Stand Up for Our Most Vulnerable Communities!

On Friday, March 21, 2025 the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of the humanitarian parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

• The legal status of 530,000 people across the country will be revoked in less than 30 days. These individuals were invited to temporarily live in the US to escape danger in their home countries. They will lose legal status, lose employment authorization and are eligible for deportation as of April 24.
• Our clients face uncertain futures. The psychological and emotional toll on these individuals and families cannot be overstated. They fled violence at home, came to the US for a safe haven and now must uproot again without notice. JFCS currently provides comprehensive services to individuals with temporary legal status through case management and referral services.
• Urge your representative to prioritize the continuation of this critical program. Reach out to the representatives below:

Sen. John Fetterman (D): (412) 803-3501

Sen. Dave McCormick (R): (202) 224-6324

Find your Congressperson by clicking here. 

The termination of our country’s refugee resettlement program, stop work orders, and failure to reimburse resettlement agencies have had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of refugee families and communities across the country and worldwide.

• The refugee resettlement program has bipartisan support and provides life-saving support to individuals fleeing violence, persecution, and war, offering them a chance for safety and a new beginning in the U.S.
• The program fosters cultural diversity and enriches the U.S. economy by contributing skilled labor, entrepreneurial spirit, and community engagement.
• As of March 25, 2025, a legal injunction stated that contracts must be reinstated. Despite the legal injunction, the future of the refugee resettlement program remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for its continuation.
• Please advocate for the restoration of this important and vital program by reaching out to the representatives below:

Sen. John Fetterman (D): (412) 803-3501

Sen. Dave McCormick (R): (202) 224-6324

Find your Congressperson by clicking here. 

Find your State Legislator by clicking here. 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that they are cutting two programs that provide over $1 billion to schools and food banks for purchasing fresh produce and dairy from local farmers and producers. 

• The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative (LFPA) program is one of the two programs being cut by the USDA. This program provides funding to food banks to purchase dairy and produce from local farmers as part of an initiative to both provide more nutritious foods to food bank and food pantry users, as well as support local economies.
• Pennsylvania received over $36 million of this funding last year and was set to receive another $35 million in 2025.
• The USDA funding is used to purchase around 2 million pounds of eggs, dairy, and other fresh produce from local farmers each year.
• Urge your representative to prioritize the continuation of funding this essential program. Reach out to the representatives below:

Sen. John Fetterman (D): (412) 803-3501

Sen. Dave McCormick (R): (202) 224-6324

Find your Congressperson by clicking here. 

On Friday, March 21, 2025, the federal government issued a near termination of the Unaccompanied Children Program and cut funding for legal assistance for 26,000 children currently navigating state and immigration courts.

• Unaccompanied children come to the United States alone, without a parent or legal guardian. Many have been victims of severe abuse, neglect, or violence, and have legal pathways available to remain in the country based on their circumstances.
• The program is vital for ensuring these children receive legal screenings, advice, and representation as they navigate the complex legal system, all while efforts are made to reunite them with family members or other sponsors in the US.
• Without this essential support, these children are left to face an overwhelming and often incomprehensible system alone. Many will be unable to present their cases effectively, potentially leading to deportation, detention, or separation from family members.
• No child should stand alone. Uphold our moral obligation to ensure each child’s safety and wellbeing in the US. Advocate for the restoration of the unaccompanied children program. Reach out to the representatives below:

Email Congress by clicking here.

Sen. John Fetterman (D): (412) 803-3501

Sen. Dave McCormick (R): (202) 224-6324

Find your Congressperson by clicking here. 

Find your State Legislator by clicking here.