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.”
Refugees
Ahead of Ash Wednesday, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) is releasing a booklet of nine Lenten reflections to guide individuals and congregations seeking to review how our faith-based values require us to demand a just and humane immigration system. Also during this time, IIC member HIAS is once again hosting its Refugee Shabbat, assisting congregations, organizations, and individuals in the United States and around the world with dedicating a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers.
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.
Leaders of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition respond to President Biden’s executive order restoring our nation’s commitment to refugee protection.
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.