JFI Week in Review 4/13/20 - 4/17/20

Justice for Immigrants Colleagues,

Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.

COVID-19 Updates

USCCB Letter to DHS Regarding Care for Detainees and Unaccompanied Children During the Covid-19 Crisis

On April 14, 2020, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington and Chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Migration, sent a letter to Chad Wolf, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security with recommendations regarding immigrant detainees and unaccompanied children to help with greater protection during COVID-19. To learn more about USCCB detention recommendations regarding COVID-19 please see our Detention Guidelines (en Español).

Bishop Seitz Calls for Release of Non-Violent Immigrant Detainees

Bishop Mark J. Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso recently issued a statement, asking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release nonviolent migrants from ICE detention centers. Bishop Seitz stated the release of non-violent detainees is a matter of public health to protect migrants and law enforcement personnel, but also a matter of faith, "to welcome the stranger with compassion."

New JFI Resource: FAQ On the Partial U.S./Mexico Border Closing Due to COVID-19

Read our new FAQ on the President's Partial Border Closing order due to COVID-19 to learn more about the situation, who is affected, and what are the possible outcomes (en Español).

Delays on Additional COVID-19 Assistance

On April 9th, the U.S. Senate was unable to come to an agreement to provide additional COVID-19 aid. Democrats and Republicans each delivered proposals seeking unanimous consent but were blocked by the other party. The Senate plans to continue negotiations in the coming days but preparation for a fourth COVID-19 relief package has slowed.

As a reminder, our Migration-Related Asks for a possible COVID-19 Package #4 backgrounder is posted on the JFI website.

U.S. Government to Delay Implementation of Housing Rule

On April 8th, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) told a Manhattan federal court that it will delay implementation of a new rule that blocks mixed-status families -families comprised of both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents- from subsidized housing. HUD will delay the rule's implementation until at least July 1st. Currently, mixed status families that include citizens or certain legal immigrants can qualify for subsidized housing, even if the leaseholder is ineligible for housing benefits.

Update on DACA

The Supreme Court decision on the ending of the DACA program may be issued on any given Monday between now and mid-June. When the decision is announced, we will have resources ready for your use to advocate to protect Dreamers at this crucial time. Again, here is our SAVE THE DATE flyer for a JFI webinar at 2 PM Eastern on the day after the SCOTUS decision is issued. Please share this information with your networks and plan on viewing the webinar.

Update on HIAS v Trump 4th Circuit Appeal

In HIAS v Trump, HIAS, LIRS, CWS, and IRAP challenged the legality of Executive Order (EO) 13888, which requires state, local officials' consent to resettle in a locale. The Administration appealed the U.S. District Court decision to halt the EO, sending the case to the US 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. With COVID-19 delays in proceedings, the brief from HIAS, et al, is due on May 26, 2020, amicus briefs in support are due on June 2, 2020, and Administration briefs are due on June 16, 2020. Oral argument will be scheduled after the 4th Circuit Court reconvenes in September.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Amnesty International USA Teleconference Briefing: Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the Age of COVID-19 - April 22, 2020 at 1 PM Eastern - Refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people globally are at heightened risk as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads: many live in overcrowded conditions and lack access to clean water and medical care.Join this free webinar to learn more. Registration is required.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)/Immigrant & Employee Rights (IER) Section Webinar: For Refugee and Asylee Service Providers: Refugees' and Asylees' Right to Work - May 6, 2020 at 2 PM Eastern - Join representatives from the DOJ's IER Section in this free webinar to learn about workers' rights under the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and special issues facing refugees and asylees related to this law. Advanced registration is required.

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri Refugee Resettlement Orientation: Welcoming the Stranger - May 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM in Columbia, MO - Join Catholic Charities staff at 916 Bernadette Dr., Columbia 65203 on Thurs., May 14th to learn about refugees from around the world and in our community. Orientation is required for anyone wanting to volunteer at our local refugee resettlement agency. Call Grace Wildenhaus at (573) 442-7568 for more information.

Opportunities for Refugees to Participate in Our Nation's COVID-19 Response - Open Now - In the current Covid-19 crisis, there is an urgent need to deploy refugees and immigrants living in the United States who are trained medical and health professionals but are not credentialed in the U.S.The International Rescue Committee created a new website Refugees.Rescue.org to enable resettled refugees in the U.S. to self-register to express their interest in volunteering and/or working on the COVID-19 response.

In Solidarity,

Tony Cube