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.
Issues
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Monday, June 15, marks eight years since President Barack Obama announced the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in a Rose Garden speech. The policy, which conferred work permits and protection from deportation to immigrants who came to the United States as children, has become one of the most popular successes in the legacy of the Obama administration.
It’s important to remember, though, that DACA was not a “gift” given to young immigrants. It was a hard-fought and hard-won victory, in a decade-long campaign led by the very people whose lives were on the line.
Yesterday the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security submitted a notice of proposed rulemaking to the Federal Register that proves these governmental bodies stand for neither justice nor safety. The proposed rule further guts the U.S. legal system of asylum and other protections for people who are fleeing violence and murder in other countries. The goal is to end asylum in the United States administratively, without an act of Congress.
On June 3, the IIC held a webinar on detention, asylum, and enforcement issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our faith traditions call on us to love all people and see humanity in all. We pray for our leaders to lead or for new leaders to replace them. We pray for America to change.