Supporting Migrants Arriving to the DC Area

by | May 25, 2023 | Making a Difference, Refugees

by Rosann Wisman and Glenn Engelmann, Updated July 16, 2023

The Davis Center, through its Refugee, Asylum, and Migrant Support team, continues to engage with local service and advocacy efforts to support migrants arriving to the DMV from the southern border. See below how you can get more involved.

Brief Status Update

To the surprise of many, the number of migrants arriving in our area has leveled off with the lifting of Title 42, the Covid era policy that allowed the U.S. government to deport most migrants upon their arrival. Still, hundreds of migrants are arriving in the DMV each month. Most arrive on buses coming from Arizona or Texas but many also travel on their own to this area. And while many see the DMV as a stop on their journey to a final destination, hopefully near their relatives and a family support system, a large number are making the DMV their home. The Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network (MSMAN) is one of the leading organizations providing direct support to arriving migrants.

The DC Mayor established an Office of Migrant Services last year. However, the funding is very limited and the City’s response, specifically establishing three hotels for temporary housing, continues to be overburdened with no available rooms. The City has also established Welcome Centers to receive migrants and provide basic supplies (clothing and toiletries) before they travel to their next destination or access temporary housing in the area. Over 500 migrants have been assisted through the Welcome Centers since June 2023. In addition to the MSMAN, many faith-based groups and nonprofits are stepping up to provide supplies, clothing and other hands-on support needed to supplement limited government funding.

Click here for a local News4 update from July 12, 2023. (Story begins at the 2:00 minute mark)

Click here for a Washington Post editorial on the national situation.

The Davis Center is currently working on these three fronts:

• Continuing to provide direct financial support to the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network (MSMAN).

• Working with our faith based and non-profit partners to advocate for a more comprehensive response from local governments, both in DC and Montgomery County.

• Encouraging you, our congregants, to respond to this call to action for supplies and volunteers. We recently provided over 400 items of new clothing to migrants.

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Serve on a Davis Center migrant advocacy work group to help track DC and Montgomery County policy and direct support opportunities. If you are interested, please contact Rosann.
  2. In addition to the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, we encourage you to seek out volunteer opportunities with the following groups: