Email from USCCB     JFI Biweekly Review: March 3 - 14, 2025 Hello JFI Colleagues, Here are some of what you will find in this newsletter: JFI Action Alerts Pope Francis' message for Lent 2025 USCCB/MRS Policy resources Latest JFI resources New #WelcomeWednesdays post Latest statements from various Catholic bishops and church-affiliated organizations in the U.S. Upcoming events JFI Action Alerts Urge Congress to Protect the Persecuted JFI has an ongoing action alert calling on advocates to urge their members of Congress to lift up their voice in support of upholding our nation’s bipartisan legacy of refugee resettlement. Please send the action today. Thank you! NEW: Urge Congress to Protect Dreamers and Mixed-Status Families JFI also has an action alert for encouraging Congress to protect and support Dreamers, as well as to avoid limiting program eligibility—through reconciliation or otherwise—in such a way to prevent mixed-status families in our country from accessing the same support as other American families.  Excerpt from the Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2025: Let us journey together in hope First of all, to journey. The Jubilee motto, “Pilgrims of Hope”, evokes the lengthy journey of the people of Israel to the Promised Land, as recounted in the Book of Exodus. This arduous path from slavery to freedom was willed and guided by the Lord, who loves his people and remains ever faithful to them. It is hard to think of the biblical exodus without also thinking of those of our brothers and sisters who in our own day are fleeing situations of misery and violence in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Recent Policy Resources: The following resources have been released by USCCB/MRS:  Summary of Initial Migration-Related Executive Actions of the Second Trump Administration Explainer on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the Catholic Church 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. NEW JFI Resources JFI Policy Issues Page: As we continue into the first 100 days of a new administration that will likely bring 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, Heidi, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner and immigration attorney, shares her belief that "as long as somebody doesn't have enough, [she doesn't] have a right to have too much." 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 March 11 CMS Migration Update, which includes: GOP spending plan boosts deportations at expense of domestic programs Trump to revoke legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians Trump administration rescinds contracts with refugee resettlement groups View the March 3 CMS Migration Update, which includes: Federal court orders Trump administration to restart US refugee program Maryland judge sides with faith groups, says that immigration enforcement actions in places of worship may violate religious liberty Trump to use military bases to detain immigrants DHS rescinds TPS for 500,000 Haitians Trump issues executive order preventing taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants US Court of Appeals denies Trump attempt to change birthright citizenship Trump administration blocks spending on legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, but then reverses course. Recent Migration-Related Stories, Op-Eds, Videos, Social Media Posts and Interviews by Catholic Bishops, and (Arch)Dioceses and Catholic Agency Executives Bishop (emeritus) Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn: Addressing unnecessary human suffering: Migration today Kevin Appleby, Senior Fellow - Center for Migration Studies of New York: 4 areas where Trump and Catholics might find common ground on immigration—in principle Sr. Eileen McKenzie – Mobilization Director, Kino Border Initiative: Walking with migrants as a Department of Justice accredited representative Notable New Publications, Reports, Resources, Articles, Etc. Congressional Research Service: "Sanctuary" Jurisdictions Policy Overview This report provides an overview of sanctuary jurisdictions, outlining the arguments for and against sanctuary policies, legal issues, relevant executive orders passed during the Biden and Trump administrations, and recent Congressional proposals regarding sanctuary jurisdictions. Other Upcoming Events, Opportunities, and Services JustFaith Ministries Online Event: Faith & Immigration Justice, March 19, 2025 at Noon Eastern. Join us to learn more about our Faith & Immigration Justice program. JustFaith Staff Members will provide a brief experience of the program, an overview of the content, general information, and tips for starting the program in your church, organization, or area. Register today. Mass March & Vigil In Solidarity With Migrants, El Paso, TX, March 24, 2025 at 6 PM. This is a critical moment for the borderlands community. In the face of the closure of the border and threats of mass deportation, we choose to stand in solidarity with all those in fear right now and claim our identity as a welcoming community. Join Bishop Mark Seitz, Bishop Tony Celino, Estrella del Paso, Annunciation House’s Ruben Garcia, El Paso faith leaders, Catholic bishops from around the world, and civic and community leaders as we march for human dignity in the borderlands. Find out more. Jesuit Refugee Services-USA (JRS-USA) Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, March 25, 2025. JRS-USA will host a federal advocacy day on March 25th to protest cuts to international and domestic assistance to refugees, among other issues. Interested participants can register for the day here. Sister and Brothers of Immigrants (Chicago): Silent Public Witness in Support of Migrants, March 28, 2025 at 6 PM. All supporters of immigrants are invited and welcome to join us. We will meet first at the Viatorian Province Center, 1212 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights at 4:45pm for those wanting to carpool. For more information, contact Brother Michael Gosch, [email protected] Lenten blessings, 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! 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