Walking through the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, I found myself reading the stories of those who were forced to leave their homes – stories etched into the walls and illuminated by displays that revealed the many reasons people are uprooted: poverty, oppressive laws, and social norms that make staying unbearable. One exhibit, in particular, showcased a folk song that captures the heartbreak of leaving home stating that when one is forced to flee “our hearts give out a sigh.” This sentiment exemplifies why expanding legal pathways is so crucial. For those forced to leave everything behind, these pathways represent safety, dignity, and the promise of a future. The work being done by those dedicated to expanding legal pathways is a direct response to this hurt.

In November 2024, I attended the Global Sponsorship Summit in Dublin, organized by Pathways International. The event brought together civil society organizations (CSOs) from across the globe to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding sponsorship and other  legal pathways. Much like the stories told in the Irish Emigration Museum, the Summit reminded us of the universal need for safety and belonging.

Why Legal Pathways Matter

The reasons for seeking protection are varied, but the opportunities and legal pathways available to those in need are unfortunately limited. More alarming is the possibility of these pathways being reduced further, leaving many without legal options to escape harm. Now more than ever, it is crucial to understand the power of legal pathways and sponsorship models.

Legal pathways offer additional avenues for individuals who are forced to flee, face displacement, or are in harm’s way to find safety outside traditional refugee systems. These pathways provide structured opportunities for protection and resettlement, allowing individuals to escape danger while preserving their dignity and agency.

One of the most poignant lessons from the Irish Emigration Museum is that, as humans, we are deeply connected and inherently compassionate. When given the opportunity to help, many of us will rise to the occasion. This was reaffirmed by stories shared at the summit.

In the United States, the Welcome Corps sponsorship program revealed that people from across the political spectrum stepped forward to sponsor individuals fleeing conflict. Similarly, in Poland, citizens left strollers at train stations for Ukrainian mothers arriving with children as they fled the war. These examples underscore that legal pathways allow regular citizens to play a key role in welcoming, a role they are excited to undertake. While many have siloed “welcoming” as a policy of the left, the reality is far more nuanced. People from all walks of life, regardless of political beliefs, are united by a shared commitment to compassion and community.

The Role of Governments in Ensuring Legal Pathways

Legal pathways also highlight the critical role governments play in enacting and managing effective welcoming policies supported by their citizens. These policies not only protect individuals from harm but also allow governments to vet, plan, and welcome those fleeing danger in a controlled, responsible, and humane manner without compromising security.

Well-designed welcoming policies also create opportunities for newcomers to contribute to their new communities; it is not just about survival, but of adaptation, growth, and mutual benefit. The writing on the museum walls serves as a powerful reminder that emigration is not only about loss – it’s also about the contributions that newcomers make to the societies they join. Legal pathways are, therefore, about compassion, order, and contribution.

Shifting the Narrative

Legal pathways also have the potential to reshape the way we think about welcoming newcomers. By emphasizing their legal foundation and fostering a community-centered narrative, these pathways shift the story from being about “them versus us” to one of inclusiveness. They emphasize unity and shared community values.

Governments across the globe looking to create legal pathways for those fleeing harm will find that the diverse legal pathways are a suitable policy option that has public buy-in, support from citizens across the political spectrum, and increases voters’ confidence in their government ability to respond to humanitarian crises. Legal pathways ensure safety for those fleeing while addressing concerns about vetting and border security by reducing the number of people arriving at the border and offering safe and legal routes instead. It allows governments to deliver on promises, respond to crises, and innovate in their welcome programs.

As I walked through the museum, one quote by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, stood out which reads:

“This great narrative of dispossession and belonging, which so often had its origins in sorrow and leave-taking, has become one of the treasures of our society.”

This quote stayed with me throughout the summit, because it reminds me that the act of welcoming – when supported by thoughtful policies like sponsorship – has the potential to enrich us all. Despite the loud voices that try to undermine the values of welcoming, I left Dublin with the hope that legal pathways would become a treasured centerpiece of society that enables governments and citizens to all take part in welcoming.

The summit also discussed the Canadian sponsorship model, which has served as a global blueprint for other countries to establish similar sponsorship programs and remains, to  date, a consistent beacon of hope across changing administrations. We also explored innovations in employment and education pathways, underscoring that sponsorship programs are adaptable, effective, and widely supported. Everyday people, universities, religious groups, businesses, and community organizations, can and have been empowered to take the lead in these efforts.

Let us continue to expand these efforts.