The CRISIS Survey: The Catholic Church’s Work with Immigrants in the United States in a Period of Crisis

In addition to secular organizations, religious institutions provide crucial support services to immigrant populations. The Center for Migration Studies of New York examined the role played by Catholic institutions in the U.S. in serving immigrant and refugee communities during the overlapping period of the Trump administration and the Covid-19 pandemic. To do so, CMS administered a survey called the “Catholic Refugee and Immigrant Service Integration Survey” (CRISIS) to institutions including Catholic Charities agencies, parishes, schools and universities that serve immigrants. The purpose of the study was to identify the scope of the various services provided and the challenges faced in delivering those services, such as financial assistance, Covid testing and support for those infected, and mental health and grief counseling to those suffering from familial loss. The report, The CRISIS Survey: The Catholic Church’s Work with Immigrants in the United States in a Period of Crisis, found that the fear of deportation and other negative immigration consequences, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, impeded immigrants and refugees from seeking out services for which they qualify. Also a limiting factor was the remote and virtual nature of services, which proved to be an impediment given the lack in access to communications technology and training in these communities. In the face of these realities, the authors recommend that Catholic institutions develop infrastructure to ensure access to online services. They also emphasize the importance of Catholic advocacy efforts in engaging with local and federal governments to reform immigration laws into order to promote more inclusive policies. (Sonali Ravi for The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute)