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Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service advocates for justice for all of America's newcomers—refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, torture survivors and children. We engage in dialogue with the White House, Congress, and federal agencies in coalition with other faith-based, service, ethnic, and immigrant rights organizations to reform laws and promote fair and humane policies that welcome newcomers to the United States.
How does LIRS equip advocates concerned about policy?
LIRS helps to mobilize concerned advocates by providing access to advocacy tools and current policy information.
- Visit the LIRS Action Center to send a letter directly to Congress, the Administration, or you local newspaper.
- Explore our Stand For Welcome campaign and access information and tools to educate your community regarding on policy issues impacting refugees and migrants and to help you and your congregation advocate for reforms.
- Use the LIRS Mythbuster to help dispel common misconceptions and provide accurate information about refugees and migrants.
How do Lutherans and Lutheran church bodies engage in advocacy?
LIRS works on behalf of three U.S. Lutheran church bodies: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. LIRS collaborates with Lutheran church and lay leaders to foster conversation between our nation's legislators and the theological voice of the Lutheran churches. LIRS also works with Lutheran congregations to promote advocacy on a local level.
Learn more about Lutheran involvement in advocacy.
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Meet an Advocate: Thon 'William' Chol
 Thon “William” Chol arrived in the United States in 2000 as a refugee. He is part of the group that is now known as the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, children who fled on their homes in the Southern part of the country to escape the violence of a civil war.
Originally from the Jonglei State in South Sudan, at the age of four William fled his village and spent most of his youth in refugee camps. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service resettled him to the United States as an unaccompanied refugee minor. Through our partner, Bethany Christian Services, William found a home Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he thrived and was active in the community.
Today William has a master’s degree in social work and works for the District of Columbia government. He remains an avid advocate for refugees overseas and those who have been welcome to the United States.
In September 2010, William testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives about his experiences living in a refugee camp and being resettled as a refugee. He advocated for the needs of refugees and made policy recommendations about how best to serve and protect refugees around the world.
Read William's testimony and visit our Facebook page to watch William speak about this testimony.
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