Welcome to Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area's (LSSNCA) newsroom. LSSNCA, a human services and immigration relief and refugee welcome agency throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. metro area serves those on their immigration journey. Read how we're working together to amplify voices of refugees and asylum-seekers, create loving and responsible foster homes for unaccompanied children and refugee minors, advocate for new neighbors, and work torward creating a more just, welcoming, and thriving community.
For press inquiries, please email media@lssnca.org.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is deeply alarmed by reports that the administration has signed a presidential determination setting refugee admissions at 7,500 individuals for the fiscal year without Congressional consultation. Equally troubling are reports that the administration plans to continue prioritizing white South Africans over families, children, and individuals already vetted and approved for resettlement in the United States.
The U.S. refugee program remains stalled as the administration delays its FY2026 admissions decision. Learn what’s happening and how you can take action.
Learn how new immigration fees and refugee policies impact our communities—and how you can support LSSNCA’s mission of welcome.
An interview with Jessica Soares, manager of legal operations and support staff.
St. John’s Norwood has long been a place of welcome. This month, we spoke with the Rev. Anne Derse to reflect on the partnership with LSSNCA in the work of welcome, a partnership she says is ‘one of the most rewarding ministries of her life’.
This year, LSSNCA’s foster care team hosted the second annual Harmony Heights Retreat, a gathering focused on “Building Healthy Relationships” for foster youth and parents.
In this week's State of Welcome, read about the latest U.S. immigration policy changes, including a major Supreme Court ruling expanding ICE powers, new USCIS enforcement roles, TPS expirations, and legal developments affecting unaccompanied children. Learn how you can help.
A federal court halts the unlawful deportation of Guatemalan children. Learn about due process violations, child protections, and how you can help.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) has appointed Kim Bolton to its board of directors.
LSSNCA applauds the federal court’s Aug. 31, 2025, ruling that halted the unlawful deportation of 76 unaccompanied Guatemalan children, many who are members of persecuted Indigenous communities, currently in U.S. custody.
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August is Make-a-Will Month, a time to reflect on the future—both for your loved ones and the causes that matter most to you.
Advocates say Trump policies add fear to four years of uncertainty for Afghans seeking safety in US after Taliban rise.
This weekly blog provides updates on immigration policy changes, legal rulings, and how to help our neighbors.
When the Taliban banned education for girls and women in 2021, Fershta lost the future she had spent years building.
