JFI Biweekly Review: May 15-26, 2023 | |
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JFI Colleagues,
Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.
Bishops of U.S. Communities Along the Southwest Border Pray for “Humanitarian Hearts” Amid End of Title 42
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On May 12, 2023, the day after the Title 42 public health order expired, the eight bishops of U.S. dioceses along the U.S.-Mexico border issued a joint statement, including Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration. The bishops specifically addressed the longtime efforts of Catholics across the country in welcoming newcomers of all faiths and nationalities—“bound by a universal call to serve one another and to protect the sanctity of human life in all its forms.” | |
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Following the end of Title 42 and the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice’s rule on “Circumvention of Lawful Pathways”, DHS reported on May 19 that Border Patrol encounters of migrants between ports of entry have decreased by approximately 70%, compared to the 48 preceding the end of Title 42. Mexicans, Hondurans, and Guatemalans accounted for nearly 70% of those encounters. However, recent reporting has also underscored the difficult conditions faced by many migrants in Mexico, with some Mexican shelters holding as much as six times their capacity. With a decrease in the number of encounters by DHS, the steadily growing number of migrants on the Mexican side of the border are conscious of the penalties they face for crossing between ports of entry and trying to avail themselves of the limited number of appointments available through the CBP One mobile app, still with much confusion and frustration.
USCCB, CCUSA, and CRS Send Joint Letter to Congress Amid Debt Limit Negotiations
Bishop chairmen of the USCCB joined with Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services in a letter to members of Congress urging them to craft a budget that upholds human dignity and safeguards the conditions for human flourishing and not to make “disproportionate cuts” in essential services for the poor, hungry, marginalized, and unsheltered, including immigrants and refugees.
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Pope Issues Message for 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Pope Francis issued his annual message for the 109th Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be celebrated September 24, 2023. The theme of the day focuses on the freedom of migrants to move: “Free to choose whether to migrate or stay.” Pope Francis urged Catholics and others to be more open to newcomers, who may be Christ “knocking on the door.” He also called for a renewed commitment on the part of society to address the causes of forced migration, including wars, climate change, and poverty.
Please also visit our National Migration Week website for more information about the annual celebration.
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World Refuge Day 2023
World Refugee Day (WRD), celebrated annually on June 20th, draws global attention to the plight of millions of refugees—individuals forcibly displaced from their homes due to various forms of conflict, violence, or persecution. The Catholic Church champions a clear message of compassion and solidarity, which is rooted in its call to “welcome the stranger.” Our World Refugee Day 2023 resource provides background information on refugees and refugee resettlement, prayer resources, and suggestions on what you can do in your local communities to help these vulnerable populations. Please send information about your WRD events and celebrations to [email protected]
June 12-16, 2023: Hybrid Congressional Advocacy Days in Support of the Afghan Adjustment Act
The Evacuate Our Allies (EOA) coalition, with which USCCB/MRS partners, will be convening hybrid congressional advocacy days the third week in June. EOA will be scheduling group in-person or virtual meetings (per participants availability) between 12 PMET and 5 PM ET on Monday, June 12, through Friday, June 16. (In-person meetings are advisable for those whose are able to get themselves to Washington, D.C./the Capitol for meetings.) To join and participate, please RSVP here by Wednesday, May 31.
How to Participate
Training ahead of legislative meetings will be held virtually, and EOA will schedule group in-person or virtual meetings (per participants availability) with your senators and/or members of Congress. Participants will receive:
- Training on virtual legislative meetings the week of June 5 (exact day TBD).
- Schedule of meetings with legislators or their staff, June 12 to 16 (unavailable for any of these days, please ensure to note this in the RSVP form).
- Sample talking points and asks for meetings: participants will receive resources to help guide meetings, and EOA encourages participants to share personal stories and experiences.
- Evacuate Our Allies coalition support: each meeting will include an accompanier (experienced legislative advocate) to provide support.
- Advocacy and social media toolkit: the toolkit will include a call-in action, sample social media posts and graphics, and additional advocacy resources that you can share.
To join, please fill out this form. Responses will help EOA with scheduling meetings with senators and members of Congress (or their staff) during the advocacy days. Feel free to share this invite widely with your networks!
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A Theology of Migration: The Bodies of Refugees and the Body of Christ
Fr. Dan Groody's latest book is a systematic theology of migration that seeks to reframe the operative political, social and cultural narratives through a Eucharistic narrative. The heart of it revolves around the outer journey of migrants, the inner journey of faith, and the divine journey into our world. Drawing on accounts of migrants and refugees around the globe, the book explores the relationship between faith and justice, theology and migration, and Christian spirituality and the challenges of the modern world. From a theological perspective, it is about the God who first migrated to our world in the Incarnation and the God who calls people to migrate back to our spiritual homeland as citizens of the Kingdom.
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It explores the body of Christ as encountered inside of a church building in the sacrament of the Eucharist and the body of Christ as encountered outside of it in the least and the last of our world today (Mt. 25:31-46). In the context of the global migration and refugee crisis, it examines ways the divine and human intermingle on our earthly pilgrimage and transform us into the image and likeness of God to become bread for the world through the works of mercy.
Migration-Related Stories, Op-Eds and Interviews by Catholic Bishops, Arch/Dioceses and Catholic Agency Executives
J. Kevin Appleby is the acting executive director of the Center for Migration Studies of New York: ‘Heaven has borders, hell has none’: Debunking the GOP narrative that God wants anti-immigrant legislation
Notable New Publications, Reports, Films, Articles, Etc.
Migration Policy Institute (MPI): Understanding Poverty Declines among Immigrants and Their Children in the United States
In this new issue brief by MPI, researchers note that some economic gains among immigrants and their families are poised to reverse some of the poverty declines, including the termination of pandemic-linked assistance, coming at a time of rising inflation. Part of the story will also turn on how well post-pandemic arrivals are integrated into U.S. society.
Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE): Settle In for Ukrainians
This resource by CORE is designed to directly engage newly arrived Ukrainians resettling in the United States.
U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the University of California San Diego:
Lives in Danger: Seeking Asylum Against the Backdrop of Increased Border Enforcement
The authors of this report paint a picture of the harmful conditions some migrants are facing in U.S. immigration detention. The report shares the results of a recent survey of detained migrants, 100% of whom said border agents were not giving them enough food and not providing adequate sanitation or shelter.
Other Upcoming Events, Opportunities, and Resources
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Pax Christi USA Webinar: Witnessing in solidarity: A panel discussion on the ongoing human rights crisis in the Philippines, May 31, 2023 at 8PM ET. The erosion of human rights is a serious crisis in the Philippines. Given the history between the United States and the Philippines, it is incumbent upon the U.S. to do much more to protect those who are being oppressed; to make clear to those in power that violations of human rights are unacceptable; and to hold those in power to account for their actions. The panel is a follow-up effort to the delegation Pax Christi USA participated in to the Philippines in March. We look forward to you joining us.
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Diocese of Arlington (VA): Annual Diocesan Family Festival, June 10, 2023. Parishioners, guests and friends are invited to the Diocese of Arlington’s Annual Family Festival being held at the Warren County Fairgrounds. Please register to attend. All are welcome.
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Viator House of Hospitality (Chicago, IL) Annual Dinner, June 11, 2023 at 6 PM. Viator House was founded 6 years ago and provides compassionate accompaniment of young adult male immigrants seeking asylum. Since their opening, they have helped 101 young men from over 25 countries. Join us for our annual spring dinner to reflect the international, interfaith “village” of staff, volunteers and donors that surrounds our participants. It is that “village” that makes it possible for them to find hope, healing and opportunity at Viator House. Register and join the celebration.
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U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT) and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (NAC) Webinar: Forced Migration & Human Trafficking, June 14, 2023 at 2 PM Eastern. An estimated 70% of people trafficked in the U.S. each year are immigrants. Tune into this virtual briefing to learn more about the connection between forced migration and human trafficking. Hear from Cristian Eduardo, an advocate and immigrant survivor of trafficking, as well as Catholic Sisters who accompany migrants.
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Happy Memorial Day Weekend,
Tony Cube
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Visit the JFI website to learn about us, read policy recommendations and letters to Congress, find materials for your parish, get advocacy resources, access previously recorded webinars, and more! Send us an email to get connected.
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