Hope in Uncertain Times

STATEMENT FROM THE DIRECTOR

Love never fails 1 Cor 13:8   

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Cor 16:14

January 30, 2025

How changes in the new administration are impacting our work.

With the release of the new executive orders this past month, many of those in our refugee and asylum-seeking community are highly concerned that their status is in jeopardy. We at Bridge Builders Network want to work towards building a safe and inclusive community. We want to navigate these new changes, while also happily welcoming those who want to be connected with our work.

Here is the short version and how it affects those whom we are working with in our programs and doing life together:

• The four refugee resettlement agencies here in San Diego County who operate officially under the US State Department have been ordered to cease their work. This leaves many newcomers stranded and on their own instead of getting some kind of short term, support. 

• All flights to the US for Afghans coming from other nations who have visas in hand to join family members here and those who have been officially vetted and have visas in hand have been canceled.

• All appointments and hearings before immigration judges have been canceled for those seeking legal residency. So many of our friends are in that process which has been halted.

These sudden directives are traumatic for many Afghans, resulting in fear and anxiety. We believe that now is the time for all of us and our churches to take action by showing love to and providing comfort to our new neighbors. Bridge Builders Network and our Associates intend to be proactive in letting our Afghan friends know that we are walking through this with them and will not abandon them.

Please consider supporting our work as we serve many vulnerable families and individuals impacted by these sudden turn of events.

- David Schupack, Executive Director