Peniel Ibe, policy engagement coordinator at the American Friends Service Committee and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, responded to the murder of eight people, most of Asian descent, in Georgia this week:
As people of faith, we mourn the victims of this heinous act, and pray for their loved ones who are suffering. We pray for healing in our communities.
Over a month ago, President Joe Biden promised to expand refugee protection in the United States, and proposed a revised Fiscal Year 2021 refugee admissions goal (or “Presidential Determination”) of 62,500, an increase from the previous administration’s refugee admissions goal of 15,000 – an historic low. To date, President Biden still has not made the change official, and more than 700 flights have been cancelled. This delay is devastating to the refugees who are at risk of seeing their security checks expire and facing prolonged family separation.
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.”
We celebrate its path to citizenship for 11 million people, prioritize family reunification, and strengthen immigrant and refugee integration, but introduction is not the end of the road. Congress must pass it. And the Biden Administration must ensure that no one who would benefit from this legislation is detained or deported.
By endorsing this legislation, he is making a commitment to the men, women, and children whose futures are written in these pages that he sees them, he values them, and they are already part of our American family. No one should be punished while waiting for Congress to act.
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.
