The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Act Now Donate
Start of main content.

News // Refugee Resettlement

Virtual Townhall: Helping Immigrants Through COVID-19 and Beyond

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

July 29, 2020

Watch our virtual townhall on-demand!

Immigration in the United States is under attack. The U.S. has never accepted fewer refugees. Unaccompanied migrant children are being expelled at the border without due process. And our newest neighbors have been left out of federal pandemic relief legislation.

But all hope is not lost. Watch LIRS' latest Virtual Townhall, COVID and Beyond: Actions You Can Take Now to Rebuild Our Immigration System

The virtual event feature Global Refuge President and CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, Director of Advocacy Ronnate Asirwatham, as well as Human Rights First’s Refugee Advocacy Director, Jennifer Quigley, who will share real, actionable ways you can help to restore America's status as a global humanitarian leader.

Watch the recording below to learn how you can raise your voice and make a difference.

Thumbnail for a video entitled 'Virtual Town Hall: Actions You Can Take Now to Rebuild Our Immigration System'

Additional Resources

We received several requests from participants to make the opening prayer and presentation slides available for those who were not able to make the webinar or who simply wanted to revisit the information presented. We also wanted to take the opportunity to direct visitors to our Advocacy page, where they will be able to take the direct actions outlined in the webinar. Please see below!

Opening Prayer

Gracious God,

We come before you this day as people yearning for justice – a nation in need of healing. We know all too well that the sins of bigotry, racism, and isolationism are thriving around us, but also in us. Sins that have risen with greater measure during this time of COVID-19. Help us to push back against these forces so that love and empathy might continue to take root. Help us to heed your call to welcome the refugee and migrant in our midst with care and compassion.

Pour out your presence upon those gathered here today. Guide us to collective action in order to roll back these tides of injustice so that the seeds of abundant life might sprout forth. Be with us as we journey together in this holy work of welcome, so that your peace is made manifest across this land.

Amen.

Prayer written by Kristen Opalinski as a lament and call to the work of justice in this challenging time.

Slides and Advocacy Opportunities

Click here to download the presentation slides.
Click here to access the Welcoming Refugees Toolkit and other advocacy opportunities. 

Panelists

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah

President & CEO, Global Refuge
Krish was just a child when she and her family escaped a country on the brink of civil war and built a life in Maryland. Now she leads one of the oldest and largest refugee resettlement nonprofits in the U.S.

Facebook
Twitter

Ronnate Asirwatham

Director for Advocacy, Global Refuge
Ronnate has over 10 years’ experience lobbying and advocating on Capitol Hill and within presidential administrations on the issues of foreign policy, appropriations, and immigration.

Jennifer Quigley

Director of Refugee Advocacy, Human Rights First
Jennifer leads Human Rights First’s advocacy work to protect the rights of refugees and ensure the United States commits to refugee protection at home and abroad, including access to asylum protections and resettlement.

Donate Today

Migrants and refugees need your help now more than ever. Your donation supports vital work that helps those affected by COVID-19.

The Latest

  • Press Release

    February 19, 2026

    Global Refuge Denounces DHS Plan to Arrest and Detain Lawfully Admitted Refugees

    Global Refuge unequivocally condemns the Department of Homeland Security’s new directive authorizing the arrest and detention of lawfully admitted refugees who have not yet adjusted to lawful permanent resident status.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    February 18, 2026

    Global Refuge Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors

    Global Refuge today announced the addition of two distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors, strengthening the organization’s governance and advancing its faith-based mission to walk alongside refugees and other immigrants.

    Read More
  • News

    February 13, 2026

    Faith, Health, and Refugee Groups Call for Increased Accountability

    Amid national outcry over immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis, civil society groups across America have called on Congress to place guardrails and accountability measures in place to rein in DHS practices toward immigrants and communities. 

    Read More
  • News

    February 12, 2026

    Crafting for the Community

    A Global Refuge donor sells pottery to support services for refugees and immigrants.

    Read More
  • Advocacy

    February 5, 2026

    Refugees, immigrants from Burma face increasing threats to status

    Five years ago, Burma’s burgeoning democracy was upended in a bloody coup by the military junta. Learn more and how to help Burmese refugees.

    Read More

Share