Washington, DC – Today, 339 faith-based organizations and 1,356 faith leaders from all fifty states, plus DC, are issuing an open letter to policymakers at all levels, demanding an end to anti-immigrant policies put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter comes on the same day that a proposed rule to completely gut the asylum system is being published in the Federal Register.
The letter opens:
The COVID-19 crisis is testing our strength as a society. Across faith traditions, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and are deserving of basic human rights. When individuals are left to contract COVID-19 and die in detention facilities; deported inhumanely; or prevented from seeking the safety of asylum, we are not honoring that dignity or recognizing their humanity. These immigration policies are unacceptable to our faith communities, who see the image of God in every human being.
It goes on to call on the federal government to:
- Restore asylum protections;
- Prevent family separation and family detention;
- Free large numbers of individuals from federal, state, and local prisons and jails;
- End the massive immigration detention system and allow people to go home to their families; and
- Stop transferring and deporting people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As people of faith, our sacred texts remind us to accompany and walk with those in need,” the letter continues. “The call to love and welcome our neighbors is a value we share across religions. Let us demonstrate these values by restoring asylum; ceasing deportations; and releasing incarcerated individuals, made in the image of God, to go home to their families and communities.”
The letter is being sent to the Trump administration, Congress, and governors across the nation. Read the full letter here: https://bit.ly/IICCOVIDLetter.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 55 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.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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