The Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) recognizes April 6th as the formal announcement of what is one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history. This week, ahead of the one-year “anniversary” of this announcement, the IIC is lifting up the efforts of compassionate Americans and committed faith communities who are taking bold action against the administration’s policy.
Using #ZeroToleranceForCruelty and #ZeroDollarsForSeparation, the IIC and its member organizations are sharing a series of Twitter posts that show how Americans of diverse faiths have stepped up to offer support, assistance, and love to families shattered by this policy.
IIC member organizations work with religious leaders, organizations, and committed individuals in every state and many countries. To connect with a source working in support of migrants and asylum-seekers, contact Lynn Tramonte.
Said Faith Williams, Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition: “‘Zero Tolerance’ is an ugly stain on our nation’s reputation. The decision to separate a child from a parent was made without forethought, planning, or concern about the impact on frightened parents and children. It’s heartbreaking to know that families remain separated to this day by our nation’s government, uncertain if and when they will see each other again. I am proud to stand alongside the many Americans of all religions who are passionately opposed to this policy and putting their faith into action.”
The social media posts are being shared on Twitter through April 6, the one-year “anniversary” of Sessions’ announcement. For example, Sisters of Mercy in Maryland posted about two border delegations in El Paso, Juarez, and McAllen this week. The delegations will visit: “programs and ministries providing crucial services for migrants, including Annunciation House, the Migration and Refugee Services of the Diocese of El Paso, the Border Network for Human Rights and the Hope Border Institute; there is also a meeting scheduled with an officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. While in Mexico the group will tour several ministries and organizations that offer services for migrants and advocate on their behalf.” They are being hosted by the Columban Mission Center (Columban Fathers) and ARISE, a ministry co-sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
Despite the strong outpouring of support for migrants from religions institutions and others across the United States and Mexico, the Trump administration is continuing to make the situation worse, doubling down on its failed strategy of military-style force and restriction. President Trump canceled foreign aid to El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, and threatened to completely close the U.S./Mexico border. Instead of cutting funding for humanitarian aid, the IIC urges Congress to cut funding for policies that separate families.
“Cutting funding that addresses the root causes of forced migration while simultaneously calling for increased funding for deportation and detention is wildly short-sighted and a logical fallacy,” said Katie Adams, Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition. “There should be ‘zero more dollars’ for policies like these, policies that only fuel and feed the very conditions that caused refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers to come here seeking safety in the first place.”
“Our Catholic faith and Franciscan values call us to believe in the inherent value of all people without discrimination, and as a nation of immigrants we have historically ‘welcomed the stranger,’ no matter their country of origin,” said Franciscan Action Network’s Director of Advocacy, Sr. Maria Orlandini, OSF. “The administration’s ‘zero tolerance policy’ is cruel, inhumane, and contrary to what is best in our U.S. tradition and values, in particular taking children away from their parents. We will continue to advocate with and for our immigrant sisters and brothers.”
“One year ago, the Trump administration began its evil family separation policy,” said Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. “Thousands of children have been taken from their parents and may never be reunited. I weep at these grave sins committed by our own government. Instead of using taxpayer dollars to destroy more families, the Trump administration must use every available resource to change their sinful ways by bringing these shattered families back together.”
“Ripping families apart is a practice associated with authoritarian regimes, not democratic societies,” said Rabbi Jill Jacobs, executive director of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. “As Jews, we know too well from history the pain of parents being separated from their children as a result of violent and anti-Semitic state policies. As Americans, we know the painful history of enslaved families being torn apart, of Native American children being removed from their homes, and of too many other examples of families separated by state violence. Many of the families who arrive on our southern border are seeking asylum, and have taken the desperate risk of crossing this border in order to protect their children from violence. All have come seeking a better life for their children. The U.S. must not deepen these families’ trauma by separating parents and children.”
“The President requested a draconian increase in spending that will result in more immigrants and children languishing in unjust unending detention. An almost 20 percent spending increase on cruel immigration enforcement is far from faithful,” explained Hannah Graf Evans, Immigration and Refugee Policy Representative for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker lobby. “FCNL recently brought 500 young adults from all across the country to urge their legislators to reduce funding for detention, deportation, and border militarization. They demanded their tax dollars be invested in protection, not deportation. Their message will not be easily ignored.”
“Family separation shocks the conscience,” said CWS President and CEO Rev. John McCullough. “The federal government has an obligation to rectify the cruelty and chaos this immoral policy has created. Vulnerable individuals and families knocking on our door and seeking protection is not a crisis — it is a test of our humanity. To be clear – it is fully legal for individuals to seek asylum and protection in the United States. The United States must honor its own laws and international obligations, and we can do that through utilizing the orderly process of our asylum system. We urge Congress to cut funding for detention, deportation, and border militarization and demand that our tax dollars invest in community wholeness.”
“As a country, we should welcome families seeking safety rather than tearing them apart,” noted Rev. Jennifer Butler, CEO, Faith in Public Life, former chair of the White House Council on Faith and Neighborhood Partnerships. “With the inauguration of the ‘zero tolerance’ policy, we witnessed the sin of white supremacy clear as day. As a Christian and a pastor, I know repentance is necessary – that means stopping the harm, apologizing and committing to restitution. The Trump administration has failed at all three. I call on them to repent for the sake of their souls and the soul of our nation.”
Reverend Ron Stief, Executive Director of National Religious Campaign Against Torture said, “Zero tolerance is the antithesis of what our democracy stands for. By separating families and criminalizing everyone who crosses our border, this Administration is presiding over an unprecedented and immoral attack on the sanctity of children and the God-given dignity and rights of asylum seekers.”
Watch #ZeroToleranceForCruelty and #ZeroDollarsForSeparation on Twitter for more posts from the IIC about powerful actions from individuals and organizations across the U.S. this week. To get in touch with local sources, contact Lynn Tramonte.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 52 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
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