Church Welcomes International Migration Director to Discuss Migrant Support

Leaders from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) visited Salt Lake City on May 11–12, 2026, meeting with representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to discuss ongoing efforts to support vulnerable migrants in Latin America.

IOM Director General Amy Pope said the Church’s support helps migrants find jobs and build small businesses through skills training and startup funding.

“Thanks to our collaboration with the Church, we will not only meet urgent needs but also help people rebuild their lives with real opportunities — jobs, businesses, and stability,” Pope said. “This shows what strong collaborations grounded in shared values and a common vision can achieve.”

IOM operates in more than 170 countries and supports migrants and displaced populations worldwide.

During her visit to Church headquarters, Pope toured the Humanitarian Center and the Bishops’ Central Storehouse — key welfare and humanitarian facilities. She also met with Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy, Sister J. Anette Dennis of the Relief Society General Presidency, and Welfare and Self-Reliance Services Managing Director Blaine Maxfield to discuss ongoing efforts to support individuals and families in need worldwide.

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Pope said the Humanitarian Center was a highlight of her visit. She enjoyed meeting migrants and refugees from around the world who work there and take English classes in the center.

“This is a community that is living its faith in ways that I’ve not seen anywhere else in the world,” Pope said. “It takes very, very seriously the teachings of Jesus that the responsibility to love thy neighbor as thyself — which is being played out in the most concrete of ways. That was really deeply affecting.”

As part of its ongoing collaboration with IOM to respond to humanitarian needs and strengthen long-term stability, the Church has contributed a total of US$1.75 million to support IOM programs throughout Latin America.

“We’re grateful to work with IOM in efforts to maintain the dignity and potential of individuals,” Maxfield said. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to move beyond meeting immediate needs by helping people build self-reliance through meaningful work, build sustainable businesses, and create more stable futures for themselves and their families.”

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This support has already yielded meaningful results. In Panama, for example, IOM has strengthened emergency assistance for vulnerable migrants, including access to food, basic health care, essential items, and improved temporary shelter spaces. In Ecuador, IOM is helping children with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions — and their families — access improved health services and develop skills that can support future self-reliance.

The Church of Jesus Christ’s Humanitarian Outreach

The humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seek to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service around the world. The Church’s “Caring for Those in Need: 2025 Report” shows that these efforts included US$1.58 billion in expenditures, 7.4 million hours of volunteer service and 3,514 humanitarian projects in 196 countries and territories. Assistance is provided without regard to race, religion or nationality. Learn more at Caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.