National pause affects Catholic Charities

February 24, 2025

By Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines

For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines has been committed to transforming lives through service, guided by the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We are able to do this humanitarian work through the generosity of donors, corporate partners, and other organizations, but also through vital partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.

Here in the Diocese of Des Moines, we are one of a few refugee resettlement agencies that has worked in partnership with the State of Iowa for many years to safely welcome refugees – individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, war or persecution, after a thorough vetting process by the government – into our country.

In recent years, our organization has extended our care and compassion for this population beyond this initial resettlement period through our post-resettlement services. As Jesus taught us, we welcome the stranger. The national pause in accepting refugees into the resettlement program continues to have a direct impact on the lives of those we serve. Some of the ramifications of these actions are known and some are yet to be determined.

This pause will result in a significant reduction in the number of refugees we are able to serve. For example, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, had planned to welcome 425 refugees over a 12-month period of time; however, due to the pause, we may only be able to serve the 121 who have been able to come through our program since October. Now more than ever, your prayers and support are desperately needed to help us continue to carry out our mission of service to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.