JVS Statement in Response to Stop-Work Order
January 27, 2025
On Friday evening, JVS and resettlement agencies across the country were issued a stop-work order for the Reception & Placement program by the U.S. State Department. Effective immediately, we have been ordered to stop providing critical services to refugees already welcomed to Kansas City through the Reception & Placement program. This includes our comprehensive support for refugees in the first 90 days, including housing, food, healthcare, finding work, and enrolling their children in school. The stop-work order followed a Monday presidential executive order suspending future U.S. refugee resettlement.
This work doesn’t just support our refugee clients. Our entire community benefits when our newest neighbors fill job openings, pay taxes, start businesses, thrive in school, and enrich our cultural economy. Without initial support as they build new lives, refugee families will face extreme hardship as they work to provide for their families and adjust to life in the United States.
While JVS is seeking more clarity from our governmental partners on precisely what these instructions mean, we are deeply alarmed by the harm that these abrupt mandates will have on vulnerable people who have already endured profound crises.
“This action is unprecedentedly cruel. We are outraged and devastated that our federal government is essentially telling us to abandon families already here in Kansas City that our country committed to support,” said Hilary Cohen Singer, JVS Executive Director. “We know that with an initial investment of time and attention, refugees go on to make immense cultural and economic contributions to our communities – in real dollars and cents – far beyond the cost of resettlement programs. Beyond any humanitarian concern, this decision is not in the best interest of local communities.”
JVS previously commented on the Trump administration’s Executive Order halting refugee resettlement. You can read that statement HERE. We remain undeterred in our commitment to refugee families and in our service delivery. We are proud to be part of a community of faith organizations, businesses, schools, social service agencies, and individuals who recognize the importance of embracing individuals fleeing hardship and the immense value they bring to our economic, civic and cultural life.
We strongly urge the Trump administration to reverse course on this action and to uphold its moral and legal obligations to communities our nation has promised to protect. By halting funding for these critical programs and services, the United States is betraying its values of welcome and weakening its presence as a global leader in protecting at-risk populations. The Trump administration should revoke these stop-work orders, and quickly resume refugee processing and admissions.
JVS Response to Executive Order Concerning Refugee Resettlement
January 21, 2025
On January 20, the Trump administration announced an indefinite suspension of refugee resettlement starting on January 27, 2025. Refugees will be blocked from entering the country until further notice despite having been thoroughly vetted and approved for travel.
The move jeopardizes the legacy of U.S. leadership and commitment to humanitarian protection and freedom for the 43 million people impacted by war, violence, and persecution. This action impacts thousands in the United States who are now unable to reunify with their family members through the refugee program, including countless Afghan nationals who served alongside our armed forces.
“Refugee resettlement is a safe and legal pathway for persecuted individuals to seek security and opportunity in the United States, and it has brought enormous economic and cultural benefits to Kansas City,” said Executive Director Hilary Cohen Singer. “JVS is undeterred in our commitment to welcome. We will continue to support refugees and immigrants as they build new lives and enrich our community.”
JVS remains dedicated to our mission to engage, encourage and empower refugee and immigrant communities. As the largest organization in Kansas City focused exclusively on supporting refugees and immigrants from all over the world, JVS is steadfast in continuing our work of welcoming, providing safety, support, and community to newcomers through our community integration, workforce development, health and wellness, and immigration legal services. Through their engagement with JVS, those newest to our city are prepared for long-term success and provide immense value as taxpayers, business owners, employees, community members and neighbors.
We are proud to be part of a community of faith organizations, businesses, schools, social service agencies, and so many others who recognize the importance of embracing individuals fleeing hardship and the immense value they bring to our economic, civic and cultural life. “We firmly believe in the human dignity of all who seek refuge from persecution and remain steadfast in supporting policies that work to ensure that all individuals, regardless of origin, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our shared future,” said Singer.
Jewish Vocational Service in Kansas City holding coat drive for refugees
Jewish Vocational Service in Kansas City holding coat drive for refugees
