There is a lot of news right now about asylum seekers, especially children, who are at the U.S./Mexico border. But this situation did not come about overnight; it has been building for years, exasperated by cruel and inhumane policies and an outdated immigration system that denies our shared humanity. In this moment, it is critical for people of faith and conscience to build awareness, work and pray for justice, and take action in solidarity with children and families seeking asylum.
Enforcement
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Bishop Philius H. Nicolas with Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men: “As a Haitian Pastor ministering in the community for over fifty years, I am shocked by the tragedy our nation is producing for Haitians seeking protections. By sending at least 17 deportations flights to Haiti since the beginning of February 2021, the U.S. has made the immoral choice to reject instead of protect over 1,000 Haitians–including more than 270 children–seeking asylum and security.”
The first 100 days of the Biden Administration is a critical time for faith communities to take action alongside immigrants’ rights organizations and immigrant leaders. In the coming weeks, there will be an opportunity to push for legislative and administrative reforms that create relief from deportation, move towards citizenship for all, and rebuild the refugee and asylum programs.
Haitian families, some with babies as young as one. Cameroonian and Angolan asylum-seekers who say they would rather die than be sent back. Honduran families forced to reside in Dilley immigration jail for 18 months-plus without a fair asylum hearing. A grandfather of 8 U.S. citizens who lived in the U.S. for 30 years. A witness to the El Paso massacre, working with law enforcement and on track to receive a U visa.
What do they all have in common? They have all been deported–or are in the process of being deported today or tomorrow–by the Biden Administration.
Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) Co-Chairs Elissa Diaz and Peniel Ibe comment on the confirmation of Antony Blinken as Secretary of State, and pending vote to confirm Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security.