Tell the Senate to protect everyone...

...including immigrants and refugees. Right now, the Senate and House are in negotiations for the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or the HEROES Act, in response to the continued COVID-19 pandemic.  If this crisis has made anything clear, it is that we are all connected and dependent upon each other to ensure the health and well-being of our neighbors and ourselves.

While we are grateful for measures Congress has taken to address the crisis, refugees face unique challenges that were not taken into consideration in previous legislation. Senators especially must hear that their constituents want to see meaningful solutions that support all our neighbors, including refugee community members.

1. Eliminate restrictions for COVID testing and treatment. Public health officials have made clear that pandemics do not recognize status or borders. We call upon Congress to ensure equal access to care, testing, and treatment. Only then will we effectively stop transmission and eradicate this virus. When all community members including immigrants have the care they need, we all benefit.
    
2. Ensure all taxpayers get the stimulus checks, paid leave and unemployment insurance that is due to them. Our economy runs on the backs of our most vulnerable communities – the daily wage earner in the hospitality industry, janitors and cleaners, and part-time workers. We must support all those on whom the American economy runs.
    
3. Extend security check and immigrant visa validity periods, processing deadlines and the automatic extension of work authorization so that refugees and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa recipients are not harmed by COVID-19 disruptions to applications, renewal, and processing. 

Crises test who we are as a nation. LIRS believes we are stronger when we are united and extend compassion to our neighbors. We’re all God’s children and in this together!

Thank you for taking action!

In peace and solidarity,
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service