ICMC Forced to Cut Global Support to Refugees and Displaced People

For nearly 75 years, the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) has operated in many countries to protect and serve, in the name of the Church, uprooted people, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people, victims of human trafficking and migrants — regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality.

ICMC has a long history of well-established partnerships with the U.S. and other governments, civil society, and other Catholic-inspired groups to serve through advocacy and direct support. In this framework – and since our founding – ICMC has played a key role in international refugee resettlement.

With the unprecedented general suspension of funding for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and foreign assistance, like many other humanitarian organizations, ICMC must make the difficult decision to downsize by cutting critical services to refugees and people displaced by war and persecution in several countries in the world. ICMC is complying with the U.S. stop-work orders while looking for ways to overcome these huge challenges.

“Our prayers and solidarity are with the many thousands of families suffering the impact of the sudden withdrawal of aid and grappling with an uncertain future,” said ICMC President Christine Nathan. “ICMC’s work to protect and serve vulnerable people on the move has never been more vital. We come to you, in the name of Jesus, to lift us up in prayer and – more than ever – with your generous financial support.”

Putting Pope Francis’s below words into action, ICMC will continue to find ways to empower the global Church to meet the needs of vulnerable refugees and displaced people – wherever they may be on their journey.

Download the statement