering care and welcome.

• Engaged 20,000 youth at the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, assembling over 1,000 welcome kits.

In this season of challenge, we are invited not only to lament but to act.

Ways to Help:

• Give: Support refugee families with a financial gift: globalrefuge.org/give

• Advocate: Learn about and speak against harmful policies: globalrefuge.org/advocate

• Know Your Rights: Share this resource from our ELCA partners at AMMPARO: Know Your Rights

• Explore Resources: Equip your congregation for ministry with newcomers: Congregational Resources

• Volunteer: Support resettled families in your local area: Volunteer

• Stay Connected: Receive monthly updates by emailing outreach@globalrefuge.org

As a synod that spans borderlands, urban centers, desert towns, and tribal nations, we know deeply the call to hospitality and the gift of cultural richness brought by immigrants and refugees. In this election season, when rhetoric often turns divisive, let us be known by our unity in Christ and our bold, tangible love for the stranger.

Go in peace. Welcome the stranger.