Dear Friend,

Last week marked the beginning of Lent and Ramadan – two sacred seasons grounded in prayer and reflection. On that same day, the administration issued a new directive targeting certain refugees.

On February 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo instructing federal immigration agents to arrest refugees who have not yet received lawful permanent residency (a green card) and detain them while their cases are rescreened. This directive expands Operation PARRIS, an aggressive enforcement operation that targeted refugees in Minnesota.

This is the second memo aimed at individuals who arrived through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. In November, the administration suspended adjudication of green cards for refugees who arrived during the Biden administration and subjected their cases for additional review.

These efforts to rescreen and review cases are designed to facilitate the deportation of thousands of refugees who have already undergone an extensive vetting process before they are admitted to the United States and have begun to rebuild their lives in safety. Such actions abdicate our nation’s promise of refuge to individuals and families fleeing persecution or violence.

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) strongly condemns these actions. They violate our legal obligations and moral commitments to welcome the stranger and protect people seeking safety.

LSSNCA remains committed to advancing policies that uphold the inherent dignity of every human being.

At this critical moment, it includes advocating for oversight and accountability measures for DHS’s enforcement actions in the fiscal year 2026 funding bill.

I hope you will join us in urging your elected officials to denounce these actions and hold DHS accountable.

Wishing you a blessed and sacred season,  

Chief Executive Officer

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area

This month, we highlight our Ukrainian neighbors as we mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many families, like Anastasia’s, remain in limbo, facing uncertainty as humanitarian protections near expiration. Our legal team is seeing growing demand to help Ukrainians maintain their legal status, stay eligible to work, and rebuild stable lives. We invite you to read our featured blogs and consider making a donation to support this critical work. 

Four years after the invasion of Ukraine, the search for safety continues



Anastasia’s journey from war-torn Ukraine to rebuilding her family’s life in Maryland reflects both the promise of refuge and the uncertainty many Ukrainians now face as humanitarian protections near expiration.

Seeking Stability: LSSNCA’s Ongoing Support for Ukrainians in Uncertain Times

Behind the millions forced to flee are families searching for safety, stability, and hope. This blog shares the experiences of Ukrainians navigating displacement and the dedicated legal team helping them secure protection, remain in status and keep their families together. 

LSSNCA’s employment team hosted an Employment Assistance Event at our Arbutus office in partnership with Baltimore County Workforce Development. This event builds on a collaboration established with the County last year, which will continue monthly. Participants received help accessing workforce services, setting up Maryland Workforce Exchange accounts, and connecting with employers. 

After months of collecting non-perishable food items, a local Cub Scout Troop volunteered at the Resource Center this month. During their visit, scouts learned about LSSNCA and worked with interns to inventory the collected 274 food items, restock the food shelves, and assist with sorting clothing items. We are so grateful for their partnership. 

Thank you again for joining our town hall, Navigating Change: Reflections on a Year of Policy Decisions, earlier this month. We appreciate your interest in staying up to date with the work of welcome and how LSSNCA is responding to community needs. In case you missed it, you can find the recording below. Please use passcode 63KPT7M!

Donate: Support our mission of creating thriving Communities by making a donation.  

Advocate: Join our partners at RCUSA in denouncing wrongful discriminatory refugee arrests, detentions, and attempts to remove thousands of refugees from our neighborhoods.  

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