USA Based Programs

Border fence that separates the city of Tijuana from San Diego, CA. Photo by G. Ortega

JRS/USA based programs consists of the Detention Chaplaincy Project and Caminar Contigo. Through these programs, refugees and other forcibly displaced people are provided with a wide variety of services dependent on individual need.

JRS/USA’s USA-Based Programs include two essential initiatives:

Caminar Contigo – our binational border response program
The Detention Chaplaincy Project – offering pastoral and spiritual care in federal detention centers

Both are designed to meet refugees’ and other forcibly displaced people’s needs through tailored support, legal help, psychosocial services, and accompaniment.

Caminar Contigo: What We Done—and How We’ve Made a Difference

Launched in 2021, Caminar Contigo (“Walk With You”) is a binational initiative between JRS/USA and JRS Mexico. It addresses the urgent needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons in Ciudad Juárez, MX, and El Paso, TX—focusing on:

Alleviating suffering by meeting immediate humanitarian needs
Strengthening mental health and psychosocial well-being (MHPSS) to help migrants cope with trauma and uncertainty
Safeguarding legal rights through accompaniment, orientation, and referrals

Program Updates for 2025

Since June 2024, Presidential Proclamation 10773 has placed temporary restrictions on entry for certain noncitizens at the southern border when irregular crossings exceed legal thresholds. Additional measures introduced in early 2025—including reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, ending categorical parole programs, and suspending the CBP One app—continue to limit asylum access. These restrictions remain in effect in August 2025.

Our Impact Since 2021

Through Caminar Contigo, JRS has:

Delivered trauma-informed MHPSS services through individual counseling, group sessions, and community workshops.
Provided immigration court accompaniment, ensuring migrants understand and can navigate the legal process.
Led legal rights education and orientation in shelters and community spaces.
Distributed humanitarian aid, including hygiene supplies, clothing, and other essentials.
Built strong partnerships with local service organizations to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.

Our Work Today

Even with border restrictions in place, JRS continues to:

Offer consistent mental health and psychosocial support to migrants in limbo.
Provide accompaniment and advocacy in immigration court proceedings.
Deliver humanitarian aid and referrals to help meet essential needs.

You can continue to help us continue this work by volunteering with the Migrant Accompaniment Network or by making a donation.

The Detention Chaplaincy Program

JRS/USA’s National Chaplaincy Program offers pastoral and spiritual care in five federal detention centers across Florida, Texas, Arizona, and New York. People of all—or no—faith traditions receive support, community, and hope while in detention.

Get Engaged

You can stand with people seeking safety by:

Volunteering: Lend your skills or time to support asylum seekers and displaced people.
Hosting an event: Raise awareness in your community about the realities facing migrants at the U.S. border.
Becoming a monthly donor: Provide sustained funding for legal, psychosocial, and humanitarian support.

Join Us to walk alongside those on their journey to safety.

Advocate

Policy change is possible when people speak out:

Contact your elected officials to oppose harmful border and asylum restrictions and to protect the right to seek refuge.
Share accurate information about the realities at the border to counter misinformation and fear-based narratives.
Sign our action alerts to join thousands of voices calling for compassionate, humane migration policies.

Take Action Now and help shape a future where those fleeing danger are met with protection, not barriers.