Progressive Faith Coalition Launches New Campaign to Protect Asylum-Seekers’ Work Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2026

In response to a new Trump administration rule limiting asylum-seekers’ ability to earn a living, seven Unitarian Universalist–aligned groups are joining forces to protect work permits for people applying for refuge.

On February 23, the Department of Homeland Security unveiled a proposed regulation that would radically undermine asylum-seekers’ access to work permits. People applying for humanitarian status need such permits to earn a living and support their families while awaiting final adjudication on their asylum cases—a process that can take months or years. Cutting access to these permits would potentially push thousands of families into poverty or force people to work off the books under exploitative conditions.

Groups inspired by Unitarian Universalism—a progressive faith tradition—have worked for years to defend and advance the human rights of people in migration and forced displacement. As part of this shared commitment, and in alignment with their shared values promoting dignity and justice for all people, UU-affiliated organizations are joining in solidarity to protect asylum-seekers’ legal access to employment. 

To this end, eight UU-aligned partners have launched a joint campaign to encourage individuals, congregations, and organizations to submit public comments in the Federal Register opposing the new rule. Before a new regulation can take effect, the government must solicit public feedback to the proposed rule change. The government is also legally obliged to take account of such feedback and respond to the public’s concerns in the final version of the rule. The goal of the campaign will therefore be to submit as many unique, personalized comments as possible. 

“This proposed rule as written harms the public and asylum-seekers themselves,” said Pablo DeJesús, Executive Director, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. “Not only would it trap thousands of families in poverty and desperation, it also hurts businesses and employers across the country while causing critical labor shortages in industries like healthcare, hospitality and construction, where asylum-seekers play a vital role in our communities and economies.”

“Asylum applicants deserve the same right as anyone to thrive in safety and peace. No one wins from boxing people out of the formal economy and forcing them to survive under exploitative conditions,” Rev. Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Lifelong Learning Manager, Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, added. 

“Congress created the asylum program to provide a haven for people escaping persecution. The new proposed rule would turn that purpose on its head by punishing people just for seeking refuge,” said Rachel Gore Freed, Vice President of Programs, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

“Under international law, the U.S. is mandated to offer protection to asylum seekers and provide basic human rights such as access to housing and education, as well as facilitate the ability for asylum seekers to work and reach self-sufficiency while status is determined. Not only in violation of international law, this rule tries to turn the presence of asylum seekers into a problem that it isn’t by forcing people to stay in the margins. We urge you to speak out against this dangerous rule,” said Ren Manning, Co-Director at BorderLinks.

Rev. Cathy Rion Starr, Side with Love, Unitarian Universalist Association, added: “Unitarian Universalists know that no one is disposable, and that justice rooted in care and community is not only possible—it’s necessary. That’s why we are organizing Unitarian Universalists to take action to stop this immoral and cruel proposed regulation.”

“This proposed regulation would unjustly and unnecessarily harm Texas workers, families, our communities, and businesses. The same is true for every state in the nation. There is no place where immigrants are not vital to our local communities and economies. This proposal is both immoral and nonsensical, and rooted in our faith, the Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM) and the Coalition of UU State Action Networks (CUUSAN) join in organizing to defeat it,” said Rev. Erin Walter, TXUUJM minister and executive director.

“This proposed rule change is more of the same from this administration: a veneer of policy that in reality is a weapon to hurt people fleeing persecution and violence. This proposed change benefits no one. It undermines our values and hurts working-class people. It is another destabilizing government effort to vilify immigrants. This administration is, again, using the world’s largest and most powerful pulpit to bully terrorized people, and every single American should be ashamed and outraged,” said Katia Hansen, President & CEO, Unitarian Universalist Refugee & Immigrant Services & Education (UURISE).

The public will have 60 days from the publication to weigh in on the new regulation. Comments must be submitted by April 24, 2026 to be counted. 

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