Advocacy

You have a voice. Let it be heard.

At CRIS, we believe that every person has a voice and the power to use it for good. Whether you are a former refugee, immigrant, or an ally, we encourage you to speak up for the continued care and support of displaced people globally, nationally, and locally in Central Ohio. There are many ways to do this; explore the options below to find out how you can play a part in advocacy for refugees and immigrants.

Current Advocacy Action Items

Recent actions taken by the administration:

  • An indefinite suspension on refugee resettlement, leaving thousands of approved refugees in danger overseas and taking away their chance to reunite with their families in the U.S., despite having undergone extensive security screenings. More information about this refugee ban is in these Frequently Asked Questions.

  • A complete ban on asylum and other protections for people arriving at the border. The administration has authorized the military to stop people seeking protection from entering the U.S. via the southern border.

  • Increased detention and deportation inside the U.S. and allows ICE access in churches, hospitals, and schools.

Tell Congress & the White House that you OPPOSE Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban and Executive Actions Targeting Newcomers

Support local refugee and immigrant-owned businesses

Refugee-owned businesses contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and hiring workers who also contribute to the economy by producing goods and services. This constitutes their direct impact. Based on the weighted results of the refugee household survey, it is estimated that there are 873 refugee-owned businesses in the Columbus MSA employing 3,960 workers.