Washington, DC – Following a New York Times report earlier this month that the Biden administration is considering reinstatement of family detention at the US-Mexico border, 130 faith-based organizations delivered a letter to the White House today urging the administration to halt these inhumane plans.
The letter was signed by 130 religious organizations and announced by Rafael Bernal in The Hill. The faith organizations’ demands in the letter echo those of members of Congress, faith leaders, and human rights groups’ recent sign-on letter and public demonstration at the White House.
The signatories write:
“Detaining children and their parents is a cruel and unnecessary way to treat migrant families after their grueling experiences. Families do not need to be detained. Giving families the opportunity to continue their immigration proceedings surrounded by the support of their loved ones and community responds to the call to treat newcomers with respect and dignity; while improving the likelihood that they can meet their legal obligations.
We write to you as representatives from the faith community, a community rich with different stories and experiences rooted in migration and displacement. Many of our traditions regard hospitality to the newcomer as an exemplary way to live out our faith. While we may hold differing perspectives, we are all certain that seeking safety and protection for one’s family is an essential right that should not be abridged…
The undersigned faith organizations urge your administration not to detain migrant families. We instead invite you to be inspired by the spirit of justice and mercy that runs throughout our collective faiths and stories. Policies should be guided from a place of compassion and concern for those who are on the margins, including migrants and asylum seekers—not from a place of fear and trepidation. We unequivocally believe in the unity of families, in all their forms, and call on your administration to be courageous and consider a dignified welcome for all. Faith in a better way forward compels us to advocate for humane border management and to believe that no matter what, families belong together.”
Read the complete letter and list of signatory organizations here.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of over 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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