SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025

Weekend Reading

AFSC continues to support dozens of migrants who were detained in Costa Rica as they figure out the next steps in their journeys. Photo: Rodrigo Henríquez 

Hi Friend,

Last month, AFSC's Marcia Aguiluz Soto shared some good news about the 200 migrants deported from the U.S. and detained in Costa Rica. After advocacy by AFSC and partners, the Costa Rican government granted temporary humanitarian status to those who were detained. Migrants can now move freely about the country.

Earlier this week, Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court further affirmed these migrants’ rights in a landmark decision. It ruled that their right to personal liberty had been violated and ordered authorities to pay compensation. This victory came after a petition filed by journalist Mauricio Herrera, with the support of AFSC and partners.

Today, AFSC is continuing to support the migrants who were detained. That includes working with local Quakers who have offered to host several families.  Read more from Marcia.  

TAKE ACTION

Tell Congress: Stop deportations! 

As the Trump administration expands detention and deportation, more people are being ripped from our communities. But more of us are also mobilizing to protect our neighbors, our neighborhoods, and our rights. Join us in contacting Congress and the Department of Homeland Security today. Tell them to stop jailing families and separating loved ones. Urge them to respect the rights and dignity of all people!  

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

Update: Emergency relief for displaced families in Lebanon   

By Bilal Olimat   

In October, AFSC launched an emergency response to help families displaced by Israel’s bombing and ground invasion of Lebanon. Thanks to supporters like you, we have provided food, medicine, and other vital aid to over 4,500 people. That includes Palestinian and Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. Learn more about our efforts.   

IN THE MEDIA

“Big bill” filled with hundreds of billions in waste  

By Brett Heinz 

President Trump wants Congress to pass a massive spending bill that helps corporations but hurts everyday people. The bill gives $150 billion more to the Pentagon for weapons and war. It cuts health care and food benefits for millions of low-income and working families. And it hands taxpayer money to wealthy companies while taking away services people need. Congress must reject this proposal. (OtherWords.org)  

NEW PODCAST EPISODE

A Quaker pilgrimage for immigrant justice 

AFSC is a co-sponsor of the “Quakers Today” podcast, a project of Friends Publishing Corporation. This special episode highlights how Quakers in the U.S. are taking a stand for immigrant rights. Earlier this year, three Quaker yearly meetings and two Quaker monthly meetings filed a lawsuit to protect immigrants from ICE in houses of worship. And last week, Friends—including AFSC—took part in a 300-mile walk to Washington, D.C. in solidarity with migrants. You’ll also hear from AFSC’s Imani Cruz. She explains ongoing advocacy for more fair and humane immigration policies. Listen now.

DONATE

Support our Refugee Respond Fund

Our matching gift challenge is coming to a close. Donate to AFSC’s Refugee Response Fund by June 30 to bring critical support to immigrants across the U.S. and people around the world who have been displaced. Your gift funds Know Your Rights trainings, legal assistance, humanitarian aid, advocacy, and more. 

Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.

American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States | Donate

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