JFI Week in Review 5/11/20 - 5/15/20

Justice for Immigrants Colleagues,

Please see below for the latest updates from JFI.

¡Nuevo! Sección en español de la Semana en Revisión

Recursos sobre Inmigracion- Oficina para Ministerios Pastorales de la Arquidiocesis de Seattle

¡La 4ta. Cumbre de Inmigración en Seattle será por Internet! Entre el 15 de mayo y el 15 de junio estaremos posteando recursos y videos para ayudar a las personas a aprender más acerca de los desafíos que enfrentan las comunidades de inmigrantes, analizando temas como la defensa, DACA, práctica y resiliencia espiritual, salud mental, asistencia legal y más. La cumbre es co-patrocinada por la Oficina para Ministerios Pastorales de la Arquidiócesis de Seattle, Asistencia al Inmigrante de la Catedral de St. James y por el Instituto para el Pensamiento y la Cultura de la Universidad de Seattle. Visite la página web de la cumbre en el siguiente enlace.

¿Tiene actualizaciones o recursos en español que desea compartir? Favor de enviarlos a Sarah Hoff y nosotros los promovemos.

COVID-19 Updates

Bishop Chairmen Condemn Racism in the Context of COVID-19

Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee for Cultural Diversity in the Church; Salt Lake City Bishop Oscar Solis, chairman of the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs; and Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, LA, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, released a joint statement on May 5, 2020 expressing their deep concern about recent incidents of racism and xenophobia

against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage (en Español).

"While we have been heartened by the countless acts of charity and bravery that have been modeled by many, we are also alarmed to note the increase in reported incidents of bullying and verbal and physical assaults, particularly against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage," the bishops said. "They are attacks against human life and dignity and are contrary to Gospel values. As we wrote in our (2018) pastoral letter 'Open Wide Our Hearts,' racism is 'a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God.' "

House Introduces the HEROES Act to Respond to COVID-19

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, H.R. 6800, was introduced in the House on May 12th. It includes many positive provisions for free testing and treatment for COVID-19 for all and including extending employment authorization for DACA and TPS recipients, which is crucial as many of these people are working as essential workers to keep us fed, safe and healthy during this pandemic, is also included in the proposal. Learn more in our HEROES Act backgrounder.

Also, please see our backgrounder on the migration-related provisions in the CARES Act.

See our Action Alert on USCCB supported migration priorities in the next COVID-19 relief package.

September 27th, 2020: The World Day of Migrants and Refugees:
"Forced like Jesus Christ to Flee"

The 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WMDR) will take place on September 27, 2020. The theme for this year's WDMR celebration is "Forced like Jesus Christ to Flee."

This year's theme will focus on the pastoral care of displaced persons - inspired by the forthcoming Vatican document Pastoral Orientation on Internally Displaced People, which is based on experiences of Jesus Christ and the Holy Family as displaced persons and refugees.

Similar to last year, the major theme will be highlighted through subthemes, which will be made public in the coming months. Along with the various subthemes the Vatican's Migrants and Refugees Section will send reflections, supplementary information, and multimedia aids to assist your work on the local level. JFI will circulate these resources as they become available.

In anticipation of this event it might be worthwhile to review some other important documents that will help you prepare:

Visit the Vatican's Migrants and Refugees Section and sign up for their email listserv;
Review Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, a document published by the U.S. and Mexico bishops, which lays out key themes related to migration.

We urge you to plan for this year's World Day of Migrants and Refugees and make use of the resources. Please let us know what you are planning by emailing
Tony Cube.

Notice: Upcoming JFI National Call: May 27th at 3 PM Eastern

Mark on your calendars and join us for the next Justice for Immigrants National Call on May 27, 2020 at 3 PM Eastern. A reminder and call agenda will be sent in a separate email.

Reminder and Update on DACA

We are still waiting on the Supreme Court decision on the DACA program which may be issued in the next few weeks. When the decision is announced, we will have resources ready for you. Again, here is our SAVE THE DATE for a JFI webinar at 2 PM Eastern on the day after the SCOTUS decision is issued. Please share this information with your networks!

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Hope in Solidarity: The Catholic Response to Immigration Practices and Policies in the U.S. - The 4th Annual Catholic Immigration Summit is now online. On May 15th we'll be posting resources and videos to help you learn more about the challenges facing immigrant communities by exploring topics such as advocacy, DACA, spiritual practice & resilience, mental health, legal assistance and more. The summit is co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Seattle, St. James Cathedral Immigrant Assistance and Seattle University's Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture. Visit the summit webpage!
Webinar: Humanity in Crisis: How Ethics and Religion Shape Policy Responses to Refugees - May 19, 2020 at Noon Eastern - Rev. David Hollenbach, S.J., examines the scope of our responsibilities and considers practical solutions to the global refugee crisis. In this event, Father Hollenbach will engage with policymakers and ethicists. RSVP required.
Free Webinar: Trauma-Informed Approach to Working Remotely with Clients - May 20, 2020 at 1 PM Eastern - As many transition to remote work in light of COVID-19, attorneys and other service providers are still working with clients who have experienced trauma. This webinar will focus on implementing a trauma-informed practice in a remote workspace. The conversation will include how ethical duties shape remote communication with and representation of clients. Email Mary Armistead to register.
Ignatian Solidarity Network Virtual Solidarity on Tap - May 20, 2020 at 9 PM Eastern - ISN invites you to a virtual Solidarity on Tap on Wed., May 20th for a conversation with Danielle Vella, Director of social cohesion at Jesuit Refugee Service. Register here.

Catholic Health Association Webinar: The Role of Medical and Nursing Students in a Pandemic - May 21, 2020 at 1 PM Eastern - Learn roles of nursing and medical students in health care in the context of Catholic Social Teaching and Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. A free webinar, but advance registration required.

POWER Interfaith Training: Civic Engagement 2020 -May 21, 2020 at 7 PM Eastern - In this election and Census year, join this training from a USCCB/CCHD-funded partner to learn how to engage in democracy to better your communities. Register now.
Catholic Charities-Community Services of New York: Free Online ESOL/ Citizenship Class - May 22, 2020 at 1 PM Eastern - Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam and interview. Learn and practice English language skills. Use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to join. Access legal assistance from Catholic Charities of New York. Call 1-800-566-7636 to register.