Email from USCCB     JFI Biweekly Review: January 20 - 31, 2025 Happy Lunar New Year! Here are some of what you will find in this newsletter: USCCB press releases New/recent policy resources Q&A - Responding to Immigration Enforcement Efforts Spring 2025 immigration conference in Washington, DC – Register NOW New JFI resources The latest #WelcomeWednesdays post Policy update Latest statements and media activities from various Catholic bishops in the U.S. Upcoming events, including a Lunar New Year celebration with Cardinal Joseph Tobin in Newark, NJ USCCB Statement on its Work with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program In response to comments made about its role in resettlement, the USCCB issued a statement on its long-time partnership with the federal government to serve refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. USCCB/MRS Executive Director Discusses Refugee Resettlement on Catholic Current Bill Canny, executive director of USCCB/MRS, joined the USCCB’s Catholic Current to discuss recent statements about the USCCB’s role in resettling refugees, how the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program works, and the future of the program under the Trump Administration. “Human Dignity is Not Dependent on a Person's Citizenship or Immigration Status” Bishop Mark Seitz (USCCB), Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM (Catholic Health Association), and Kerry Alys Robinson (Catholic Charities USA) issued a statement in response to action taken by the Trump Administration rescinding guidance related to "protected areas" in immigration enforcement.  Executive Actions Will Subject Vulnerable Families and Children to Grave Danger, says Bishop Seitz Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the Committee on Migration, issued a statement regarding executive actions that will "subject vulnerable families and children to grave danger." Bishop Seitz continued: "We urge President Trump to pivot from these enforcement-only policies to just and merciful solutions, working in good faith with members of Congress to achieve meaningful, bipartisan immigration reform that furthers the common good with an effective, orderly immigration system." USCCB/MRS has released a resource summarizing the initial migration-related executive actions of the second Trump Administration. Statement of Archbishop Broglio on Executive Orders Signed by the President Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the USCCB, offered a statement on behalf of the Catholic bishops in response to executive actions announced by President Trump on his first day in office. USCCB Statement on the Executive Orders Expected to be Signed by the New President The USCCB offered a statement from its spokesperson in response to the executive orders that were expected to be signed by President Trump. New/Recent Policy Resources: The following resources have been released by USCCB/MRS in recent days:  NEW: Summary of Initial Migration-Related Executive Actions of the Second Trump Administration NEW: Explainer on The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the Catholic Church UPDATED: Explainer on Immigration Enforcement and Protected Areas Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform These and other resources from USCCB/MRS Policy and Advocacy are available and will be updated at usccb.org/migrationpolicy Q & A - Responding to Immigration Enforcement Efforts Given the likelihood that the new administration will engage in increased immigration enforcement efforts, it is important that communities across the country be able to respond. This new resource includes information in reference to know your rights, standby guardianship, sensitive locations, rapid response efforts, and related topics. It aims at providing a consolidated resource for people seeking resources pertinent to this issue. It is available in both English and Spanish.  2025 National Immigration Conference at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC USCCB/MRS is cosponsoring a conference with the Catholic University of America (CUA) titled “Rethinking Migration Narratives – Catholic Immigration Advocacy in 2025 and Beyond,” which will take place March 3-5, 2025 at CUA. This conference will explore the various narratives surrounding Immigration and offer a Catholic alternative to them. There is an evening event on March 3rd that will share some on the ground perspectives related to this topic. March 4th is the primary conference day with a Congressional advocacy day taking place on the 5th. Here is a link to the registration page, with further information available about the various workshops: law.edu/immigration. We hope to see you at the conference! NEW JFI Resources Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform: For decades, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been consistent and steadfast in their calls for a just reform of the nation’s immigration system. The elements of reform articulated below are grounded in Catholic social teaching generally and the Church’s teaching on migration specifically, including the joint pastoral letter released by the American and Mexican bishops, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope (2003). JFI Policy Issues Page: As we move into a new administration that will likely bring new initiatives and challenges on the migration front, our new JFI page on the website will provide an opportunity to explore some of the longstanding policy positions staked out by the institutional church on this issue and updated responses to emergent policy issues. Bishops Statements on Migration: This contains links to statements made by bishops, individually and collectively, on the topic of migration here in the United States. If your bishop has released a statement and it is not currently on our site, please give us a heads up and send a link to [email protected]. Welcome Wednesdays For #welcomewednesday, we showcase Laetitia and Margaret who have worked at @CCharitiesGHTX for 6 and 18 years respectively and are deeply embedded in their community. Check out the video. JFI Video Project: Request for Submissions We are looking to create a series of short videos (1-2 minutes each) that highlight the Church’s response to migration on the ground in various dioceses. These videos will help provide a clearer understanding of how the Church is responding to the needs of migrants, including DACA recipients, refugees, religious workers, and other migrant groups. We are particularly interested in showcasing the work being done by diocesan leaders, ministries, and local communities, and would like to include interviews or testimonies from individuals directly affected. With respect to privacy and sensitivity, we are committed to protecting the anonymity of any participants who wish to remain anonymous. These videos will not only highlight the Church's ongoing efforts but also bring a human face to the issue of migration and how the Church is walking alongside those in need. If you are able to assist or have any recommendations for people or stories to feature, we would greatly appreciate your support. Please reach out to Katherine Clifton, MRS' Assistant Director of Communications, if you are interested. She can help with planning, filming, and editing ([email protected]).   Policy Update / Actualización de Política We are thankful to the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) for its weekly Migration Update. Please visit their bilingual Migration Update page to stay up-to-date on recent migration policy updates. View the January 29 CMS Migration Update, which includes: In His First Week, Trump Issues Several Restrictive Executive Orders on Immigration US Refugee Program Suspended, Placing Refugees Ready to Travel to the United States in Jeopardy Refugee Agencies Serving Refugees in the United States Receive a 'Stop Work” Order from Trump Administration Federal Court Temporarily Blocks Trump Executive Order Rescinding Birthright Citizenship DHS Revokes Biden Policy Preventing Immigration Enforcement at Sensitive Locations Kristi Noem Confirmed as DHS Secretary Secretary of State Marco Rubio Suspends US Overseas Assistance, Impacting Refugee Populations Around the World Agradecemos al Centro de Estudios de Migración de Nueva York (CMS por sus siglas en inglés) por su Actualización de Migración semanal. Visite su página bilingüe de Actualización de Migración para mantenerse al día sobre las actualizaciones recientes de la política de migración. Ver la Actualización de Migración del CMS del 29 de enero que incluye: En su primera semana, Trump emite varias órdenes ejecutivas restrictivas en materia de inmigración El Programa de Refugiados de Estados Unidos ha sido suspendido, poniendo en peligro a los refugiados que están listos para viajar a Estados Unidos Las agencias de refugiados que prestan servicios a refugiados en los Estados Unidos reciben una orden de "detener el trabajo" de la administración Trump Un tribunal federal bloquea temporalmente la orden ejecutiva de Trump que rescinde la ciudadanía por nacimiento El DHS revoca la política de Biden que impide la aplicación de la ley de inmigración en lugares sensibles Kristi Noem confirmada como secretaria del DHS El Secretario de Estado Marco Rubio suspende la asistencia estadounidense al extranjero, lo que afecta a las poblaciones de refugiados en todo el mundo  Recent Migration-Related Stories, Op-Eds, Videos, Social Media Posts and Interviews by Catholic Bishops, and (Arch)Dioceses and Catholic Agency Executives Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso interviewed on CBS News Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York (video): Cardinal Dolan shows his support for immigrants / En español Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago: Remarks on immigration at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles: Statement on immigration issues Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe: Immigration statement Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City: X post on immigration Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph: Bishop James Johnston urges compassion amid uncertainty Bishop Douglas Lucia of Syracuse: Pastoral letter about Catholicism, immigration Bishop Robert McManus of Worcester: Statement regarding changes in Immigration policies with respect to churches and schools  The Colorado Bishops’ Statement on Immigration: Welcoming the Stranger, Protecting the Common Good Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops: Together, Pilgrims of Hope with our Immigrant Community Maryland Catholic Conference: Bishops Affirm Solidarity with Immigrants, Recommit to Advocacy Catholic Bishops of Michigan: A Pastoral Note to Migrants Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops: Texas bishops call for just and humane approach to migration Notable New Publications, Reports, Resources, Articles, Etc. Congressional Research Service: Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Programs This report examines US Special Immigrant Visa programs for Afghan and Iraqi nationals who held specific jobs such as translators, interpreters, and US government employees. The report discusses the legislative changes to the individual Iraqi and Afghan special immigrant programs since their inception, provides statistics on visa issuances, and considers program challenges. Other Upcoming Events, Opportunities, and Services Lunar New Year Celebration with Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archdiocese of Newark, February 2, 2025 at 2:30 PM. Cardinal Tobin will host a Lunar New Year Mass at Holy Cross Church in Harrison, NJ. All are welcome. Franciscan Action Network (FAN) Webinar: Immigration Update, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 7 PM ET. Join FAN for an evening of learning and discussion about immigration, including current developments, what is likely to happen next, and how all can support immigrants/refugees going forward. There will be a brief overview, followed by a panel discussion with leaders in immigration advocacy and plenty of time for questions. In solidarity, Tony Cube Stay Connected 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.   USCCB | 3211 Fourth Street NE | Washington, DC 20017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice