Did you know that the pandemic is still being used as justification for refusing, detaining, and expelling asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border?
Under Title 42, almost all asylum-seeking families and individuals are being denied their human and legal right to seek safety. Many migrants have faced violence and even lost their lives due to this policy, with Black asylum-seekers—especially Haitians—being particularly vulnerable.
Right now, anti-immigrant politicians are working to ensure that Title 42 continues to control migration and restrict asylum by pushing amendments on the policy through Congress. As people of faith and conscience, this is a vital time to let our leaders know that we reject these amendments and all legislation that would codify Title 42 into law.
This July, faith groups and advocates are coming together to drive calls to Congress in support of asylum.
Listen to the recording of our kick-off webinar to learn more about the current state of asylum access in the U.S. and to hear from asylum seekers impacted by Title 42. Then, use this call-in tool or follow the instructions below to contact your members of Congress! If you’re unable to call, you can also send your representatives an email here.
CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS
- Call the Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
- Ask the operator to transfer you to your Senator’s office.
- If you’re unsure who your members of Congress are, you can look them up here by typing in your State.
- Once you finish, call two more times to ensure you reach both your Senators and Representative.
CALL SCRIPT
- “Hello, My name is [NAME], and as your constituent from [CITY/TOWN], I am calling because I’m extremely concerned about access to asylum in the United States. The CDC has tried to end their policy known as Title 42 that blocks access to asylum, but this change is being held up in the courts. [As a person of faith, I deeply value healing, not harming, individuals and families.] I’m disturbed to hear there are legislative proposals that would mandate the continuation of Title 42, including funding bills with Title 42 amendments under consideration in the House. I urge you to oppose all legislative efforts designed to keep Title 42 in place and block access to asylum. Title 42 does nothing to protect public health and is being used as an anti-immigrant tool instead. Thank you for your time.”
AMPLIFY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Seeking asylum is a legal human right that must be protected! I just called [@Elected Official] to urge them to reject recent efforts to block asylum. Join me in advocating by calling on your members of Congress: bit.ly/IICHealNotHarm #RestoreAsylum #EndTitle42
- 🚨 We can’t stand by as Title 42 continues to expel people back to danger and even death. Participate in the Heal Not Harm call-in days, July 18-29, to urge Congress to #RestoreAsylum and #EndTitle42 for good. Learn more: bit.ly/IICHealNotHarm #WelcomeWithDignity
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
#WelcomeWithDignity
ACLU – People Power
American Friends Service Committee
Bridges Faith Initiative
Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS)
Church World Service (CWS)
Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Franciscan Action Network (FAN)
HIAS
Interfaith Welcome Coalition of San Antonio (IWC)
Latin America Working Group
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS)
NETWORK Lobby
Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA)
Refugee Congress
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC)
Save the Children
T’ruah
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
The United Church of Christ (UCC)
UMC Church and Society (GBCS)
UURISE
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ)